How to Prepare Garden Soil: Tilling, Amendments, and Seasonal Nutrition

Good soil is the foundation of organic gardening. Tilling and amendments create a crumbly, well-drained yet moisture-retentive medium rich in oxygen, nutrients, and beneficial life.

Starting a New Bed (Spring)

1. Rotary-till top 8–12 inches (rent a tiller).
2. Remove rocks > small plum size.
3. Spread 3-inch compost layer; till again.
4. Water lightly; let settle 2 days before planting.

Seasonal Nutrition Program

Spring & Summer: Compost Tea

Steep burlap bag of compost in water. Applies nutrients, boosts microbial life, suppresses pathogens. Apply several times per season. Sources: EPM (800-779-1709), Growing Solutions (888-600-9558), SoilSoup (877-711-7687).

Fall: Cover Crops (Green Manure)

Plant fava beans, peas, vetch. Add nitrogen, improve texture/water penetration, encourage earthworms/microbes, provide habitat/nectar for beneficial insects. Sow in rows 1 ft apart, 3″ deep; 2–3 lbs/1000 sq ft. Seeds: Harmony Farm Supply (707-823-9125), Peaceful Valley Farm Supply (888-784-1722). Cold-climate mixes if temps <20°F.

Following Spring: Incorporate Cover Crop

1. After flowering but before seed set (A), cut/mow and till in (B). (No rotary tiller for vetch mixes—they tangle.)
2. Wait 2 days, till again; wait 2 more days.
3. Rake smooth (C), then plant.