should I mow?

[cjp1953]

2 years ago I wanted a very good garden fork to turn over my garden.I did a review and settled on a Spear&Jackson digging fork.I paid $60 for it and saw that in England this is a very popular tool.All the ones sold around here are junk.Even the one sold at Lehman's did not look sturdy.I bought one from Park Seeds.Really like this even with my bad knees.I don't own a tiller and only want to turn over the garden without killing any earthworms and mixing in my cottonseed meal.

[clkeiper]

Originally Posted by cjp1953

I get down there a couple times a summer.They have old style appliances but are rather pricey.They do carry high end things.We have the largest Amish community in the country.Kidron is in the middle of Holmes county where this community is.Very hilly but beautiful part of Ohio.

actually they are in Wayne county. Holmes co. is next county over... not too far, but still maybe 15/20 minutes to get the Berlin. I agree they are pricey. I only buy there when I can't find it elsewhere of kind or quality.

[cjp1953]

Originally Posted by clkeiper

actually they are in Wayne county. Holmes co. is next county over... not too far, but still maybe 15/20 minutes to get the Berlin. I agree they are pricey. I only buy there when I can't find it elsewhere of kind or quality.

Berlin is another nice town.My daughter is getting married in Sugarcreek this September.An outdoor wedding at some lodge made out of logs.Really nice place.

[clkeiper]

Nice... ifn that doesn't pan our union cemetery is just putting up a structure at the cemetery my husband sits on the board for... I am sure a wedding in it would be perfectly acceptable too. we got married at a cemetery, but not that one. There was a quaint little historical church there that we were able to use. it is a really nice quiet place. none of the neighbors or residents complain.... ever!

[cjp1953]

Originally Posted by clkeiper

Nice... ifn that doesn't pan our union cemetery is just putting up a structure at the cemetery my husband sits on the board for... I am sure a wedding in it would be perfectly acceptable too. we got married at a cemetery, but not that one. There was a quaint little historical church there that we were able to use. it is a really nice quiet place. none of the neighbors or residents complain.... ever!

[clkeiper]

You know its worth thinking about.... I mean have you ever seen a place that has so many bouquets to choose from... just saying. But you have to put them back where you got them from when you are done. Thats the rule

okay. back to soil building.

[cjp1953]

[tarheelchick]

yes...back to soil building.

I still have questions for all you experienced folks. So this weekend, I cut my ryegrass down with the weed eater (very close to the soil). I left the grass spread out on the ground and then I started to cover it with the compost that I had worked on during the year. I ended up only having enough compost to cover about half of the garden. I am concerned about a couple of points.

1) should I go out and buy some compost to finish covering the rest? I do have some wet leaf mulch (not quite compost soil yet), that I could use if that would be appropriate. If I buy compost, what should I be looking for? Or should I just leave it as is and don't worry about it?

2) as I was cutting down the grass, I did notice just how dense the root system was/is on the rye grass. (someone on here had warned me about that). As I understand it, the decomposing process will continue now that I have cut the grass down and I shouldn't worry about it, right? I would like to try the no-till option if possible. I did order a couple of high quality hoes from Worth's recommendations and they will arrive later this week. Assuming they will enable me to dig holes in that dirt by mid May? (I'm plenty able-bodied, just soooooo inexperienced!!) I do own a power tiller, if it comes to that.

Thanks!

[cjp1953]

Originally Posted by tarheelchick

yes...back to soil building.

I still have questions for all you experienced folks. So this weekend, I cut my ryegrass down with the weed eater (very close to the soil). I left the grass spread out on the ground and then I started to cover it with the compost that I had worked on during the year. I ended up only having enough compost to cover about half of the garden. I am concerned about a couple of points.

1) should I go out and buy some compost to finish covering the rest? I do have some wet leaf mulch (not quite compost soil yet), that I could use if that would be appropriate. If I buy compost, what should I be looking for? Or should I just leave it as is and don't worry about it?

2) as I was cutting down the grass, I did notice just how dense the root system was/is on the rye grass. (someone on here had warned me about that). As I understand it, the decomposing process will continue now that I have cut the grass down and I shouldn't worry about it, right? I would like to try the no-till option if possible. I did order a couple of high quality hoes from Worth's recommendations and they will arrive later this week. Assuming they will enable me to dig holes in that dirt by mid May? (I'm plenty able-bodied, just soooooo inexperienced!!) I do own a power tiller, if it comes to that.

Thanks!

How large is your garden?I have covered mine(12'x13') with a trap for 3 or 4 weeks.That killed off the rye.I planted into the cover crop.Dug a hole,maybe a foot deep and a foot wide.Made sure all the soil was very loose.I always plant my tomatoes 3/4 of the plant deep.Fill in the hole and then after a few weeks when the soil has warmed put a 4 to 6" layer of straw on the entire garden.I always leave a 6 to 8 inch area around the base of the plant mulch free.This works for me, keep weeds down and moisture in the ground.Again this is what I do.Others may have different ways that work for them.Hope this helps.