Gardening in Southeast GA - Help appreciated

[IrishCannon]

Moving again in a few weeks, this time just outside the Savannah area. I bought a home on just over a half acre and a nice sized backyard that is fenced.

I plan a couple projects out back, one is an outdoor fitness area and the other is my first go at a vegetable garden.

I've read the GA clay is actually pretty good to grow some veggies. I had originally planned multiple raised beds, but I'm leaning towards using the natural soil.

My question is in regards to the preparation process. I know I'll have to do a substantial amount of de-weeding but outside of that I'm not too familiar with the process. Could someone point me in the right direction for some resources?

I'm assuming I'll need to de-weed, mulch, and then till. Outside of that I'm not sure what needs to be done. I plan to use about half of the backyard for a garden, the other half for the calisthenics stations.

The ultimate goal is to actually use the property and not just waste time mowing it every week.

 

[ronn47]

Layout the size bed you want using black plastic anchored with rocks etc
Leave it down for a few days.
The heat will kill the grass, weeds and most seeds.
Then turn it adding what ever you want to amend the soil.
Cover for the winter months with mulch.
Turn that in during the spring.
Plant what you want to grow.
Have fun

 

[IrishCannon]

Layout the size bed you want using black plastic anchored with rocks etc
Leave it down for a few days.
The heat will kill the grass, weeds and most seeds.
Then turn it adding what ever you want to amend the soil.
Cover for the winter months with mulch.
Turn that in during the spring.
Plant what you want to grow.
Have fun

This is why I come here. Thank you! The plastic is interesting because I was reading about the pros and cons of using cardboard.