I'm moving to a new property that currently has no garden space. I'd like to have at least a 1/4 acre of garden space.

Option 1: Till up part of an existing bromegrass/alfalfa field.and install gravel in the buffer zone between the planned garden and the rest of the field.

Option 2: A relatively high patch of land (so, well-drained) that has some patchy grass and thin gravel on it. It may be compacted as it was used for storing heavy items. Remove the grass/gravel and plow deeply. Close to existing irrigation lines.

Option 3: A patch of land that has had sheep and cattle manure dumped on it over the years. I would have to rake all the manure layers off the soil, but I'm afraid the soil would be too salty for several years to come.

I think #1 is the best, but I'd like to know what you think.