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Location

Message

Date Posted

Maine

I am in the process of building a new patch for next year so I can let my old one rest. I need to know what other growers do with the old patch while it is resting.....do you plant anything on it or just let it set with nothing??? Should I add anything to it next year??

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Joe

10/14/2010 10:10:39 AM

Long Island,New York

usually a program of cover crops and tillage is set up. The worst thing you could do is just let it sit imho.......it needs to be kept moist enough for soil microbe populations to survive at a high level, enough organics to feed them....and you dont want weeds to go to seed and make your life miserable when you do decide to grow in it.

10/14/2010 10:16:38 AM

Nova Scotia

I would take a soil test add what's needed then let mother naturer heal herself. I don't disagree with a cover crop but I do disagree with tilling as this breaks up the soils structure and organizims it needs to heal itself. imho...

10/14/2010 10:59:11 AM

Bristol R.I. USA

I plant a cover crop after i've added whats needed from my soil test. I'm unable to have my patch resting as I have limmited space. I do feel that if you cant rest an area you should always be adding aged compost and tilling in every season so long as your soil test calls for it. I think a cover crop is always needed.

10/14/2010 11:21:05 PM