Toss The Tiller
Weeds do not have to be part of the equation when gardening. I will tell you about three easy ways to have a no-till garden.
Enjoy,
David Proctor
Urban Farmer/Rancher
Fewer Weeds With No-Till
by David Proctor
April 4, 2024
Urban Farm Lifestyle Magazine Published Weekly
We always have in the back of our minds, hours of being bent over, pulling and tugging at weeds to try and achieve that perfect weed-free garden.
This is of course after the tiller has been run to till under the weeds and loosen the soil.
But what is really happening is that you are planting weeds when you till the soil.
The best way is to not till or at least limit tilling by establishing permanent paths and areas for plant beds in the garden.
This way the area that you have your plants in does not become compacted.
The next thing is to use good organic mulch so the weeds do not see the light of day.
This will also feed your plants and help maintain moisture in the garden for your plants.
This first type of no-till gardening will be discussed by Dr. Lee Reich, a former plant and soil researcher for the USDA and professor of horticulture, author, and longtime avid gardener.
“Weedless gardening! That’s an oxymoron, an impossibility, right?
Well, my gardens may not be 100 percent weed-free, but they are 100 percent free of weed problems.
I’ve achieved this happy state in four ways:” To read more, Click this link >>>
The next method of no-till gardening is dubbed “Lasagne Gardening” because it is done in layers like lasagna.
Start with newspapers or cardboard and place that on the ground where you would like to garden.
Next start alternating layers of straw and manure or compost.
This will break down, giving your plants nutrients and at the same time controlling the weeds.
Once your plants get some height to them, top the lasagna off with compost and straw.
To read more about this article that Teri wrote, click here >>>
The third method is the well-known gardening method by Mel Bartholomew, the square foot garden.
The concept is to lay out a weed barrier, build a frame that is 4×4, and place a grid on top that has 1-foot squares.
This is a very efficient method of gardening, as developed by an engineer.
To read more about Mel’s method click this link >>>
These methods do not mean that you never have to pull a weed again, but the pulling of weeds will be reduced or almost eliminated.
It sure beats using a till method to turn the soil plus these methods will give the earthworms and other microorganisms a chance to do their thing.
This is the time of year to prepare and plant your garden.
Check It Out!
Quick Tip
1. Use organic material to keep weeds from sprouting.
2. Establish a permanent path in your garden to keep from compacting the soil.
3. Water using the drip method.
4. Use compost for fertilizing.
5. Sell the tiller.
Bibliography:
“No-Till & Compost, and Still Problems.” Lee Reich. N.p., n.d. Web. 4 Apr. 2024.
“Maintain a Weedless Organic Garden.” Mother Earth News. N.p., n.d. Web. 4 Apr. 2024.
“Create an Instant Garden with Sheet Mulching or Lasagna Gardening.” N.p., Web 4 Apr. 2024.
“What Is Square Foot Gardening?” Mel Bartholomew. N.p., n.d. Web. 4 Apr. 2024.
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