What should I be doing now - empty raised beds?

[chickentothefox]

My garden is teeny tiny. I've just bought two raised beds (180cmx30cm). Is it worth doing anything with them now, or should I wait (and if so, until when?). I'd like one to be a herb garden and one to be a flower garden - scent is key. I am clueless. Our soil is clay and clumpy and we're north-facing - do I just fill them with compost or do I need mulch/anything else)? Thanks in advance!!

Your soil sounds like our soil!

Mix in the best quality organic matter you can afford, compost, some manure (6-X), and also some grit, to help improve the clay.

Cover them over the winter with black plastic, or horticultural material, to deter weeds, cats, etc. Also a layer of straw can be good, as it prevents winter rain beating down on the soil.