From: "Lynn Wigglesworth" <lynnw1366 AT hotmail.com>
To: <homestead AT lists.ibiblio.org>
Subject: Re: [Homestead] Preparation for WTSHTF questions
Date: Thu, 11 Dec 2008 14:27:46 -0500
PLOW
I'm currently using a gas engined rotor tiller, which I know is >not
sustainable in worst case scenario, but it was a b-day gift >from dad.
I know nothing about desert gardening; what kind of soil do you have? When
I start a new garden bed here, I rototill for the first couple of years. I
have heavy clay, and tilling in tons of organic matter makes the beds
workable faster. In a sandy soil, a tiller isn't necessary at all...you can
incorporate organic matter by hand.
After tilling for a couple of years, I double dig and incorporate more
organic matter at least 2 shovels deep. I know, people say that the worms
will do that for me, but I can't wait that long. After double digging, I
continue to add organic matter as mulch or cover crop, and use a broadfork
to loosen the soil, a la Elliot Coleman. Once you've double dug a bed, it's
easy to work and very productive.