The advantages and disadvantages of plowing are controversial. In many cases, this form of soil preparation makes sense in order to provide the plants with the best possible basis for he althy growth. However, not every surface should be dug up.
When and how should you plow the garden?
Plow your garden between spring and late summer when the soil is warm and humidity is low. Use a spade or plow for small areas and a tiller for large kitchen gardens to loosen the soil, remove weeds and displace animal pests.
Which soil should be plowed
When plowing, the usable soil horizon in the garden is turned over and mixed. This measure is just as useful on a bed that is already in use as on a lawn. In both cases, living plants and dead remains are incorporated into the soil so that microorganisms decompose the material. However, not every type of soil is suitable for digging.
Sandy soils
You should not plow sandy surfaces. The uppermost horizon consists of nutrient-rich humus. During digging, this layer is destroyed and incorporated into the ground. Nutrient-poor substrate comes to the surface that is not suitable for planting.
Loam and clay soils
If the subsoil is made of loam or clay, it is ideal for preparing a seed bed. Regardless of whether you want to cultivate ornamental or commercial plants, plowing is the first step.
Benefits of Plowing:
- Aeration of the top layer of soil
- Containment of weeds and grasses
- Displacement of animal pests such as field mice
How to plow properly
If you are planning a new lawn, you can loosen up the area between spring and late summer. During this time, the ground is warm and the humidity is not too high. If the lawn is to be prepared with a tiller for growing fruit and vegetables, the time for digging depends on the recommended planting and sowing times.
Devices
If you want to dig up smaller areas in the garden, you can choose a spade or plow (€824.00 at Amazon) as an aid. Technical support makes your work easier and prevents back pain. Garden tillers that run on electricity or gasoline are the better decision for large kitchen gardens. Such devices are pushed over the area like a lawnmower, so that the earth is chopped and dug up.
Tip
After the work is completed, you can easily collect weeds and stones from the loose soil.
