Tilling the soil: When is Tilling Necessary?

3/26/2017

Tilling is the process of turning over and loosening the soil, which helps to improve soil structure, mix in organic matter, and prepare the ground for planting. However, tilling should only be done when necessary, as excessive or improper tilling can cause soil compaction, erosion, and the loss of soil organic matter.

When is tilling necessary?

When establishing a new garden or planting area where the soil has never been cultivated or has become compacted over time.
When incorporating large amounts of organic matter, like compost or manure, into the soil to improve its structure and fertility.
When dealing with severe weed infestations where other methods, like hand-pulling or mulching, are not effective.

How could tilling cause soil compaction?
Improper or excessive tilling can cause soil compaction in several ways:

Tilling when the soil is too wet can cause the soil particles to compact and create a hard, dense layer that restricts water and air movement, making it difficult for plant roots to penetrate.
Over-tilling can break down soil structure, leading to the loss of soil aggregates and the collapse of air pockets, resulting in a compacted soil.
Frequent tilling can cause the soil surface to become compacted, creating a crust that impedes water infiltration and gas exchange.

When to till and when not to till?
Till when:

Establishing a new planting area or garden.
Incorporating large amounts of organic matter into the soil.
Dealing with severe weed infestations.

Do not till when:

The soil is too wet or too dry, as this can exacerbate compaction and damage soil structure.
The garden or planting area is already well-established, and there is no need to incorporate additional organic matter or deal with severe weed problems.
You are trying to preserve soil structure, prevent erosion, and maintain soil organic matter.

Alternatives to tilling when preparing lawns and farm fields for crops:

No-till or reduced-till farming: This approach involves planting crops directly into the previous year's crop residue, without disturbing the soil. This method helps to maintain soil structure, reduce erosion, and preserve soil organic matter.
Cover crops: Planting cover crops, like clover or rye, can help to suppress weeds, improve soil structure, and add organic matter without the need for tilling.
Mulching: Applying a layer of organic mulch, like straw or wood chips, can help to suppress weeds, retain soil moisture, and gradually incorporate organic matter into the soil as it decomposes.
Manual cultivation: For smaller areas, using hand tools like a hoe or a garden fork to manually cultivate the soil can be a less invasive alternative to tilling.

Tilling should be done only when necessary to avoid soil compaction, erosion, and the loss of soil organic matter. Consider alternatives like no-till farming, cover crops, mulching, or manual cultivation to prepare your lawn or farm fields for planting while preserving soil health.

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10 Easy Steps to Overseed Bermuda Seeds on an Existing Bermuda Grass

3/16/2017

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10 Easy Steps to Overseed Bermuda Seeds on an Existing Bermuda Grass

For the budding DIYers, here's our simple guide that won't let you down to overseeding Bermuda! Let's make those seeds sprout.

Easy Step 1

Scalp the grass. Yes, go all the way down with your mower to the lowest possible setting.

Easy Step 2

Make sure you have good seed to soil contact.

Easy Step 3

Rake the lawn or purchase or rent a pinpoint spreader/slice seeder.

Easy Step 4

Aerate the ground as you drop the seeds and make sure there the seeds are in contact with the soil.

Easy Step 5

Use a spreader to apply the seeds.

Easy Step 6

Ignore the seed labels and use as much seeds as possible. Seeds are cheap. Labor is not (even if it's just you doing the work).

Easy Step 7

Make sure to overlap and pass in different directions, north to south, east to west, and diagonally.

Easy Step 8

Use a roller or back of a straight rake to go over the lawn to ensure the seeds are in contact with the soil.

Easy Step 9

Water a couple of times a day for up to 21 days (no, not 21 business days, just 21 days).

Easy Step 10

Simply wait for the Bermuda seeds to pop!

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Tilling the soil: When is Tilling Necessary?

10 Easy Steps to Overseed Bermuda Seeds on an Existing Bermuda Grass

10 Easy Steps to Overseed Bermuda Seeds on an Existing Bermuda Grass

Easy Step 1

Easy Step 2

Easy Step 3

Easy Step 4

Easy Step 5

Easy Step 6

Easy Step 7

Easy Step 8

Easy Step 9

Easy Step 10

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844-50K-LAWN

Chat with us at the bottom corner of your screen or on Facebook.

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Tilling the soil: When is Tilling Necessary?

10 Easy Steps to Overseed Bermuda Seeds on an Existing Bermuda Grass

10 Easy Steps to Overseed Bermuda Seeds on an Existing Bermuda Grass

Easy Step 1

Easy Step 2

Easy Step 3

Easy Step 4

Easy Step 5

Easy Step 6

Easy Step 7

Easy Step 8

Easy Step 9

Easy Step 10

Call or Text 844-50K-LAWN Chat with us at the bottom corner of your screen or on Facebook.

Let's Answer Your Questions!

Archives

Need more help?

Call or Text 844-50K-LAWN Chat with us at the bottom corner of your screen or on Facebook.

Call or Text
844-50K-LAWN

Chat with us at the bottom corner of your screen or on Facebook.

Call or Text
844-50K-LAWN

Chat with us at the bottom corner of your screen or on Facebook.