Need help planning a garden

[MiraD]

Looks great!  Those are pretty pavers too.

[LaShonte (Lisa)]

I would like to start an organic 10x10sqft herb & vegetable garden, but there are so many things to consider before beginning: like the compost/nutrients and top soil, and pest control and and and.  Someone asked me just today: do you want an organic or par culture garden?, all I could say was ahhh sure organic lol ()... to be honest, I do not know where to start.  Are there any resources available to help me start off on the right foot; in the boulder area (a person I can call for REAL advice, or a great book I can pick up).  The folks over at home depot said "yes miracle gro is organic"...I read the fine print; and the folks over at McGugkins have too many different perspectives.  Any advise would be wonderful.
Thank you!

[MiraD]

I guess I would say just get started.  Get the best dirt you can afford and know that you will start a compost bin and amend your soil.  Get the best seed or plants you can and go from there. 

Honestly here in TX we have dirt that would make excellent red clay pots, it's awful.  So no matter what dirt I put on it my poor plants are going to hit brick sooner or later.  But I've got a compost bin going (in the spring/summer/fall....it rests over the winter) and I know the quality of what I put into it.  In the spring we use it to top dress and dig in the vegetable garden.  In just one year the soil is already measurably improved.  In five years it should be fantastic.

As to who to talk to...try to see if there is a Master Gardener Association near you or a County Extention Service, they'll have lots of great advice for you.  There is a Boulder County Home & Garden Mag that might also be useful to you...http://www.homeandgardenmag.com/articles_sp08/organic_gardening_boulder.html

Be well,
Mira