Clay soil garden. What implement???

[Mookie]

I have a kubota b7800 and I have clay soil.
Intend to start with a half acre garden plot and perhaps a couple acres of medicinal herbs and cut flowers if all goes well.
The ground has been pasture for the last 5 years and hay prior to that. From my research I am leaning toward a single 12" plow for fall and rotary tiller in spring. My one concern is increased compaction from a moldboard. Does anyone have any advice for a novice on this subject.
Regards.....Matt

 

[oldnslo]

With that small tractor compaction would be very minor concern. A 200 lb person walking on the ground puts down more weight per square inch that your tractor does.

 

[hunterridgefarm]

The 12" plow and tiller should work fine. The root system of the cut flowers and herbs (in most cases) are not a deep rooting crop.

May be too late this year but next year plant a cover crop like winter rye, check with your local extension office for different cover crops for your area. The cover crop can have deep roots that help break up the soil.

 

[Mookie]

Oldnslo: that should have been obvious to me, but thats why one asks questions.
Hunterridge: thank you

 

[wolftree]

Unless you have 6 people to help till, plant, weed and harvest I would cut your garden by at least half if not more.

 

[compact]

if you till 2 acres of old weedy pasture weed control could be a problem. plowing/disking instead of tilling might help that.