Garden Bed Preparation for Spring 2010

Discussion in 'Soils, Fertilizers and Composting' started by Durgan, Sep 2, 2009.

  1. Durgan

    Durgan Contributor 10 Years

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    Garden Bed Preparation for 2010

    http://www.durgan.org/URL/?KRTDN 3 September 2009 Garden Bed preparation for Spring 2010.

    All weeds were removed, the ground was rototilled deeply, raked relatively even, red annual clover was planted as a cover crop. The clover seed was lightly packed into the soil. I find germination is much improved. The clover is usually Winter killed. but even if some remains rotilling in the Spring kills it. Clover fixed nitrogen, and feeds the earth worms.
     
  2. Blake09

    Blake09 Active Member

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    I cant find a good cover crop that in-riches clay soil..? and You kill it in the spring with a roto tiller?? and where do you get the seeds from?

    Thanks for the helpful info ^_^

    :)
     
  3. Durgan

    Durgan Contributor 10 Years

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    I get the seeds from a local farm seed supplier. It was a challenge finding the seeds for sure. I buy about ten pounds at a time, and that quantity lasts two years usually. The seeds are probably viable for much longer.

    My soil was clay and over six years I have re-invented it with wood chips, and much compost supplied by the city in the Spring. I add about 7 yards of compost each year for the area shown. So far, that has been my only fertilizer.
     
  4. chrishiggins74

    chrishiggins74 Member

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  5. Blake09

    Blake09 Active Member

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    Thanks, heres what I might be getting in a few weeks (And its local to me!) It contains red clover, bell and faba bean, field pea, barley, reeves oats, and winter rye. :)

    http://www.parkseed.com/gardening/PD/5882/

    -
     
  6. Gardenlover

    Gardenlover Active Member

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    looks good to me Durgan...you always provide good photos!
    Are those blueberries you go there in that long row?
     
  7. Durgan

    Durgan Contributor 10 Years

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    Ha. Ha, I got you. Those green plants are my crosne (Stachys affinis). There are about forty tubers planted. The tubers will be ready to dig in late October.
    http://www.durgan.org/URL/?CBDDK Summary: Crosne 2009
     

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