Soil preparation question

Ok, finally got to do some work in the garden. I started by making a raised bed in the middle of the back yard, a second one will follow hopefully next weekend and then a small fence around them.
So, to prepare the soil I removed the top layer of dirt (about 1") with all the grass that was in there, I tilled the ground lightly by hand, next I added about 2 inches of compost that I made over the last year, my next step was going to be to put another 2" of cow manure compost over that and then turn everything together.
You might want to know I intend to grow veggies in north Atlanta, Ga where the dirt is basically just red clay.
So, my question is: I went to the store to pick up the manure compost and found two types, one with fertilizer rated 0.05-0.05-0.05 for about $1.38 a bag, there was this other one with fertilizer rated at 0.5-0.5-0.5 and the price was about $4.38 a bag (same size). So which one should I use and why? should I add anything else?

I'm trying to get the soil ready for planting in about six weeks, I hope that's enough time.

Thank you in advance for all your responses.

I personally would use the cheaper of the two since all I think you need is organic matter for the clay. I would than add a good slow release fertilizer at planting time and not rely on whats on the compost bag.

That sounds like a good idea, thank you for your input !!!

I agree with yardener. Your real need is organic matter to amend the soil. Compost helps a lot. So do a whole host of other ingredients. Read a good list here: http://www.tomatodirt.com/preparing-your-soil.html

Thank you, that's good info...

I would also, pick up a bottle of fish oil fertilizer and 0-10-10. With the fish oil use per instructions every two weeks until blooming starts, with the 0-10-10 I would use every 2-3 weeks as directed once blossoms appear (on toms, cukes, melons, peppers etc) until you are done harvesting.

The amendments you add to the soil will provide slow release, water holding and loosen your clay. But they will not provide enough boost to keep things developing rapidly. Slow release fertilizer can help, I prefer organic stuff and then watering in the amendments above (fish oil and 0-10-10, diluted as directed)

I'm about to build my first raised veggie bed, after success in eBuckets since approximately Spring 2008.

Here's what I'm filling mine with:

http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/p.php?pid=8430484

I'll add a bit of compost, but the bulk of the "soil" will be at least 50-70% mineral make-up. This will help reduce shrinkage of the "soil". Incorporating the pine bark fines (PBFs), the Turface Pro League, and the Vermiculite will ensure a fast-draining soil that will have great oxygenation while maintaining adequate moisture without becoming saturated.

I'll have to water more often, but I like being up close and personal with the plants, and watering allows for inspections and observations to be made.

For a better understanding of the logic (and science) behind this soil recipe, I suggest reading the "sticky" at the top of the "Soils and Composting" forum, particularly Tapla's soil - container soils discussion.

Linda