We're gardening above ground in areas of our yard that are similar to yours, Frilly. Do you still have any of the cut tree wood handy, or has it been used or taken away? It makes a great natural (although probably temporary) lining for holding growing media. No digging in compacted soil is required.
I used ornamental plants in mine, but some of those were peppers, and they did just great.
The thread "New addition to an existing bed" in
Permaculture forum
