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Post by bstovall on Mar 2, 2007 7:34:04 GMT -6
Hey all new here and love what I have read already. Well it is time to start getting some crops in the ground. This will be my third year to have a veggie garden. Last late fall, I planted Austrian Winter Peas as a cover crop. I have yet to till them under. I am ready to plant cabbage, broccoli and other more resistant crops.
Do I need to till under the cover crop and wait for the matter to break down before I start planting or can I just till and plant and still get the nitrogen benefit from the cover crop?
B.
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Post by jacobtowne on Mar 2, 2007 7:52:33 GMT -6
Welcome to the forums.
You may not need to till at all, depending on the soil. I'd consider removing the pea tops to the compost pile, and planting brassicas without tilling. The pea roots should have nitrogen nodules for the cabbages, and the roots will eventually decompose.
JT
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Post by bstovall on Mar 2, 2007 8:31:18 GMT -6
JT, let me start by saying, I am still very much a virgin to gardening. I learn much each day. So, I did some research on Brassicas as I had never even heard of it. When should I plant the brassicas so that it is a nitrogen for my cabbage? Do I plant it along with the cabbage?
B.
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Post by jacobtowne on Mar 2, 2007 9:49:24 GMT -6
When should I plant the brassicas so that it is a nitrogen for my cabbage? Do I plant it along with the cabbage? B. Hi bstovall: I'm a bit confused by your question. Brassica is the name of the genus that contains the many species of "cabbages" that we grow. It includes head cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, broccoli, collards, kale, and many oriental cabbages such as pak choy. As far as nitrogen, you already have legume roots in the soil. That should provide N, although you might want to add some leaf mold. JT |
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Post by bstovall on Mar 2, 2007 14:29:20 GMT -6
ah. Thanks for the info.
B.
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Post by jacobtowne on Mar 2, 2007 16:14:09 GMT -6
Are the peas still growing, or have they been winter killed?
JT
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Post by jack on Mar 5, 2007 3:34:14 GMT -6
Gidday
Well I know I am more than a bit unconventional but I reckon you should hoe or till or whatever you call it, the cover crop intoonly the surface couple of inches of soil. It is then best to plant straigh away into the soil so that the cover crop is still decomposing while your cabbages etc. are growing.
You do not need to add any nitrogen and don't add any lime and the higher acididty may slow the growth down a bit but your cabbages etc, will be hugely more good for you.
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