Digging

[RobsVeg]

Is it essential to dig my plot over with a spade at the back end of the year or could I rotavate it over then do it again early in the year? There are a lot of divided opinions on this, so far I have stuck to digging late on and rotavating early but need I be doing this?

[RobsVeg]

[ACE]

It was always good practice to dig roughly and let the frost do its bit. With these mild winters that are predicted I would rotovate, I am taking it as read that you have a clean plot so the weeds should not cause the problem you get if you try to rotovate new ground.

[kt.]

I would say it is personal preference, and mine is to dig not rotavate.  I dig it over with a spade at the end of the year and have just forked half of my plot this weekend. The rest will be forked when the weather permits. Some people dont dig at all. Only recommendation would be not to rotavate if you have a weed problem.

[silly billy]

I think its six of one half a dozen of the other with regards rotovating.We have taken on another plot and just don't have the time to dig the whole plot.I made a start but it was taking forever so last week we hired a rotovator for 20 quid and rotovated the lot in a morning.My thinking is that I would rather have all my plot turned then hoe and also remove some of the weeds as the season passes rather than not be able to use any of the ground I haven't dug.
I will rotovate every year now instead of digging.The transformation for one mornings work was amazing.

[OliveOil]

Interesting article in grow your own mag this month about no digging and just forking and twisting the soil loose and then raking over.

[kitten]

Yes, I saw that OO, i'm thinking of doing that at the end of the season.  Although, perhaps this first time we ought to dig it, just to show willing! x

[manicscousers]

we have a twirler,like a twisted fork, brilliant for weeding the edges of the beds  :)

[Amazin]

Do you mean a Garden Claw?

I've got one - it's a godsend! The hand tool size is great as well.

[manicscousers]

yeah, haven't got the hand one yet, they all laughed when I got it originally, not any more  ;D

[Amazin]

Too right.    ;D

I remember when they first came out, the gardening elite slagged them off mercilessly, saying they were just a gimmick for those faddy designer-gardening types with no interest in REAL gardening.

As someone with mobility and heart problems who these days can't lift a loaded fork without a fork-lift truck, I was outraged. It's the miracle piece of equipment in my shed - or it would be... if I had a shed.    :'(

[manicscousers]

I find it's good at the end of the season when the couch grass has infiltrated the sides of the bed, Same here, with the mobility, the couch twirls around and makes it easier to get out  :)

[cornykev]

I also have one,  my grandad gave it to me but when I first took it to the allotment I was told, Na useless them too much hassle and they normally break, I used it I thought it was great if you use it in heavy soil its no good but otherwise I thought it was great little tool.