The web site we found for good instructions for building a raised bed was Etera (
http://www.etera.com/school/Tutorial...ldingRaisedBed). We have a lot of clay in our soil, so we have to amend it with compost, manure and humous. I really like the "Square Foot Gardening" by Mel Bartholomew and also anything by Rebecca Kolls (check out her web site too). Make sure you get your soil tested by your local county extension agency so you know what your soil needs in the way of nutrients.