So glad others are enjoying this thread, and giving great advice. (Ninuta) But I can't imaginge doing it without a rototiller. That is my hubby's only job in the veggie garden. I plant the rows just wider than the tiller, so he can do that for me.
@ violetdove
One thing I can suggest for the herb garden is to put something around the plant to keep the weeds down, like either black plastic, cardboard or actual mulch.
Although, you have to remember, which I did not, that if you have a plant that your going to dig up for the root, like echinacea, the cardboard is your best bet, as I ended up with a mess, with actual mulch.
I've also been experimenting with gallon and laundry detergent jugs, for slow drip watering. Remember to put a big rock or a few smaller ones in them, or they are all over your yard. (I didn't). Also, the first year I used a nail and put too many holes in, so it was empty within 15 minutes or so. I wanted it to last at least an hour or two.
I am the worst when it comes to when it comes to weeding. I will forget or get busy for a week or so, then have to spend a day out there doing it. But that has its own rewards, like having a young deer coming up to the fence while grazing. I could have reached out and touched her. But my legs were stiff from crouching and staying still until she moved on. It was worth it.
Our garden dirt is really great now. We have heavy clay in our area, but over the years, when I clean the chicken coop, that goes in to get tilled. I only add it directly in the fall to over winter, then it goes in a pile on the side for the next winter. And the birds earn their keep, by spreading it all over the garden when I let them in, in the fall to clean up whatever is left out there.
Our garden is actually in the chicken run, but fenced off from May to October. I love taking pictures of the hubby when he tills it up for the first time, and all the chickens and ducks are in a line behind him.
Oh, and these are the plugs I use. General Hydroponics Rapid Rooter, Starter Plug for Seeds or Cuttings, Great for Soil or Hydroponics Growing System, 50 Plugs (amazon.com)
Did not know they have a tray system one like jiffy. Might have to try that next year.
@ violetdove
One thing I can suggest for the herb garden is to put something around the plant to keep the weeds down, like either black plastic, cardboard or actual mulch.
Although, you have to remember, which I did not, that if you have a plant that your going to dig up for the root, like echinacea, the cardboard is your best bet, as I ended up with a mess, with actual mulch.
I've also been experimenting with gallon and laundry detergent jugs, for slow drip watering. Remember to put a big rock or a few smaller ones in them, or they are all over your yard. (I didn't). Also, the first year I used a nail and put too many holes in, so it was empty within 15 minutes or so. I wanted it to last at least an hour or two.
I am the worst when it comes to when it comes to weeding. I will forget or get busy for a week or so, then have to spend a day out there doing it. But that has its own rewards, like having a young deer coming up to the fence while grazing. I could have reached out and touched her. But my legs were stiff from crouching and staying still until she moved on. It was worth it.
Our garden dirt is really great now. We have heavy clay in our area, but over the years, when I clean the chicken coop, that goes in to get tilled. I only add it directly in the fall to over winter, then it goes in a pile on the side for the next winter. And the birds earn their keep, by spreading it all over the garden when I let them in, in the fall to clean up whatever is left out there.
Our garden is actually in the chicken run, but fenced off from May to October. I love taking pictures of the hubby when he tills it up for the first time, and all the chickens and ducks are in a line behind him.
Oh, and these are the plugs I use. General Hydroponics Rapid Rooter, Starter Plug for Seeds or Cuttings, Great for Soil or Hydroponics Growing System, 50 Plugs (amazon.com)
Did not know they have a tray system one like jiffy. Might have to try that next year.