a fine tilth

[queen of the cobs]

How to achieve it?

I've got really good soil at one end of my plot byut it goes a bit claggy at the other end. I'm in the process of planting potatoes to break it down, but wondered what other people do?

I've been forking it over, sifting compost onto it, then using the twisty fork to mix it all in. I usually go over with the back of a rake for the big lumps which are left but it's still not as fine as I would like.

[deezyb]

great question QoC - I have raised beds, so they're not too bad...however I have a patch in the ground also, and soil sounds similar to yours! I think I do the same thing...forking over, adding compost etc. But I would like my earth a bit more fine also...look forward to getting some good advice from other Grapes!

Dee

[Novice Gardener]

I was wondering about this too. In one of the sunday magazines i've seen something that resembles a "mouli" that promises to give you a nice fine soil, but I wondered if its really essential?

[Flummery]

I get reasonable results by digging then leaving the soil just a few hours - day at most - to dry out A BIT. Then I rake and rake and rake (good for the stomach muscles!). The secret is not having it too damp but not waiting till the clods dry into bricks.

[Two_Sheds]

I have fairly sandy soil, so it's already pretty tilthy. Good job, I can't be bothered to rake and rake and rake.

[Flummery]

Bet your stomach muscles are already good too. 2 kids trashed mine!

[Mike and Louise]

We have clay soil but with enough rotovating and loads of good quality compost we found it easy to get a fine tilth.

[sez]

started with solid clay in the garden, added loads of compost, some sharp sand, and rake and rake and rake!

[Paulottie]

Once you have established your plot. Dig it over in the autumn when your supposed to, add loads of muck(third of plot, lime on another third is usual regime) and let the weather and worms do the work. The clods will all be gone by spring! Never work or walk on your soil when wet.

Come spring dig out any weeds that have sprouted rake it over and sow or plant then hoe then mulch it to stop annual weed and lock in the goodness.

SIFTING!.. I gave that up years ago pick out the worst sticks and chuck it on.

I would only consider digging/rotavating in spring for incorporating a green manure. You ruin your soil structure. Although those little tillers set to min depth are good for just breaking the crust up.

That said, it is not a perfect world and I have just had to break a new allotment in this wet weather. Really you need to get into a rhythm.

[vegnut]

Raking and hoeing is all you can do, unless you have a really enthusiastic neighbour who is a fitness nut, and likes veg

[Snadger]

Just remember the nearer you have the rake to the vertical the finer the tilth!

[HeyWayne]

Bet your stomach muscles are already good too. 2 kids trashed mine!

Bladdy youth of today! Kids have no respect these days!

Just remember the nearer you have the rake to the vertical the finer the tilth!

Well, that's me scuppered then. I have to double over to get the rake tines anywhere near vertical. Might look at an extension handle.

I'd go along with the rake, rake, rake theory. With a little hoeing, and I use an Azada to break up the big bits. Waiting until it's a bit dryer is also really good advice.

Lot's of organic matter in the autumn too.

[Snadger]

Bladdy youth of today! Kids have no respect these days!



Well, that's me scuppered then. I have to double over to get the rake tines anywhere near vertical. Might look at an extension handle.

I'd go along with the rake, rake, rake theory. With a little hoeing, and I use an Azada to break up the big bits. Waiting until it's a bit dryer is also really good advice.

Lot's of organic matter in the autumn too.

Rake handle vertical,(as in up and diown) not the tines heyWayne!

[HeyWayne]

Ah! Knowing me though I'll end up with a rake stuck to my shins.

[Rocketron]

Ah! Knowing me though I'll end up with a rake stuck up my Arsenal.

Is what you meant to say, I believe.