In 2009 we converted over 1 thousand square feet of lawn (we still have more!!) into a vegetable garden. I have about 850 square feet of planting beds. There are 16 permanent beds that measure 6 inches high, 3 feet wide and 8 - 12 feet long. And a permanent round bed in the middle. The beds are all framed with redwood 2 x 6's. there are 3 foot wide paths between each of the beds. In each bed I did the "lasagna" method to kill the turf grass. There is a lot of Burmuda grass so I have had to use round up to kill it. In the beds I try to dig it out. (I curse Burmuda grass!!). The whole area is almost pure clay, so I am adding compost to the beds all the time. In the next couple of years I should have fabulous soil! My first summer of growing tomatoes (2009), I jarred 21 quart jars of tomato sauce!! Last year (cool summer) I only got one batch. But I had lots of green beans.