Another new bed prep I've used successfully is to cover the bed with manure and straw in the fall, dig in the spring. The manure/straw cover kills all the grass and leaves a nice, rich soil in which to work! This works even better if you put a layer of thick cardboard beneath the soil. The worms really love it, and the soil's even better - -- Robert Farr The Chile Man (540) 668-7160 * A sustainable farm producing hot sauce marinades, salsas, mustards, and barbecue. * Subscribe to our online newsletter at http://www.thechileman.com * Check out this article about us from The Washington Post: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/style/food/A8659-2001Jul17.html * Open Houses and Farm Tours throughout the year. See our web site for details!