new house has framed garden beds

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erdonaker Coshocton, OH May 14, 2009

We bought a new house. We now have a small garden with framed beds. But I do not understand why there is only 3" of dirt on top of a sheet of black plastic. Is that enough dirt? What is the plastic for? It is a real nusiance when turning over the dirt. I want to plant vegtables and flowers. Should I remove the plastic or does it serve some purpose?
Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Earl

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Lorihjf Camden, NC(Zone 8a) May 14, 2009

This is probably the explanation. The previous owners built the bed and didn't want weeds, so they put down black plastic and then covered it with mulch. Which by the way does not stop weed seeds from germinating on top of the mulch/plastic.The mulch, over time, decompsed which left you something similar to soil. I would pull up the plastic, till or mix in the soil and start fresh.

Good Luck!

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gcorrier Lenoir City, TN May 14, 2009

I believe Lorihjf is on target. Many in my area who grow annuals will make raised beds as you describe. Pull out the plastic and dig the soil in, dig it deep. Work in the top layer as deeply and evenly as possible. Add some more organics and work that in as well. You will then have a bed that will grow about anything you could possibly dream of.

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