I've noticed that one of my empty raised beds has been used by the local cat as a litter box. I plan to remove all the partially decayed clumps of cat poop. However, I assume the cat has been peeing there a lot. How can I treat my soil to help it recover for growing vegetables?

Bill, you're not alone with this question. But all is not lost! The first thing to do is to remove the solid waste pieces from the garden bed. It is suggested that you use gloves and wear a mask while doing this. The ammonia in cat urine is especially problematic, acting as an effective herbicide; and the rain will have diluted it to some extent. If you're not sure it's been diluted enough, by all means run a hose on it a couple of times. That might discourage the cats also. You might consider wearing gloves when you garden there and wash your hands thoroughly afterward. 

You will need to do something to deter future use. Two solutions come up most commonly. One is to put black bird netting on the edges of the bed just above the soil. This creates an unstable surface that cats don't like to walk on. As plants sprout and mature you can guide the stems and leaves through the openings. Or cut an opening just big enough for the plant.

Cats don't like to walk on hazelnut shells because the sharp, jagged edges are uncomfortable on their feet - very handy and inexpensive for us.

I hope this all helps.

Susan, Yamhill County Master Gardener