I thought raised beds would side-step the issue of what’s in our neighborhood soil. I felt so much better thinking my plants were grown in organic materials of my own compilation. I forgot just one thing: well water. I couldn’t figure out why my soil tests were wonky. Sadly, I’ve probably added back in all of the fertilizers and pesticides my neighbors use by making the mistake of not using a rain barrel.

At least the beds make weeding easy and I minimize the compost needed.