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Prepping a neglected garden for next yesr? (central VA)
As some of you may recall from a previous post I made here a few weeks back concerning tree selection, not too long ago I moved from California to Waynesboro, VA, and I am finally trying to come to grips with all the things I want to do outside. There's quite a lot to do out there -- and inside as well -- and since I am not an experienced gardener I will probably be asking some dumb questions every now and then for the foreseeable future. One thing I neglected to mention in my previous post, which is probably relevant to no else but me, is that I also recently awoke from a several years that were dedicated to the consumption of alcohol. The point of owning up to that is so anyone who may relate to just how much fun *that* is, will understand that my yard has taken on a symbolic value which goes well beyond merely wanting it to look nice. Now then, today's question: My back yard includes a small garden plot (maybe 8' x 16") which has been fallow for many years. It is currently overgrown with weeds of various types. What I would like to do with it this year is simply to get it ready to use next year. In my mind -- so far at least -- doing this will involve installing some raised borders (I have already researched previous posts to this group with regard to what to do and not to do in the border department), and to prepare the soil. The soil is typical Virginia clay. I have read about that also. The general advice being to add compost, organic materials, and maybe a bag or two of gypsum every year or so. Mix everything together, and the soil should gradually improve. In the fall, my impression is that things like leaves and lawn trimmings can go right in. That gets me to my question, which concerns tilling. - Should I just go ahead right now and till those friggin' weeds directly into the soil? (along with some compost, I suppose) Or should I remove the existing weeds before tilling? A related question concerns power tillers: - Am I going to want to buy one? If so, any recommendations? I do realize that many of you will laugh at the notion of getting a tiller for such a small plot. I tried manually tilling that SOB with a pick and a shovel last year, and, given the current condition of the soil, that is not something which I look forward to doing. I'm not even sure I am physically capable of doing it. Thanks! Harry |
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