Garden Setup - Tilling, Amendments & Mulch

This year, I’ve decided to expand the garden, so today I’ve taken to opportunity to make a video.

Tilling
Tilling is generally not recommended for continually gardening, as it disturbs the soil structure. However, when initially setting up a plot, it may be required to mix in soil amendments, and to reduce compaction.

Soil Amendments
There are many types of soil amendments, some common ones that I’ve found quite useful are listed below:
• Compost - Required to add organic matter to soil, which retains water, and feeds nutrients to plants.
• Peat Moss - Adds organic matter to the soil, increases drainage, reduces compaction.
• Limestone Powder - Provides calcium to the plants, which is required for healthy growth.
• Wood Ash - Also known as potash, contains minerals and metals the support plant growth.
• Charcoal – Also known as biochar, it is a light, porous material which improves water retention and drainage.
• Clay Buster - Useful for reducing stickiness and compaction of clay soils.

Mulch
Based on my gardening experience, I would consider mulch to be a requirement. Without mulch, soil drys very easily, and weeds growth is accelerated. The sun also bakes the organic matter directly out of exposed soil.

The mulch I use claims to reduce water consumption by 70% and weed growth by 80% with a 3 inch layer. Based on my experience, these figures are accurate. Mulch has saved me a significant amount of work. Mulch can be purchased, but can often be obtained for free, as tree clippings.

Timestamps
0:00 - Intro
0:40 - Moving Wooden Border
2:53 - Grass Disposal Options
6:47 - Tilling
8:32 - Soil Amendments
15:36 - Mulch
17:44 - Results
18:01 - Outro