How to Grow More Vegetables : And Fruits, Nuts ... - Shroomery

3a. 4.
get used to!). However, people with back problems may need
long-handled tools. In fact, people with back problems and those
not in good health should check with their physician before
proceeding with the physically active process of double-digging.
The flat spade has a particular advantage in that it digs
equally deep all along its edge rather than in a pointed V
pattern. This is especially important in the double-dig since all
points in the bed should be dug to an equal depth. The blade
on the flat spade also goes into the soil at less of an angle and
without the usual shovel’s curve. This means the sides of the
bed can be dug perpendicular or even diagonally outward into
the path, a plus for root penetration and water flow.
You should only dig when the soil is evenly moist. It is easier
and also better for the soil. Digging a hard, dry soil breaks
down the structure, and it is difficult to penetrate. Wet soil is
heavy and easily compacted. Compaction destroys friable structure
and minimizes aeration. These conditions kill microbiotic
life. The main reason for drying-out periods after watering the
3a.Loosen the soil an additional
12 inches with a spading fork by
digging the tool in to its full depth
and then pushing the tool handle
downward so the fork tines will
lever through the soil, loosening
and aerating it. (See illustrations
on page 12 for loosening
compacted soil.)
4. Dig out the upper part of a second
trench 1 foot deep and 1 foot wide.
Move each spadeful of soil forward
(into the first trench), mixing the
soil layers as little as possible.
BED PREPARATION 11