Troy-Bilt 8 HP - Manual (Page 32)

SPECIAL TROY-BILT GARDENING TECHNIQUE
How to make raised beds for planting
It’s easy to make raised beds
with the optional Hiller/ Furrower
Attachment. Most crops can’t grow
in wet soil or heavy clay condi­
tions because they can’t get the
air or nutrients they need for
growth. Raised beds can solve this
problem.
In addition, raised beds provide
a good irrigation system, discour­
age soil compaction (from walking
near the plants), give your soil ear­
lier and greater exposure to the
sun, increase the amount of top­
soil around the crops, and provide
looser soil conditions for root
crops to grow in.
You can even try wide row plant­
ing on raised beds. Rows can be
anywhere from 30 inches to 3 feet
apart, and 8 to 10 inches high.
Easy Steps to Raised Beds:
(1) Till under sod or crop residues
and work soil into a deep, smooth,
loose seedbed.
W-
■
t-
■
I
(2) Place row-marker stakes at proper
intervals; attach hiller/furrower and
make your rows.
-
’*1
I
(3) Hold the handlebars with both
hands and use faster tiller and engine
speeds.
(5) Use furrower to make irrigation
trench at ends of rows.
SOIL ENRICHMENT IDEA
LEAVES—Leaves are an excellent
(and free) natural fertilizer that will
do wonders for your soil’s fertility
and texture. In the fall, spread 6 to
8 inches of leaves on the ground
and till them under. If enough grow­
ing season is left, you can till once
again after a few days, and then
sow a cover crop.
(4) After planting seeds in ridges,
rake loose soil over top and firm soil
according to seed directions.
SOIL ENRICHMENT IDEA
SHEET COMPOSTING-AII manner
of organic material including weed-
free manure and mulches, leaves,
straw, hay and grass clippings can
be 'sheet composted” directly into
the soil. Just spread the material
around and till it under—it’s a lot
quicker than the lengthy compost-
pile process.
30