Build Home Made Tools for Managing Cover Crops In Back to Eden Gardening Method 101 with Wood Chips

[@hillbillyfarms3714]

Finally someone explaining how to crimp and what that means. Thank you so much

[@iamorganicgardening]

Glad it was helpful! Always here to share. THANK YOU.

[@SereneWingedHorse-kq2pn]

Fellow nj here, central, started cover crops about 5 years ago. So helpful info, doing sunflowers this year on a bed based on your previous vid. Love ur content! Keep it coming!

[@iamorganicgardening]

AWESOME, Thank You.

[@Jackiepoodle1]

Mark, I love the "MacGyver" approach. What ever it takes to get the job done is often the most practical and least expensive. Brain power is priceless!

[@Eniskuo]

always enjoy yours informative videos

[@iamorganicgardening]

THANK YOU.

[@schleifermax]

i have made some testbeds to try your ideas. make much sens and your success looks so good. i can't wait to see our beds next year. when this works, it is such a revolution in gardening i have't seen so far. the organic gardeners this time need so much compost or other biomass, which is much and not rearly sustanible, you have still to take from the highly productiv nature and make food. i need 10 gallons of compost to produce 3 to 4 gallons of food. and this is not like the nature does. the nature can start a garden without compost and over time the nature end up with a big forest... . thank you mark!!! i have thought much about that and you gave me the answer. i'm very happy thank YOU

[@iamorganicgardening]

THANK YOU.. You are so correct. We Need it to be simple. With very little inputs to none..

[@miketrev28]

Mark, I very much thank you for these wonderful videos. You are a national asset. I agree though that a scythe would be much quicker than the pruner contraption. Keep up the good work. Mike

[@iamorganicgardening]

YES.. you are correct. This is for the other people that just cannot use that tool correctly.

[@Jakearrian]

These videos are very helpful! Thanks.

[@iamorganicgardening]

There is so much to talk about, Just trying to stay on the key points. THANK YOU.

[@lindahipple4817]

hi Mark love your version of the old fashioned sykle mower! One person operation, no heavy tractor to manage...I've found heavy equipment going over tbw fields regularly compact the soil too much, used draft horses as long as I could.. blessings!

[@iamorganicgardening]

I can cut down a half acre in a full day with that cordless hedge trimmer.. I like it because the straw fall straight to the ground. Not in a pile . THANKS

[@lindahipple4817]

I AM ORGANIC GARDENING the sykle bar mower worked the same way,no piles of cut vegitation, but I like the fact a human doesn't weigh as a small tractor. Plus you're out in the field and you have time to really look and see whats really going on. I'm in zone 7 and not far from you, and I have done pastureand hayfields like you do your produce fields. I learned from my grandmother how to organic garden, who learned from her family thru the generations. Thankyou Mark, keep the great videos coming when time allows! Blessings! Shalom.

[@noregretswithkim6729]

This video was very helpful for me to be able to manage my cover crops using items that I already have on hand.

[@iamorganicgardening]

That is so GOOD to Hear.. Thanks for letting me know..

[@manasprodigy]

Love your videos. Simple and very informative

[@iamorganicgardening]

THANK YOU so very much. Have a great week.

[@wenchang5380]

Very creative!

[@iamorganicgardening]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@magz0626]

this was awesome video! im planting spring crops amongst straw mulch. glad to see i can crimp it down to grow my grains.

[@iamorganicgardening]

Glad it could help you.. THANKS for watching..

[@gisealdunn8]

I am so glad to have found your oh so very informative channel. Thank you for being so generous with your time and knowledge. You would think that with all your detailed information there would be no more questions, but I was wondering if in your "spare time" (ha, ha), you could make a series on cover crops. I am confused about whether to let it stand throughout the growing season and let it grow with the vegetables (as you do in some videos), or whether to cut it down or crimp it. Are there particular crops for which to let it stand and other for which to cut it down? Why not let weeds grow as a "cover crop" (other than henbit, dead nettle, dandelion, etc.), and why could you not use a lawn mover to cut the cover crop? Sorry for the lengthy post.

