Kay Lancaster wrote:
On 14 Mar 2007 06:11:47 -0700, wrote:
If anyone has any suggestions on where to find a decent, inexpensive
tiller or which tiller is right for me let me know. Also, any tips
on how to turn a patch of bermuda grass into a vegetable garden as
easily as possible would be appreciated!
Kill the grass first... glyphosate, occlusive mulch, solarizing... take your
pick. I'd solarize if you can get good temps early enough in the season
to satisfy you.
Then hire someone with a garden tractor or a good commercial tiller to
do the initial work. The better the tillage, the easier the gardening.
Tilling through sod just isn't one of the more fun things to do with
your leisure.
Kay
You're on the right track, except solarizing won't work with
bermudagrass. Some of the rhizomes go a foot deep, and it loves heat.
You might kill 80% of it eventually, but the 20% that's left will
quickly take over again.
Wait until it's warm enough that the grass is growing well, and spray it
thoroughly with Roundup or your favorite glyphosate weed killer. Wait a
week, and then start planting your vegetables over the top of the dead
grass without tilling. (you might have to use mostly transplants the
first season). Use lots of mulch. Dig out by hand any bermuda that
comes back (or spot treat it again with Roundup, but digging is better)
You can till it next year.
You will never *completely* get rid of the bermuda.
Hope this helps,
Bob