Planning to plant: Cover crops, flail mower, weed control

14 years ago

My wife and I are planning our garden. Last year was our first attempt at organic gardening. I have lots of questions about what we did wrong last year, but would like to start this year with a little more thought.

Last fall I left everything in the garden. My thoughts were, "Let nature take it's course." Good or bad, it was done. Everything was left standing. This spring, I planned to run my flail mower over the entire garden.

So, my first question is: When to do this?

Last year we planted a little of everything: corn, beans, beets, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, cucumbers, tomatoes, squash (yellow and zucchini), and sweet potatoes (yellow and white). I expect that we will plant similar vegetables, but with some changes.

I am considering planting early using low hoop houses. Anyone have any experience in this? (I am also considering high hoop houses in the fall for our tomatoes.)

What can I start early in low hoop houses? (or cold frames) How early may I begin?

I have read about planting cover crops before transplanting. I could see this for things that are started, but for carrots, I would think this would not work. Any suggestions on weed control for the carrots and beets?

So, initially, do I run my flail mower over the garden and plant my cover crops? I planned on running my tiller at a shallow depth, but would like to know if I may incorporate fresh horse manure when turning the garden over.

Thanks,

Mark

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Kimmsr
14 years ago
I leave last years dead plant material in the garden as well and while some people will argue that doing so gives insect pests someplace to overwinter I will counter with that will also give the predators of those insect pests someplace to overwinter. Since I also practice a version of Ruth Stout's mulching method there is no reason for me to mow, I simply add more mulch, compost and shredded leaves for example, and plant through that. Obviously that means not much seeding although some can be done.
Whether a tiller would be needed will depend on what condition your soil is, with sufficient levels of organic matter in the soil tilling should not be necessary.
Starting seeds is really easy to really difficult. Some, such as the frost tender plants, such as Tomatoes, need a warm starting bed and are better started inside while frost hardy plants, such as the cabbage family, can be started outside in a hoop house. Frost hardy plants can be started 10 to 12 weeks before your Average Latest date Of Frost while the frost tender plants should not be started much more than 6 to 8 weeks before then.
Cover crops have not been something to grow while your main crops are in, although there is some research looking into something about certain cover crops as living mulches.
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Planning to plant: Cover crops, flail mower, weed control

Comment (1)

Kimmsr

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