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Garden Gate:  Cover Crop & No Dig Approach  |
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Tribe Generator
Farmgirl at Heart
4 Posts
Misty
Missoula
Montana
USA
4 Posts |
 Posted - Jun 19 2007 : 3:44:28 PM
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Hello to all--
I realize that this isn't the best time of year to discuss this subject, but I'd like to know if anyone has any suggestions on how to reconcile both cover crop growing and the no-dig method of planting. I like the idea of using a cover crop to keep down weeds, add nutrients to the soil, and generally keep everything alive and healthy. I also like the idea of not digging or tilling each year in order to create less of a negative impact on the soil organisms and to prevent hard pan and other symptoms of over-tilling. However, I do not understand how I can combine both of these methods. If I plant a cover crop, how will I remove this crop from the area to be planted without digging the crop under? It seems impossible to me, but I know that there are a lot of very creative and inventive farmers and gardeners out there, so I know there must be some way to utilize both of these methods. Thanks for reading this, and I'd love to hear how you all have gone about these methods with or without success. |
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Mag
True Blue Farmgirl
144 Posts
Margaret
Mount Vernon
OH
USA
144 Posts |
Posted - Jun 19 2007 : 6:01:55 PM
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Hi Misty,
I don't know if this would work but maybe if you just skim the topsoil and turn the covercrop over then plant your veggies. Or can the covercrop be covered over with some organic mulch or compost? This is a really good question and I am interested if anyone has an answer to this.
cheers,
mag |
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herbquilter
True Blue Farmgirl
891 Posts
Kristine
Bonney Lake
Wa
USA
891 Posts |
Posted - Jun 19 2007 : 7:57:18 PM
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I like Mag's idea to skim the topsoil, flip it, but I would mow or weed-eat it first.
But what would you use to skim it with. I wouldn't want to do that by hand. :)
Blessings,
Kristine ~ Mother of Many & Herbalist
www.herbalmomma.com
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Bluewrenn
True Blue Farmgirl
1122 Posts
Erin
Texas
USA
1122 Posts |
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Bluewrenn
True Blue Farmgirl
1122 Posts
Erin
Texas
USA
1122 Posts |
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Garden Gate: Cover Crop & No Dig Approach |
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Cover Crop & No Dig Approach
