Planing on planting...next year any thing i...

[arrow32]

Not sure where to post this so ill put it here.

I know some of you plant gardens and i need some info. Im planning on planting one next year. I was wondering if there is anything i should or could do this year that would help me for next year. Where im going to plant it use to be a garden and it hasnt been used in about id say 3 or 4 years.

Just wondering if there is anything i could do.

[wtnhunt]

Burn off the grass the winter just before spring. Spray roundup after burning, then disc it or till it.

[257Roberts]

soil test, soil test, soil test. then after you do that go ahead and get your soil tested. If nothing else check your pH and apply lime accordingly. (if it needs it) Now is the time to lime for a garden next year.

Also this fall go ahead and till it up and keep it sprayed for grass and weeds. It will make your life a whole lot easier come springtime.

[dogdoc]

yep--I'd get a soil test done--15 bucks at your local county extension agent. I'd mow it short and then till all the green matter in the soil--this will help build up your soil and return natural nutrients---then keep it sprayed to keep everything dead. The tilling will also help germinate all those dormant seeds sitting on the ground.

Burning--like William stated is also another good option. I've just never had the guts to do a controlled burn.

best of luck
todd

[Tominator]

How big is the garden?

Personally, I'd turn it over with a bottom plow if it's a big plot, if not, turn it over with a spade and apply well rotted manure.

I've never limed, I've never got a soil test and my gardens turn out fine. I'm not saying don't take these guys' advice, it's great advice as always, but I don't know that you have to do all that if you manure it because manure tends to balance out the soil and I know for a fact the soil around here needs acid if anything, not lime.

[wtnhunt]

[ QUOTE ]
I've never limed, I've never got a soil test and my gardens turn out fine.

[/ QUOTE ]

Same here, but I did check my ph out of curiousity this spring with my little tester. Surprisingly my little garden spot had a ph around 6.8 and it has never at least not in the 11 years I have owned the property been limed.

[arrow32]

Its about 100by100 ft. Dont think im going to make it any bigger than that who knows i might end up making it bigger.

[wtnhunt]

Our garden is not quite that big and we get quite a bit out of it. Got to put a fence around my sweet corn this weekend.