Time to Till!

We have had a lot of customers out to Harvey’s this spring who are planting their first garden, so we wanted to put together some of the basics for you. There are many different ways to start out but today we are going to focus on preparation by tilling. Before we can start tilling though it’s best to ask:

 What kind of soil are you working with?

If you’re not sure what kind of soil you have just head outside with a shovel and start to dig a whole. If the dirt you see is dark or black then that’s a good start but you want to keep digging a bit to make sure that it’s not just covering up the clay. Most folks will find a clear line between lighter clay soil and dark garden bed soil. 

Tip: If you don’t own a tiller and don’t intend to buy or rent one you can call Jamie (515)-238-8891 or Jeff at (515)-202-8409 in Adel and he will till up a patch for you!

Today we’re working in an established garden bed here in Adel at a home that has been here for along time. The soil is dark and rich so once we till it will be ready to plant. But if you are in a newer home or newer part of town you may find that you have a lot of clay soil which is less ideal for gardening. Don’t fret though - you still have plenty of options and the staff here at Harvey’s can help you find the right soils and additives to overcome or workaround your clay. For instance, you could put in a raised bed and avoid that clay all together. Raised beds should 8 inches deep and filled with raised bed garden soil, which you can buy or mix you own: 60% top soil, 30% compost and 10% potting soil for amendments like perlite and bark mulch for drainage.

Whatever soil you’re starting with, the goal is to make sure you have at least a good 8 inches dark soil to start by the time you’re done tilling.

Before you fire up the tiller make sure you wear garden gloves and proper shoes: think good traction and toe protection!

Then spread around some compost and/or manure and top soil (all of which available at Harvey’s) for a high nutrient soil. All of that goodness will get worked into the soil as you till. Tilling is good for breaking up or softening the soil and any weeds, as well as aerating the garden bed to make space for all of your plant roots. Pass the till over your plot until a few times until it is uniformly fluffy.

Again if you’re working in an established bed tilling typically isn’t too much work for a small area but if you’re working up a new plot it can be a little more demanding and it’s good to have a friend or family member to help.

Once you’ve tilled the soil use a rake to smooth the surface. You can then use a hoe or stick to to dig you furrows and you’re ready to plant! 

Tips for Planning a new garden:

-If you’re a first time gardener it’s good to start with a small garden, don’t bite of more than you can chew.

-Grandma Harvey always says plant what you buy the most of at the grocery store, it’s satisfying, it will save you money, and most importantly you won’t let it go to waste.

-In early spring the best vegetables to plant are Cole crops like broccoli cauliflower, cabbages, kale and anything that likes the cold, like onions, shallots, lettuce, peas, potatoes, strawberries.

To see our step-by-step process take a look at the video below, and subscribe to our YouTube Channel by clicking here.

Happy Planting!

Watch Digging In

with Val & Deb