Planting My First Garden

[OHRD]

I just came across 4 8ft railroad ties, so these'll be the base. They are about 6 inches deep, so I'll dig the ground where they go and drop them in an inch or two and get the ground level...then mix some of the yards dirt w/ potting soil...that work?

[jjirons69]

Matt, research the net. Lots of great ideas out there. Whatever you do - have fun!

[shilala]

Originally Posted by OHRD

I just came across 4 8ft railroad ties, so these'll be the base. They are about 6 inches deep, so I'll dig the ground where they go and drop them in an inch or two and get the ground level...then mix some of the yards dirt w/ potting soil...that work?

Matt, potting soil will work, but it's generally not a very good bang-for-your-buck soil improver. You can buy composted cow manure by the bag at garden centers and it's a lot cheaper. Tons better, too.
If you already have potting soil on hand, don't be afraid to use it, because it does improve the soil drainage-wise, it just doesn't do much plant-food-wise.
Just plain compost at the garden center is cheap, too, if they have it. It's excellent for both drainage and plant feeding, as well. Composted cow poop just has more good stuff and less junk in it. The regular compost tends to have lots of wood pieces and wood chips, and that ain't good for nothing.