I think the best approach for the garden is to go with raised beds this year. The soil in the back corner has never drained well and last year's tomatoes really struggled with root rot. I've been looking at different plans online and the cedar boxes from that hardware store seem like a good option. They're not too expensive and they'll last several seasons. I'm thinking of doing three beds that are four by eight feet each. That should give enough space for tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers. I'll need to figure out the best soil mix to use. Some people recommend a blend of topsoil, compost, and vermiculite. I've also been reading about companion planting and I want to try basil next to the tomatoes this year. The layout will take some planning to make sure everything gets enough sun.

I also need to decide on a watering system. Drip irrigation would save time and waste less water than overhead sprinklers. I found a kit online that connects to a hose timer so it can water automatically in the early morning. That would be helpful when I'm busy with work during the week. I just need to measure the distance from the spigot to the beds to get the right hose length.