Summer Ends, Now Fall Garden Preparation for Soil Health

It's the end of summer. What's next for fall bed preparation? Here's how we approach terraces on sloping land, permanent raised beds, and introducing cover crops.

Applying manure, lime, and biomass adds fiber to beds. Flail powering breaks down most of the overgrowth. Raised beds layer chop and drop of spring gardens. Summer overgrowth feeds the soil.

Between growing seasons, expand beds, do minor earthworks, and even shallow tillage before cover crops. Be mindful of water flow, erosion, and contour design for the highest utility.

Two lessons learned: 1. Wide terraces are easier for equipment. 2. Double-reach beds are best for handwork. Both can exist in the same garden environment. Let your slope decide.

Shallow tillage disturbs grass while incorporating surface crop residue. In this case, it is done mainly to shape beds; tillage won't be necessary for the future. The key is to grow biomass to support soil health.

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