GardenBanter.co.uk - View Single Post - Turning Over Vegetable Garden

John Bachman · 08-10-2006, 11:02 PM posted to rec.gardens

On 8 Oct 2006 14:21:37 -0700, wrote:

For most of the past 14 years, I have turned over the 6 squares in my
square foot vegetable garden. When I plant my vegetable starts, I do
not use black plastic or mulch, I simply dig up the weeds. However, I
am beginning to question the wisdom of turning over the soil, which
probably contains seeds from weeds and other injurious matter. Is it
better to turn over the soil, and if so, to what depth? Should
anything be added to the soil when it is turned over? When planting in
the spring, I plan to mulch around the starts. How close to the plants
should I mulch? And how deep should the mulch be? What type of mulch
is best? I plan to use red ochre. I live in Central New York where we
plant our vegetable starts around Memorial Day. I tear up my garden
Columbus Day weekend.

Thanks in advance to anyone who can offer advice.

Hi,

My garden is bit bigger than yours but I would do it the same. I
turn mine over six or seven times between harvesting and planting.
Twice already this fall. My theory is that if you keep their feet in
the air (they being weeds and insects) they are set back on their
haunches.

Then I use a pre-emergent herbicide to kill the weed seeds. That
confession will bring out the organic disciples who will codemn me to
hell for using "poisons". So be it, but my spinach never killed
anyone.

John