Q. I’m getting a late start to plowing my garden. We had heavy rains in the spring and I was unable to finish plowing as the garden is in a low area. I realize that it is to late for most crops, however I’m wanting to plant greens for the fall which I understand should be planted by mid August. This is my first garden, however the area has been plowed years ago when my father (now deceased) had a garden. My question is, how deep does one need to plow? I’m just planting greens now as I mentioned, however will plant other crops next spring. My row tiller works well and have gone over the ground several times, but need to know what depth the ground should be plowed and how to measure this. Thanks in advance.
Conway, Arkansas
A. This question brings up questions for me. First, if the garden is in a low area, you may have problems in the future with flooding. Is there any spot you can use that will be on higher ground? Over time, drainage changes and it may have been different for your Dad.
Re plowing, there is a whole new philosophy of gardening that says you shouldn’t plow the soil each year. It just turns up the week seeds and leads to more weeds as they get exposed to the sun and germinate. I have found this to be true in my garden. I make 3 ft. wide raised beds by digging out the soil in the rows between beds and putting it on the planting beds. Once you do this, it is simply a matter of adding compost to the top of the beds in the spring, missing it in to the soil lightly and then planting.
All of this said, this first year, it sounds like you have tilled enough…before you plant, I’d do a soil test to see what the soil in the garden might need to adjust the organic matter level and pH.
Barbara Emerson
Have Green Thumb
Manchester, Massachusetts
