I all!

So I have been playing with a garden on the south side of our lot/house for a few years but with out much success. I live in western Washington, about 20 miles north of Seattle. I have good southern exposure, but not much for early or late sun. The ground sucks, it's sand and gravel fill.

My plan this year to to build several (4 to 6) raised beds out of 2x10's and 2x12's, they are not PT and will probably only last a few years but I am fine with that. They didn't cost me anything. I am thinking about 4' x 5' or 4' x 6' for the box sizes.

So on to the questions;

1) Any recommendations for dirt? Mixes and the like.

2) Is 12" deep enough for plants? I don't want them to big!

3) I was planning on making them hot boxes (Cold Boxes?) with glass lids, any ideas on this, again the glass was free I would just have to make a frame out of 2x2's.

4) Any sites you all know that would help me with bug control and crop schedules? I have some books but would like some more help.

I also have 4 chickens so I have lots of compost saved up from last year. Now just what to do with it!

Thanks for any and all help
Wolfman