We have raised beds, but this year we are adding on about 5x more than last year. I'm still learning about soil and researching the best ways to go about it. We have tons of cow, goat, and chicken poo, but figuring out that perfect combo alludes me :(
We don't have cows yet and goats aren't in our future but we will be bringing in chickens. For chickens you have to let the poo sit ( you probably already know this...) it's considered "hot" and can burn your plants if you just plop onto your raised beds or garden area. I just toss it in the compost pile along with their coop shavings & the rest of our indoor compost items. I also want to have earthworms and am researching the best way to take care of them.
I loved my raised beds and may consider creating raised beds for my medicinal herb garden. I haven't solidified my plans yet but I'm giving serious consideration to having my medicinal garden in my own backyard and not part of the shared area. I can see myself going out to this particular garden daily so I'd like to have it in my Zone 1 area (which means things that you check on daily... should be close by to save steps & time).