how to break in new ground?

gusbratz · Oct 3, 2013

I am clearing about an acre of wooded property because I want to plant a big garden. I am cutting trees and diggig stumps as i go. 14-18" oak & maple and some big white pine. We got most of it done and hope to finish before winter. even though the stumps are out there are tons of feeder roots that i don"t think i could plow. i made a root rake for my dozer but am afraid it will just make a snarled mess. i am thinking i could just level it and then disc it and plant buckwheat and try plowing that in in the spring. soil is heavy clay. maybe the roots will break down some by then? any recomendations on how do handle new ground like this? thanks.

GordoSD · Oct 3, 2013

Use that backhoe and dig deep, a square trench around those diseased tree in the back. Tip them over and pull them out with the dozer. Won't be many roots left.
For garden medium tillage with disc will suffice. You will need to scrounge several big loads of grass clippings too.

LAA · Oct 4, 2013

If you have a root rake you can pull the roots out while more or less deep breaking the ground, which is just what you want to do to mellow new ground, get the ground softened up and water penetration, after raking the exposed roots will degrade a good bit over one Winter and a good discing will cut the roots to trash in the spring. Plant rye grass or whatever works for a winter cover crop in your area as soon as possible.

SteveinMo · Oct 4, 2013

Seee if you can find a dairy farmer around you. I buy manure for $20 a pickup truck loaded and it is cleaner than from a horse farm. Put as many loads as you can afford on then disc. It really helped getting my clay to start breaking down. Also put in any type of crop and plan to use it for green fertlizer in the spring by discing it in.

Dean Olson · Oct 6, 2013

Add lots of organic matter and till it in.

I have a local high end stable that has no pasture and uses lots of wood shavings for bedding. They feed high quality hay so I don't have much weed problems with it.

I also have made a deal with the local tree trimmers and let them dump their shredded limbs.

It was into the 4th year before my heavy gumbo clay started getting friable and working good.

how to break in new ground?

gusbratz

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GordoSD

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LAA

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SteveinMo

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Dean Olson

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