| I rented a rotatiller last week and tilled up a 10x15' rectangle in my back yard, sod and all. What is the next step to getting my soil ready to plant veggies and melons? I already raked the dead weeds and grass clumps out. Thank you joolee |
| You're off to a good start! If you still have the rototiller you can spread 4-5" of organic matter over the top of the bed and till it in to a depth of 8-10". Use compost, aged manure, shredded leaves, etc. If you don't have the tiller, you can still dig the organic matter into the soil with a shovel. Organic matter will loosen the soil and help it retain moisture. It will also supply nutrients as it decomposes over the gardening season. Rake the are smooth and plant your veggies, then cover any bare soil with additional organic matter. This will help suppress weeds and slow water evaporation. At the end of the season you can dig this organic matter into the soil and in a few short years you will have rich garden loam. Hope you have a bountiful harvest! |
