When to plow

[Salthart]

I have been told never to plow wet ground.. But others have said its fine to do so as long as it gets rained on before it drys..Which is right ? This year, like last, We have had a very wet spring and I have not had a chance to get the ground turned. I don't plan to let it go so far this year even if I have to do it by hand. I just got the draw bar and lift link for my B-10 so I'm itching to get the plow in the ground ! Are tire chains and or weights a must ? ( I'm close to 300 lbs myself ) Any info along these lines would be great as I know very little about working the ground with small tractors.

[rokon2813]

Marty, a lot depends on how wet is wet? If it sticks to the plow, you'll make more mess than anything. Otherwise turn it whenever you want to. You want it a little damp anyway, or it will be like trying to turn concrete if its too dry. Especially if it wasnt turned at all in the last couple years. Besides that, the type of dirt will matter too. Best advice I can give, is to try it and see. If its too wet, you'll know. As for traction, same thing, no offense, but with your weight moving sideways over the high side tire, you may have enough. That also will depend on the type of dirt, how wet and type of tires.

[Ryan]

I like to plow in the fall because the winter weather really breaks down the ground. However; This will wash a lot of the minerals out of the soil and into the neighboring streams. This is a big no no is you are organtic. Always plow in the spring. A rule of thumb when to plow: if you make a mud ball and it is hard to break apart plow another day. When you can make a mud ball that sticks together and can be crumbled by making a fist it is ready.

[KenK]

Maybe I'm doing it wrong,but I always plow in the fall.The ground will work up very nice in the spring with a tiller.It seems like it will kill out the weeds also.My 2 cents worth.

[dirtsaver]

Marty I like to turn the ground when it's just damp like Dan and Ryan suggest. If you can plow in the fall it's better. Then just till in the spring like Ken.

[ka9bxg]

I always try to plow in the fall.The frost breaks up the clumps nice and is a lot easier to till.I have been adding mulch to the garden and it is helping some. The clay-loam here is hard and anything helps.I tilled my garden up a week ago and did get some peas in. I will wait a few more weeks before I put anything else in.Bob

[farmerik]

Go to the section with the brochures posted, and click on "WALKERS". Scroll down to the bottom of the list, and click on "SUPPLEMENT". There is a really great brochure on gardening with the two wheel Simplicities, but it talks about adjusting your plow, fall and spring plowing etc. etc. - FARMERIK in CT