I'm thinking I might forget the garden this year and just keep tilling it to get the seeds worked out. It really bugs me that the farmer has a clear field and I'm struggling. Just have to remind myself why his is clear and not to buy his produce.
I'm thinking I might forget the garden this year and just keep tilling it to get the seeds worked out. It really bugs me that the farmer has a clear field and I'm struggling. Just have to remind myself why his is clear and not to buy his produce.
How long do you think it will take to fry the grass under tarps?
It could take 4 to 6 weeks. Some put black garbage bags down first. How about a controlled burn. Only if its safe to do it will be faster. I have four gardens that are about 30 x 40 feet each. I've noticed the garden is lower than the lawn. I think all the top soil has been removed over the years. That's why I've got clay and weeds. The grass is really course looking. Not like a velvety lawn at all. This must be from the farmers fields of hay and straw.
Hand tilled the 3 brick planters in front of the house. Not easy but not awful, either. Lovingly sprinkled seed and watered gently. Warm and sunny for two days...now we're starting a solid week of chill and rain. AUUUUUGGGHHHHHH!!!
Sounds like hot chocolate weather, KK!
If you decide to just keep tilling, try a cover crop like annual rye or field peas - it keeps the soil busy (anywhere there's a bare spot a weed will pop up). Then when you till, it will add nitrogen and organic matter (it's called green manure). Nitrogen helps keep leaves green and growing.Originally Posted by KarenB
Weeds are only a big problem when they're right next to the plant, but things don't really need to be perfect. Once the plants are large enough to make their way, weeds won't bother them as much. In fact, some weeds with large roots help aerate and break up the soil so the roots of your garden plants can more easily spread. Then when you break off the tops and the roots are left behind they add organic matter to the soil.
I usually spend time in the first month scraping out the weeds with a hoe or a cultivator while they're still small. I don't pay as much attention in late July/August. Another help is to mulch heavily between the rows. We used layers of newspaper a few times with mulch over the top to keep them down. The newspaper can be tilled in at the end of the season. I've seen cardboard being used, too. You can cut holes into the center for the plants. I've seen organic weed-prevention fabric that biodegrades, too. You just roll it out and make holes for the plants. This adds to the cost of growing, though, and it's not very practical for things like corn or onions.
--CM
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