That video helped me so much to understand this. I'm new to gardening and in the process of trying to buy my first homestead. I love your newsletters. You're such a great teacher.
Thank you, Craig. While I've been resistant to the double digging and broadforking without using the tiller at all, as I watch your newsletter, I'm becoing keenly aware that I'm doing myself a big disservice by continuing my gardening habits. Hopefully, next season, I'll improve my practices. It pays to watch your videos more then once, especially for the retired Polish farmers! May God Bless you as you try to help us.
He does my friend. He Does! We are so very Blessed on our lil farm. The stories I could tell you, but I'm sure you have a lot of Blessings you could also share. Praise God!
We have clay soil which can be hard to dig in. I am planning on amending it, but do you always recommend to start with a double dig or would you ever use a tiller when digging a new bed with difficult dirt?
Hello. I never recommend the tiller because it damages the soil structure too much.
It will be especially important that you have a soil test done. Clay that lacks the right amount of calcium is tight and hard to work with. If you can have the proper blend of minerals ready ahead of time, then you can apply them as you are going through the process of digging.
I hope this helps. Do you know what percentage of your soil is clay particles? You can test that yourself by mixing some soil in a jar with water and shaking it really well. The clay will be the last layer to settle out. I would be curious to know.
That video helped me so much to understand this. I'm new to gardening and in the process of trying to buy my first homestead. I love your newsletters. You're such a great teacher.
Thank you for the encouragement. I'm glad they are helping you. It is a labor of love to write them. God bless the work of your hands!
Thank you, Craig. While I've been resistant to the double digging and broadforking without using the tiller at all, as I watch your newsletter, I'm becoing keenly aware that I'm doing myself a big disservice by continuing my gardening habits. Hopefully, next season, I'll improve my practices. It pays to watch your videos more then once, especially for the retired Polish farmers! May God Bless you as you try to help us.
God bless your efforts!
He does my friend. He Does! We are so very Blessed on our lil farm. The stories I could tell you, but I'm sure you have a lot of Blessings you could also share. Praise God!
We have clay soil which can be hard to dig in. I am planning on amending it, but do you always recommend to start with a double dig or would you ever use a tiller when digging a new bed with difficult dirt?
Hello. I never recommend the tiller because it damages the soil structure too much.
It will be especially important that you have a soil test done. Clay that lacks the right amount of calcium is tight and hard to work with. If you can have the proper blend of minerals ready ahead of time, then you can apply them as you are going through the process of digging.
I hope this helps. Do you know what percentage of your soil is clay particles? You can test that yourself by mixing some soil in a jar with water and shaking it really well. The clay will be the last layer to settle out. I would be curious to know.