Normally green manures are tilled in approximately 6-8 weeks prior to planting so they have some time to decompose. Is it possible to plant sooner than that, say a 2 weeks wait instead? Yes if certain adjustments are made. The balance that needs to be maintained between greens and browns, carbons and nitrogens, for the ideal results is a bit complicated so most prefer to just let time take care of it. Let time resolve the nutrient binding process. But when you don't have that time you can compensate for that imbalance by adding additional nitrogen sources. The ideal ratio is basically 3 parts carbons to 1 part nitrogen. Note "basically" as there are many other variables involved too. So by adding additional nitrogen - high N fertilizer in some form - you can offset that binding issue, give the plants the nitrogen they need, and give the soil the time it needs to balance itself out. Then you need to take into consideration the nutrient needs of plants you will be planting in that early bed. They need to be nitrogen lovers like leafy greens and cole crops, not low-tolerance for nitrogen plants like legumes, peppers, or root crops. Wait on planting them until the vetch decomposition is well along and the soil balance has begun to stabilize. Normally not a problem as most of those plants have very different planting times anyway. Following me? In the future either till in much earlier or don't till, just mow and let it decompose on the top of the soil. Dave

Steve, many thanks. May do this - located a seed store that will sell me the pounds of seed I need. BUT since the soil is sooooo poor, thinking of getting ground leaves from the city next to me that uses a leaf vacuum machine. I'll be toting stuff to the far back for ages, but am thinking that if I can get 2'+ of already ground leaves up there, it would really benefit the soil. All opinions on this appreciated. Question: if I use huge piles of leaves, should I do simple wire cages around each of the trees to keep the leaves from the trunks? Also wondering if the leaf layer will stop the trees from getting the water they'll need over the winter.

Hi Vern, I have two Paradiso trees in the ground here in town, and several more out in Southern MD on the bay. Here in town they're quite sheltered in my backyard, and they're fairly mature trees, so I don't do anything. I didn't see any freeze damage from this past winter. The same out in my orchard on the bay, although they're more exposed, they're fairly mature so I didn't do anything. A couple suffered some damage, but none died to the ground. I did loose one or two young trees of another variety. So, all I can say is that do whatever you normally do, at least until they're a bit more mature, then they should be fine.

WOW! Great question!! Up until about a year ago I went to Crops quite regularly. The things that I really liked were: ~the expensive items were there for us to use, so that we didn't have to put out the money for something that we would use infrequently ~at each class the hostess would teach a new skill..stencilling, embossing, etc or she would hand out a instruction/idea sheet for layouts ~she had all the other supplies right there for us to buy as we worked, so if we needed just one sticker or a die cut etc, they were right there to purchase ~she charges $15 for a 6 hour crop (6-midnite) or 12 if paid three days in advance ~because of the hours, no one brings children..which is kinda nice, as we look at it as a moms time out. ~we always get a break half way thru for goodies and coffee The things that I would be looking for would be: PLENTY of room to work..sometimes her crops get a bit crowded and that can be frustrating ~music that keeps you moving, not fighting off sleep!! ~the hostess that I go to has TONS of supplies for us to use, and there is no extra charge for using these things..she has punches, stamps, stencils, large paper cutters, crimpers, ( I can't even think of all that she has there!!) Its just really convenient to know that we don't have to purchase all these things, as she will have them there. I think somewhere I may still have all my CM class information...maybe it will help you with some ideas..I'll see if I can find it if you think it might help. Good Luck!!!! ~Mar~