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Begin by composting crop residues such as leftover vines,
stalks, stems and roots. Power compost these crop residues
as soon as they finish bearing. The sooner this is done, the
better, as tender green matter is easier to till under. Use the
deepest depth regulator setting possible without causing
the engine to labor or the tiller to jump ahead.
Standing cornstalks of reasonable height can be power
composted. See Fig. 4-17. Pushing over (but not uprooting)
cornstalks will often make it easier for your tiller to chop
up the stalks. Keep the tines clear of excessive tangling
by “fishtailing” or frequently using reverse. Make several
passes, then return a few days later to finish off any
remaining stubble.
After tilling under crop residues, add more organic
matter such as leaves, grass clippings and even kitchen
scraps. When tilled into the soil, this organic matter will
decompose and add even more important nutrients to the
soil.
After power composting, you may want to plant a “green
manure” cover crop to protect the soil during the off-
season. Grow a crop of clover, alfalfa, buckwheat, peas,
beans, rye grass, grain, or kale and then till it into the soil
prior to the planting season.
Wide-Row Planting
The wide-row planting technique is spreading seeds anywhere
from 10 inches to 2 feet wide or more. As a result, you can grow
anywhere from 3 to 4 times (or more) produce in the same space
that is normally set aside for an area that has narrow, single rows.
Wide-row planting automatically shades the ground which keeps
weed growth down and also holds moisture in the soil. And of
course, harvesting is much easier — everything is right at hand
to be picked. Preparing wide rows is easy — after you prepare
the seedbed and mark off the rows with string, hand-broadcast
the seeds as if seeding a lawn — not quite as much as lawn seed).
Cover with soil and tamp the area firmly with a hoe.
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Figure 4-17
Move the belt into LOW belt range and the Wheel Speed
Gear Lever to SLOW position. As in terrace gardening, start
at the top of the slope and overlap the first pass by half the
width of the tiller. For added stability, keep the uphill wheel
in the soft, newly tilled soil. Each succeeding terraced area
is started by walking below the terrace you are preparing.
See Fig. 4-16.
Power Composting
Power composting means tilling under and burying in the soil
all manner of organic matter such as crop residues, leaves, grass
clippings and cover crops. This material will decompose during
the non-growing season and add important natural nutrients to
the soil.
WARNING! When power composting, do not keep
the Depth Regulator Lever at a deep setting if the
tiller jumps or bucks. If jumping or bucking occurs,
move the Depth Regulator Lever down to one of the
shallower settings and then slowly increase the
tilling depth on later passes. Failure to comply could
result in loss of tiller control, property damage or
personal injury.
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Figure 4-16
21sectiOn 5 — OperatiOn