Garden Implement Basics for the Beginner

[Chilly807]

Oh I'd just LOVE to have that plow!!

They're out there.. this one was slowly rusting under a chestnut tree with a faded "For Sale" sign hanging on it. The "before" pics aren't as pretty as the "after" ones. MF #62, probably from the fifties or sixties. I think Ken at Sweet Tractors has a few like it. The Fords and Dearborns are similar. If you have rocky ground, a model with a trip might not be a bad idea. Be careful what you buy, parts can be like hen's teeth.

The only problem with a plow is that you also need a disc harrow or some sort of tiller to finish the seed beds. I'm hoping to come across a disc before spring, otherwise it's off to the rental store for a walk-behind tiller.

Sean

 

[Haoleguy]

Allow me to clarify my level of experience. I am a water garden and landscape designer so I make everything look beautiful, green and colorful...then I leave... and it's up to my clients to maintain the wonder created. So my thumbs are green in the perennials, trees and shrubs department but food gardening is all new.

The last garden I planted was with my son 2 yrs old (now 17) in a tiny raised plot 4' x 8'. I begged my former husband to release this corner from our yard where he prized his grass. My son threw in some random seeds and huge heads of broccoli, cauliflower and brussel sprouts emerged. His carrots looked like nuclear experiments taller than his wee stature, and the sage took over the back of the house. It was a grand success that leaned on experimental more than planned plotting.

Organic - why? I am partial to food that has less chemicals and greater nutritional value. The plot sizes that you have all shared are very helpful to me as I see that embarking on a 3 acre garden with me and my pet squirrel may be a bit much to take on the first year. The land I purchased is set up for an Eco-Village or to be an Intentional Community where there will be many (or more than just me) who assists in the working of the gardens and all the tasks associated with the fruition as well.

The amazing resources that are here on this site are fabulous. Thank you all!

Congratulations on the land and having the desire to farm! It sounds like you have experience with organic principles in your landscaping business? Have you joined the MO Organic Association( Missouri Organic Association ) ? Looks like they would have members that could provide a good resource to bounce ideas off of and they usually do a bulk discount purchase on seeds. Also your local U of MO Extension Office would be able to provide good support.....have you taken, or thought of taking, their Master Gardener's certification program? They usually have a great topic on integrated pest management that includes principles and area specific solutions. I did so in Connecticut and found it to be a xlnt foundation for my specific case of establishing an organic vineyard. Others have provided equipment answers/ideas with their use on specific food plots. For the non-equipment side of things as others have stated 3 acres can produce quite a bit of food. Vertical farming, extending seasons, and succession planting can produce quite a bit of food in a small area. My spouse and I were overwhelmed with the produce out of a 30' x 45' organic garden and I would say that we are still beginners. You might consider preparing the entire area with the idea that a portion goes to the garden and the remainder goes to a cover crop(native wildflower/legume mix) that builds the soil structure and provides an attraction to beneficial insects to help control the insect pests in the garden. It sounds like you will need some type of perimeter fence to keep out hungry critters. There are many things to consider in establishing and running the organic farm and many will determine which implements are most appropriate for your specific long term use. Note that since soil structure is key for a healthy garden the last thing you want to do is obliterate that with overworking and using heavy equipment at times when compaction is likely(wet periods). Good luck and stay in touch with this group....Cheers, Gary

 

[Nature Girl]

Wow Gary,
Great ideas and resources. There is much to learn in the organic world and taking classes is a super idea. I tend to like to get the key information that I need when I need it and that is what makes me shy away from a class with a ton of things that don't seem to apply, but I guess it all ties in at some point.

I also did not know that it's possible to "overwork" the soil. The joy of being on the extreme learning curve is that in a year from now I will have stories and adventures to share of the thrills and challenges of the dream at hand.
With great appreciation,
Nature Girl

 

[Nature Girl]

Travis, I am blissfully grateful to you this helps me link the implement with the image so it locks in the lingo. Thanks!

 

[Nature Girl]

Thanks for the link Don, it turns out there is a Tractor Supply fairly close by so I can see them up close. I noticed they had a great post hole digger too. Their middle buster reviews were a little weak. Do you have any of their products?

 

[Texpolo1106]

I long for a big organic garden. There is about 3 acres open now for planting. I'm so excited that my Kubota L3700 with FEL (my first tractor) will be delivered in a couple of weeks. Every spare moment has been spent searching the internet for the right implements I need to cultivate the ground and get ready for a spring planting. Some of the words I have never heard before like harrow, so I am really new to this world.

Can you amazing experts please suggest the basic attachments and sizes I would need to get the job done? Missouri soil is a little rocky not rich. I am also searching for the right grapple since clearing will be hot on my list.

With appreciation,
Nature Girl

I was thinking about getting this set up.

Garden Package

Maybe someone on here has had some experience with this.

 

[DoubleDeere]

I bought that exact same package from Stevens Tractor last year. I only got to use the cultivators and they worked great. The only problem I had with them is that the height is adjustable and you need to make sure you lock the bolts for the adjustment good and tight or else they will work themselves loose. Hopefully I will get to use the disc hillers this year for the potatoes. Last year we already had them in before I bought the garden package. I pulled it behind my JD 790.

 

[Don87]

Thanks for the link Don, it turns out there is a Tractor Supply fairly close by so I can see them up close. I noticed they had a great post hole digger too. Their middle buster reviews were a little weak. Do you have any of their products?

My Brother-in-law has the middlebuster, he uses it on his JD790. I own the cultivator, and have used it on my GC2400.

We share the implements, and neither of us have had a problem with either one.

 

[derifarm]

Is there a Dummies for Beginner Farmers Book of definitions?

I highly recommend "Steel in the Field". You can either buy a hard-copy of the book or get a digital version (either as HTML or PDF) at:

Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education - Publications - Steel in the Field: A Farmers Guide to Weed Management Tools

It may be a bit more than a beginner book. Once you get a few terms under your belt, it's a good book to see how others are doing things. There is a small glossary near the end.

Good luck on your new garden!