Tilling garden

[NewToy]

I was just going to till all the plant material thats in the garden into the soil. Is that an accepted practice? It's alot of dead tomato and assorted vegetable plants. I figured it would rot and enrich the soil in the off season. Also, how about adding a truckload of manure to the mix, or would it be better to add that closer to the growing season?(I can get another load of manure in the spring.)
Thanks,

John

 

[randy41]

this would be a good time to add the manure. rotting plant material uses a lot of nitrogen and the manure will supply it.

 

[greenedeere]

I do that myself, only the stems and viney parts tend to wrap around the tines. I put in mulch and manure this time of year and about 5 to 6 months before time to plant. I do a soil sample thru the local county extension office to have time to add lime or other needed minerals as the soil sample will tell you what you need per what you plant. then add mulch and fertilizer, manure as needed when planting. mulch rots along while also keeping in moisture.

 

[waynokakid]

That is a good idea about adding rotted plant material to a garden. Adds alot of good organic material. But if you have had any disease or insect problems during the growing season, I would avoid it. Alot of the insects and disease overwinter in the roots!
This is especially true for tomatoes and members of the squash family

 

[Donman]

I usually remove as much plant material as I can to the compost pile so it will heat up and kill any insect eggs and seeds that could harm next years crop. Also keeps volunteer plants away next year. I sow rye as a cover crop and use that and manure in the spring. I'm not sure this is the best way but it works for me.

 

[greenedeere]

Thats what I mean by mulch , also from compost pile, like said ,to kill out the bad seeds, and rots very fast, good point, also on the badness that comes from some plants from disease. I also add some left over fertilizer to my compost,fruit and vegetable trimming to help promote rot.

 

[Farmwithjunk]

I was just going to till all the plant material thats in the garden into the soil. Is that an accepted practice? It's alot of dead tomato and assorted vegetable plants. I figured it would rot and enrich the soil in the off season. Also, how about adding a truckload of manure to the mix, or would it be better to add that closer to the growing season?(I can get another load of manure in the spring.)
Thanks,

John

Under ideal conditions, tilling in last season's plant residue isn't bad at all.

Like everything in this ol' world, there can be complications with that plan. Tomatoes are susceptable to many soil-borne diseases. (fungus. [blight])
Leftover plant tissue buried will provide a safe harbor for disease to effect next years crop.

I never bury old tomato vines.

 

[NewToy]

Under ideal conditions, tilling in last season's plant residue isn't bad at all.

Like everything in this ol' world, there can be complications with that plan. Tomatoes are susceptable to many soil-borne diseases. (fungus. [blight])
Leftover plant tissue buried will provide a safe harbor for disease to effect next years crop.

I never bury old tomato vines.

Do you just snatch the tomato plants out and turn everything else under? I didn't notice any disease on the tomatos this year but I'm no expert, could have been looking right at it.
How about tilling leaves in the soil? I have plenty of them.
John

 

[jbrumberg]

NewToy:

Add manure and crushed rock powders. I will till in leaves, but I do not get many due to lawn mower mulching and the wind blowing most of my leaves into my woods. Most leaves are somewhat acidic except sugar maple leaves. I used to till my garden twice a year, now I till in the spring. I never removed my tomato plant vines. If you have an asparagus bed leave it alone. Always rotate your plants- I use a 4 year rotation plan in my garden. It cuts down on disease and bug infestations. Jay

 

[waynokakid]

NewToy:
Always rotate your plants- I use a 4 year rotation plan in my garden. It cuts down on disease and bug infestations. Jay

Very true, if you do decide to just till everything in. Be certain to rotate the crops. i.e., tomatoes where corn was, squash where lettuce and such was. It will help to control on disease and insects both.