We have a 20' x 24' hoophouse (two layers of plastic) on decent clay soil. I am having some issues figuring out how to loosen the deeper layers of soil for planting, and how to do the final soil preparation for planting with a multi-row seeder. The first summer we did succession-plantings of buckwheat to loosen the soil and discourage the perennial weed grasses. Last summer the house grew tomatoes, herbs, peppers, chard, and brassicas. This year I would really like to implement mechanical seeding, but that requires extra care in soil preparation. I am mostly trying to follow Eliot Coleman's books on hoophouse growing--I also have the book "Teaming with Microbes" but am having some challenge figuring out how to marry up the concepts and applied them inside a structure where it never rains. Regarding loosening the deeper layers of soil, I tried using a broadfork, but cannot penetrate more than the top two inches of the soil due to mild compaction. A mattock breaks up the soil with some effort, or a Mantis tiller breaks it up well, but I'm not sure which approach is preferable. I also have not figured out how I want to water the whole hoophouse. I'd prefer not to spray water all over the wood structure, but would like to get good coverage. As a result, right now plants are spot-watered, which means that areas that are unplanted (and even areas near the plants) get very dry. So all the natural tillers (earthworms and microorganisms) have moved on. I'm thinking perhaps that maintaining a moister environment would help with the "tilling" of the deeper layers? For seedbed prep, Coleman stated that they loosen the deeper layers with a broadfork (isn't working for me), then "till" in amendments with a "Tilther," a tilling device that they had assembled using the motor of an electric drill that only tills the top 2" or so. Finished compost (presumably finely-screened) is applied over that, and the area is raked to a fine tilth, and then rolled prior to seeding. Sorry about this rambling message, but what would you suggest for: (1) loosening the deeper layers of the clayey soil to prepare for the planting? (tiller, spading, mattock, worms, green covers, or don't do it?) (2) watering system to encourage earthworms and organisms to colonize and keep the water where it needs to be? Also, is city water ok, or well water preferred?

The trouble you are going through now is what led me to favor ebb and flow over DWC. Yes, the yeilds from DWC can be greater, but in my opinion require a great deal more maintenance. I have been experimenting with hydroponics for a few years now, and have had some relative success. Ebb and Flow Systems only require a water pump, which is nearly inaudible, but you will need a timer in order to control flood duration and frequency. I am currently growing adult peppers in an Ebb and Flow system which contains rockwool slabs. Just for reference, I flood my systems 4 times daily, for 15 minutes each time. I am currently in my second flowering stage, and currently have over 70 Jalapeno's. To be completely honest, air pumps in general are fairly loud (even the "quiet" ones) I Still use air pumps to oxygenate my ebb and flow reservoirs though. Build: 4'x8" tray, 5 gal res. 100gal/hr pump. 600W MH.

Thanks for all the great ideas. The apothecary jar is nice; I drooled over one earlier at Crate and Barrel, but can't justify $65 for the large size. I'll have to keep an eye out at rummage sales! The garland idea might work, though the cats are amazingly adept at finding their way up to almost anything, and I've got low ceilings. But you guys are great at coming up with fresh ideas. Here is a link that might be useful: Crate and Barrel apothecary

I am going to need a medicine cabinet for storage because the vanity is an open vanity without any storage other than a visible bottom shelf. I'm not worried about too many mirrors -- if anything, it's a good thing because the room is small and has no windows, so mirrors will help with space and light. I'm just worried about placement. Any others, y'all?