1. No-till Gardening Bill King

2. A Brief History In the 1950’s Ruth Stout popularized the idea of heavy mulching among U.S. gardeners In succeeding decades commercial agriculture began implementing “no-till farming,” drilling seed into the stubble of previous crops and using heavy applications of herbicides Three years ago at the All Gardeners’ Meeting Molly’s brother introduced the theory that the ecological communities in each soil layer should be protected – no-till gardening

3. Pros: Less work over span of year Fewer weeds (weed seeds not brought to the surface by tilling) Better water retention Builds organic matter in soil and adds carbon, nitrogen, and other plant nutrients Feeds soil organisms – remember earthworms are your friends Does not disturb soil layers which may improve soil fertility

4. Cons: Requires some up-front work May retard soil warming in spring May harbor pests like harlequin bugs Uh, there must be more, I just can’t think of any

5. Remove winter weeds

6. Fill in holes and add amendments

7. Add mulch

8. Push aside mulch and dig a hole to plant a plant

9. Push aside mulch and cut a furrow to plant seeds

10. Watch ‘em grow

11. Always arrange for moral support