Preparing Raised Beds for Winter

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kbumgar Bend, OR(Zone 5a) Aug 19, 2009

Hello Everyone! This is my first year gardening and I would like some tips on preparing my raised bed for the winter. I know it sounds odd to be asking this in August, but winter in the high desert at 3700 feet begins in September.

Here are my questions:
1. Do I amend the soil in Fall or in Spring?
2. Do I use compost or plant based fertilizer (or both)?
3. What are the advantages/disadvantages of planting a cover crop?
4. I would like to do a soil test to make sure the nutrient levels are ideal. Should I do this: a) now, b) in spring, c) both?

My main goal is to start my plants next year in RICH, HEALTHY soil. I had great luck this year, but I am started with new topsoil and I am worried that my veggies have sucked all of the nutrients out. I had a lot of heavy feeders such as beets, squash, cucumbers, etc.

Thank you all in advance for your expertise.

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kbumgar Bend, OR(Zone 5a) Aug 21, 2009

Hi again... any thoughts on this? Thanks!

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Gymgirl SE Houston (Hobby), TX(Zone 9a) Aug 21, 2009

Hey K,
Girl I thought you had this thing whipped already? Your beds before were so successful. Here's a link to another thread from Carminator1 who's asking the same question, with a reply from Twiggybuds in Mississippi.

http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/1029448/

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kbumgar Bend, OR(Zone 5a) Aug 21, 2009

Thanks for the link, Gymgirl! You know, I think I just got lucky... :)

Now that it is time for Fall to roll around up here in the mountains, I have absolutely no idea what to do. I think I may: 1) take a soil sample, 2) plant a cover crop, 3) fertilize well and 4) keep my fingers crossed.

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