Homestead mailing list

[Gene GeRue <genegerue AT ruralize.com>]

On Apr 2, 2007, at 6:53 AM, EarthNSky wrote:

> I like JJ.  I don't think of him as the master of double digging,  
> and I
> never took to that method, except for my asparagus bed when I first  
> set
> it up.  It is only a 4x10 foot bed, but that was enough double digging
> for me.

IMNSHO, the best way to create a new bed is to dig out the hole, then  
start with fallen oak branches down in the bottom, using smaller  
branches as the level rises. Woods trash next, then finally dirt in  
the top six to eight inches. In most climates it will take many years  
for all that wood to rot away. Just keep putting mulch on the top.

I keep on mulching, layer upon layer,
> and the heat generated from decomposition generally kills any weed
> seeds.

Thank you for reminding me of a good weed killer: plastic. New  
vineyard starters till and smooth the soil, then cover it with  
plastic. Weed seeds germinate, the weeds start growing, then commit  
suicide.

Just be sure to get the plastic removed before it gets brittle.