@Xavi
Also came here to recommend companion planting, especially as a means of natural pest control.
@Xavi
Subscribed. Thanks!
Put a cage around your cucumbers so they can climb up.
@Thorn
Unfortunately, it’s not up against the fence. I’m pretty excited. Last year we just planted in buckets, and that went better than expected. We have little kids, so we can’t give the garden 100%, but it’s certainly a fun project.
If you haven’t already, start a perennial herb patch along with the raised bed. They are super easy to grow and will give you fresh seasoning along with the produce, plus are almost guaranteed pest-resistant success in case anything bad happens with the more difficult crops in the bed. Thyme, oregano, marjoram, lemon balm, and sage are all good picks. You can even use them as creepers alongside ornamental plants.
Mint is also easy, but can invade neighboring plants, so be careful with it.
@Keegan
I planted mint along my house’s exterior to help repel ticks and other not-so-nice crawly creatures, and it became overpopulated and hard to control. It worked great for pest control, but I had to uproot a lot just to get rid of it.
Axel said:
@Keegan
I think lemon balm will behave similarly to mint. At least in the garden I inherited it wants to spread everywhere.
Yeah, it’s not quite as bad as mint, but it can definitely be invasive.
@Niall
Following.
Water tomato plants at the root, not by wetting their leaves.
With regards to tomatoes, check if your plants are determinate or indeterminate, then learn how to prune them properly. This way they will focus energy on fruit production instead of excess leaves. Be sure to trim lower leaves and stems for airflow and to reduce water-related damage!
We’ve received a lot of advice, much of it conflicting. We’ve planted tomatoes, peppers, tomatillos, Brussel sprouts, spinach, peas, cucumbers, and strawberries.
Mostly looking for advice on pruning, fertilizing, and watering—or things I haven’t even thought of. Thanks!
@Mal
The best thing about gardening is that you’re always learning; it’s trial and error and often specific to your environment/yard. When I started, I used the ‘Square Foot Gardening’ book by Bartholomew for raised beds, and it was super helpful. However, there are some things people swear by that just don’t work for me. I do a lot of googling and often just pick what seems right at the time. You’d be surprised how many of us are winging it 
@Mal
I would get a soaker hose for that bed. If you route it around all the plants and leave it there, it makes it easier to ensure everything is getting enough water. If you need to shorten it, just kink it and use a zip tie to “end” the hose.
Also, get a ball valve for the end of your hose; that way, if you need to switch from a sprayer to soaker hose, you can just turn off the valve instead of walking to the hose bib. And start planning your second bed because you’ll probably want one next year.
@Scout
This is such good advice! I wish someone had told me about soaker hoses six years ago. I’ve never put in a drip system; I just use soaker hoses and quick-release hose attachments.
Also, my additional tip would be neem oil and a sprayer—because (at least in my organic garden) everything wants to eat my veggies!
@Mal
Pruning? Probably no. Fertilizing? Probably maybe. Watering? Yes.
I’d recommend picking one method and sticking to it. Otherwise, you’ll receive a lot of contradictory messages because there are many ways to grow veggies.
I like to recommend ‘Square Foot Gardening’ for new gardeners. You may have missed out on prepping your SIP and plant spacing, but everything else recommended could be applied.
Dane said:
Where are you located?
Iowa
Dane said:
Where are you located?
Iowa
I thought so! I’m from the DSM area, and this looks like my (and probably other) subdivision right now.
Iowa
I thought so! I’m from the DSM area, and this looks like my (and probably other) subdivision right now.
Cool. Yeah, I’m in CR.
Be aware of potential for deer and other wildlife to see this as a free snack bar. Not sure what you may deal with in your area, but a group of deer will absolutely wreck your harvest in a night or two if it’s not protected.
Have fun—whatever that looks like to you, as it’s your garden.