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dividedsky wrote: As far as soil fertility, you should have a soil test done. You can do that through your county cooperative extension service or a private company. Once you know what you're working with, you can figure out how to ammend it. A thick layer of composted manure is generally a good way to go.
You might do a search on lasagna gardening. I've read a little about it and people seem to have good luck with weed control in new beds. I've never done it, but I did put a layer of newspapers everywhere on the soil where I hadn't planted. Put the mulch right on top of it to cover it. It's been doing a really good job of holding the weeds back so far. Or if you can get the mulch thick enough, you shouldn't really need the newspaper. My mulch budget this year was limited, so the newspaper trick works. I called the printing department for the local paper and they said the ink is soy-based and safe for gardening.
My community garden sprayed roundup and planted a week or so later. Nothing died from it. Not even the crabgrass and some of the other weeds. Popped right back up. Most people will tell you that roundup is safe when used properly. I'd use it as a last resort, myself, but I'm one of those tree-hugger types. ;o)
