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Upa Creek, MO

From What I understand, we should keep tilling to a minimum to maintain soil\microbe structure, keep alive earthworms, etc...

With this 80 degree weather, I amended and tilled the entire patch today. Is it too early, or is it good to give it time to rebuild even though heavy spring rains might compact the soil?

Sorry for the vague question, but any input on tilling dates\frequencies would be appreciated.

Luke

3/13/2012 9:17:22 PM

Muddy Waters

I was tempted to till but will wait till my soil test returns in 10 days.then I will amend & till & finish my hoops.My patch this year is more hoops than patch.

3/13/2012 9:47:12 PM

South East

mixing in ammendments seems a valid reason to till.

3/13/2012 9:52:59 PM

Gays Mills, Wisconsin

Hey Luke,
I'll give you credit for letting the enthusiasm start your engine! Good Luck.
There's no answer to this question unless you're sure there are going to be heavy spring rains and when they're going to hit you. Maybe by that time your soil will be full of worm holes and the soil won't compact at all!

3/13/2012 10:16:04 PM

Nottingham, UK

Did the same the other day Luke as I wanted my ammendments to have time to be incorporated.

I did 1000 sq ft with a spade and fork so maybe a bit easier on the worms but at the expense of my back

3/14/2012 7:25:38 AM

Muddy Waters

I hear some HHitters till like crazy.depending on soil more aeration may be better then more worms,I think each persons soil is as different, as the seeds were planting.So whos to say whats best?

3/14/2012 8:15:41 AM

Joliet, IL

Anytime from here on is fine to till in my opinion for what ever reason you need to till. They key is to find windows of opportunity weather wise and soil moisture wise to do it right. Have the tiller fired up and running to make sure when the time is right you can pull the trigger.

3/14/2012 8:39:47 AM

Upa Creek, MO

Thanks for the input. Handy, I just wanted to hear different views on the matter. On one end of the spectrum, some do multiple deep tills, and on the other some practice no till.

Check out this 5 year old post with posts by Pap, Stelts, Larue and some others. The far bottom post by by Sherry Larue was the was the one that got me thinking.

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/MsgBoard/ViewThread.asp?b=3&p=211591

3/14/2012 8:56:31 AM

Upa Creek, MO

Thanks Shazzy, good to hear since in similiar areas.

3/14/2012 9:40:03 AM

Little-TON - Colorado

Yup, Take advantage of what Mother Nature giveZ you..right now we are in a 70 window it looks for two weekZ...In goeZ a cover crop I didnt plan but took advantage of.....
Broadforking letZ the wormZ live....distrub them yes...but we need to get our ammendments into the soil, not on the top....

3/14/2012 10:02:41 AM

Little-TON - Colorado

Tonight will be puttin down some cover crop at JaredZ...gotta take advantage of this weather...then a lil rain...and sun....off it will go...

3/14/2012 11:04:08 AM

Johnston, Iowa

Luke that was an interesting post you dug up!

3/14/2012 12:40:52 PM

Upa Creek, MO

Sure was, Dan

3/14/2012 2:18:41 PM

Connecticut

I have a till date goal of April 1st. I am waiting until my test comes back and will amend the soil then. Plant date is about May 6th so 5 weeks after till should be enough to let winter rye and amendments break down some what.
After all it takes a while before the plant starts to run.

3/14/2012 5:50:28 PM

Torrance, Ca.

That was some great reading Luke!


Thanks for finding that!

3/14/2012 6:00:20 PM

Omaha, Ne.

great post luke. Glad one person was missing

3/14/2012 8:58:06 PM