Is there such a thing as over tilling garden soil?

[nnjjohn]

I won't tiller my garden beds this late into spring, I want those garden worms left alone.. i may use a pitch fork to loosen and flip it over for any recommended amendments and planting but only after I get my soil test results.

[Sodak]

I have a small Honda tiller and use it to bust up the grass for a new garden. I also briefly work organic stuff in in the spring prior to planting ( used the Chickety doo doo last year). Planning to do a new garden for sweet corn only this year. The area in which I did corn last year will get a soil improver product from Sandhill - one of my favorite places, http://www.sandhillpreservation.com/...specialty.html
description of the product below...

2013 Soil Cleanup Mixes
For this to work properly you need to let the Mustard reach flower stage, then chop (mow) and till in for the full effect of the natural fumigating properties.

Soil Clean-up Mix #1:★ Triticale and Ida Gold Mustard used for weed suppression, cycling naturals and adds organic matter. Use 5 lbs per 1,000 square feet. 1 lb $6.50 (postpaid); 5 lbs $17.50 (postpaid); 10 lbs $35.00 (postpaid)

NOTE:★ Ida Gold and Pacific Gold mustards are both PVP varieties. This is why we must purchase the seed and it is not legal to save your own. We offer them because they are so beneficial to the organic farmer.

[Ken4230]

Originally Posted by Worth1

I have grown many a good tomato with just a common garden hoe.
Every day I would come home and dig up just enough grass to plant my plants.


Worth

I have to agree with Worth.

My new 16" high raised beds (buried in the ground 6"), are empty and used primarily to keep the grass and weeds away from my plants (also to rest my arms on and help me get up).
I use a post hole digger and plant directly into the untilled soil. Last year was one of my best tomato years ever.

I may be "tilling" by mulching with partially finished compost. I usually put about 4" of leaf and manure compost around the tomatoes, mainly to conserve water.
My filled raised beds seem to have a serious problem with grubs and ants at this new location, so i am going back to how my mother gardened.