Plowing Garden In Fall-Winter Has Advantages Over Spring Tilling

Plowing Garden In Fall-Winter Has Advantages Over Spring Tilling

Gardeners often wonder whether plowing or tilling should be done in the spring or the cold season, but LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Thomas Koske says working the soil in late fall or winter has several advantages over the traditional spring plowing and tillage.

"Working soil in the late fall allows earlier spring planting, since the basic soil preparation is already done when spring arrives, "Koske says, adding, "The turning under of large amounts of organic matter is likely to result in better decomposition when done in the fall, since autumn and early winter soil temperatures are higher than those of late winter or early spring, and there is more time for the process to take place."

The horticulturist also says insects, disease organisms and perennial weeds may be reduced by killing or inactivating them through burial or exposure to winter weather.

Since more moisture is well retained on flat, bare ground, Koske also says to build high rows to plant early on less soggy soil. Some winters will get wet and stay wet into the spring; if need be, you can drag off the row tops and plant.

Incorporation of lime or rock fertilizers in the fall gives them time to become integrated with the soil and promotes spring plant growth, he says.

Fall plowing alone is not recommended for hillside or steep garden plots, however, since soil that is left exposed all winter in such locations is subject to erosion from spring rains.

"If a winter crop is grown to improve the soil and prevent erosion, the ground will have to be tilled in the fall to prepare the soil for seed and again in spring to turn under the green manure," Koske says. "A moldboard or bottom plow is best for turning over and burying green manure vegetation."

Spring plowing is better for sandy soils and those where shallow tilling is practiced, according to Koske. He notes that most gardens in general must be spaded, disked or rotary-tilled in the spring to loosen the soil for planting.

In addition, look for lawn and gardening and Get It Growing links in the LSU AgCenter Web site: www.lsuagcenter.com.