I have to recommend a book that started us off on this way of gardening years ago. It is The Square Foot Gardening Book by Mel Bartholomew. Awesome book!
At any rate, I truly believe that the secret is in the soil. We mix 3 parts organic compost blend with 1 part vermiculite and 1 part peat moss. I believe the recommended compost is for three different blends, but we use two, and it turns out fine. The peat moss has organic properties and helps hold in the water so that the garden does not require as much watering. The vermiculite helps loosen the soil and keep it aerated. Once you have it mixed, it is almost as good a quality as potting soil.
To maintain the soil, every year you add in about 1-2 scoops of compost per square foot to replace the nutrients and make it rich. It is truly divine.
Another tip that is important is that when you build your boxes, the key is to make sure it is UNTREATED wood. The preservatives in the treated wood can leech into the soil, which is a bad thing.
The first year you do this, it is a big undertaking. You have to build the boxes, mix the soil (enough for all the boxes you built!) and haul it all to where it needs to be placed. Not a quick or easy job. But well worth it.
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