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STAMFORD CT

I have the opportunity to build a higher raisedbed at the seed planting sites of my patch.....it got me thinking....while I'm doing this...should I excavate so that my total "great soil" can be built up to 12-24 inches deep...what do you think...is 18" just right.....is 24" too much.......

4/11/2006 8:52:22 PM

Anamosa, IA [email protected]

I try to dig 12" to 18" deep under my planting mounds and mix in compost, manure, fertilizer, etc. I then try to get my planting mounds at least a foot high. I found that it helps to make your mounds as wide as possible, with fairly flat slopes. That helps prevent stress when the main vine starts to lay down. I had a couple of kinked vines last year on mounds that were too small and steep.

4/11/2006 9:17:13 PM

Sloughhouse, CA

Because of our hardpan and clay soil I just keep going up.

4/11/2006 9:39:35 PM

Whidbey Island

You can never have too much depth of good soil, but I agree with keeping the mounding fairly flat. My limit to how much I add each year is how much my back can take.

4/11/2006 10:36:07 PM

Puyallup, WA

My clay-like soil will be loosened to about 18" with the help of the new field cultivator.

4/11/2006 11:12:17 PM

Sloughhouse, CA

Stan do you have a picture of your new field cultivator?
Send me a pic.
Thanks,
Suzy

4/12/2006 2:30:11 AM

STAMFORD CT

Thanks for all your input...good luck to everyone this year.

4/12/2006 11:19:34 AM