drdawg, since you never heard of Mel's Mix I wonder why you are questioning my answer.
Mel's Mix was created by Mel Bartholomew, 'inventor' of Square Foot Gardening; many first-time gardeners are confused and don't know where to begin so Mel created a plan that works for many thousands of people. More recently his "Mel's Mix" is available to purchase so folks won't have to hunt for the various ingredients. Sure, it's expensive, but as I said, beginners have to start somewhere and Mel provided a good blueprint for success.
When I started my very first raised bed garden I was double-digging and amending soil like a crazy person; I only wish there had been another option back in the day. I would have gladly paid through the nose for bags of Mel's Mix.
All I had to go by was the Victory Garden television program and the companion book.
chelle, since we don't yet know anything about the original poster other than the fact that he/she/they has a new raised bed, I am not sure where the "an automatic watering system (one pre-set for lawn and shrubs) in the area" comes into the equation.
Everyone has to start somewhere. I was taking the limited information and question supplied by the original poster and giving my best answer. I only hope that he/she/they is not frightened off by the negativity. It would be a shame to send a new member off-site, but just in case it's needed, here is the link to the Official Square Foot Gardening Forum where the folks happen to like Mel's Mix.
http://squarefoot.creatingforu...
