Local Harvest Gardening

My new garden beds are made up of about a foot of woodchips with 6" of compost on top. I know to expect lower output for the first few years but I'm wondering if anyone has added any amendments to accelerate the process and help the yellowing plants? I'm thinking of adding composted chicken man...

What is the best way to clear my rye cover crop? I planted rye in November in a part of my garden when it was built and I will want to clear it for May planting. Someone told me if I just trim it to the ground, it will grow back, which would compete with my future plants I assume. But I pull out the...