We looked into the cast iron approach you asked about and it has been working really well here. I preheat the pan on medium for about five minutes then add a small amount of oil. Once it shimmers I place the proteins in and let them cook without moving them around too much. That gives you a nice crust on the outside. The main thing is not to rush it. If you move things too early they tend to stick and you lose the sear. I also let everything rest for a few minutes after cooking which helps keep the inside moist. Another tip is to avoid overcrowding the pan. If you add too much at once the temperature drops and you end up steaming instead of searing. Doing it in smaller batches gives much better results. I have been following this method consistently and it produces good results each time.
Omaha Steaks
Selected cuts, prepared with care
 
 

A Gourmet Steak Sampler, Prepared for You

Hand-selected cuts preserved at peak freshness, delivered to your door.
View your sampler details

Omaha Steaks has made a selection of gourmet steaks available for participants to experience. Five hundred sampler boxes, each typically valued above $600, are being offered through this program. Those who receive this email are welcome to a sampler at no charge — you will not be billed. One sampler per household, and the offer ends Tomorrow.

Every cut in your box is hand-selected and flash-frozen shortly after preparation to lock in its texture and flavor. This approach helps preserve the quality that each cut is known for, from the first slice to the last.

Inside Your Box
6 Top Sirloins 4 Filet Mignons
4 Ribeyes 4 New York Strips

Quantities are determined by program allocation and are subject to availability. One sampler per household.

Thank you for taking a moment to review this offer.
— Omaha Steaks
 
I have been using a raised bed for the last couple of seasons and it has worked quite well. The soil is easier to manage and weeds are less of an issue. I built the frame with cedar because it resists rot. I filled it with a blend of topsoil and compost. The plants have been thriving. Tomatoes especially do well in this setup. The important part is ensuring proper drainage and consistent watering without overdoing it. I also apply a thin layer of mulch to help keep moisture in. Giving each plant enough room to spread out made a big difference in yield. In the first year I planted things too close together and the harvest was smaller. Spacing them properly improved things significantly. If you try this approach I think you will see good results.