Extension Service Garden Hints

Over tilling can compact soil

CORVALLIS, Ore. – Tilling the garden helps to mix organic matter into garden soil and control weeds that compete for moisture and nutrients. But frequent tilling may do more harm than good, according to the Oregon State University Extension publication, "Growing Your Own."

Too much tilling can destroy the structure of soil and eventually may leave you with a garden that is better suited to making bricks than growing vegetables.

Till garden soil only when it will accomplish a useful purpose, such as turning under organic matter, controlling weeds, breaking crusted soil or loosening a small area for planting seeds.

Never till soil when it is wet. Doing so will leave you with cloddy, compacted soil. To test soil moisture, take a handful of soil and squeeze it. If it stays in a mud ball, it's too wet to till. If it is powdery and clumped, it is too dry. If it crumbles freely, it is just right.

More information on improving garden soils is in the practical guide to gardening for first-time gardeners, available at OSU Extension county offices or online at "Growing Your Own."

By: Judy Scott
Source: Gail Langellotto

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