[@melissab8500]

Lol, I had a vague cloud of questions, thank you for clarifying all of them!

[@alisonjwebster]

Hi Mark, Once again thank you so very much for all the highly valuable content!! I planted field peas and oats in the fall and am having the worst time killing them off. I’ve even bent the stalks over by hand (small plot) a few times and walk over them every couple days but they’re still green and pretty healthy looking! What can I do?? My last frost date has come and gone so I’m feeling a little antsy.

[@ladybee56]

I have been listening to your videos which are very interesting! I am trying to do some backyard gardening in mostly pots or small raised beds. I'm new to gardening and want to say thanks for the time you've taken to share your knowledge, very helpful and educational. In this video, you mentioned planting some comfrey in with the cover crop. I looked it up as I didn’t know what comfrey is. I’m wondering why you use it? The article I came upon said it is an invasive non-native plant and suggested not to use it and listed some substitutes. However, it also seemed to have many benefits for other plants. Please share your thoughts on this. Also, would you clarify: After I plant my seed or the starter plant in the soil when do I cover it over with the leaf mold or wood chips?

[@douglochart1720]

Mark, I did not even have to ask you these questions (which I was planning to) and here you go already answering them ! Thank you. I struggled the year before with cover crops (annual rye and mustard). It was my first time and I assumed everything would winter kill and I also assumed that is what was needed. The surprise came when the crops took off like mad even after we trimmed them down and I ended up having to take valuable time to turn them in using a shovel and fork which was what I was trying to avoid. I might be a bit late but I still may put some rye down on a few beds (zone 7b/8a) but I have already covered several beds with shredded leaves. One question, I have okra that I plan to terminate this weekend after one last harvest should I leave the roots in the ground and cover with shredded leaves to allow the mychorizal fungi to survive or will they not make it through the winter ? Thanks !

[@iamorganicgardening]

Yes. Always leave the roots in the ground.. Even if the root dies the mycorrhizal will know sense that and then make spores to stay in the ground. If you remove the root it has very little chance to do that.. THANKS.. This will me in my next video...

[@allisonaclark9559]

Thank you so much Mark - really useful videos. I have a question about a field that is currently covered with grass. Would you recommend that I scrape off the grass and plant a cover crop, or should I use wood chip and sheet mulch to kill the grass and then plant a cover crop over that? It seems like less work to scrape off the grass and plant a cover crop. What would you suggest?

[@yxcvmk]

Wow! I was wondering, planning and researching for an easy diy crimper for my small garden. The idea is AWESOME and very basic, for everybody to rebuild. I have a few tools and metal at hand, therefor I might not use tin cans, but rather a strip of metal in the (hopefully) appropriate thicknes. However: Thank you once again for the Video and a great insoiration for something simple pretty much everybody can build!

[@iamorganicgardening]

THANK YOU for watching.. The metal will work GREAT.

[@yxcvmk]

Just watched again! Spring is coming an a crimper required ;-) Instead of the hedge trimmer, what are your thoughts on a weed eater (with a string). Any downsides you are aware of?

[@iamorganicgardening]

If you have to then YES. But with a string trimmer you will cut it up into a lot of little pieces. Which is fine but you should then mulch after planting with leaves, straw, etc. The reason I use the hedge trimmer is that when i cu it it give me longer pieces that will not decay as fast and I do not have to add mulch again.. THANKS

[@yxcvmk]

Makes perfect sense. Thank you for your insight!

[@MarcellaSmithVegan]

great video!

[@iamorganicgardening]

THANKS

[@nickslingerland4155]

Hey Mark you might have covered this another videos but what do you think about winter wheat?

[@diegocarmona2486]

Could you scythe and then spread over again?

[@iamorganicgardening]

Yes, that is a great way to do it also...THANK YOU.

[@surferdude-ll2qu]

Thnx Mark 👍🏻 💪🏽🌱

[@iamorganicgardening]

THANK YOU so very much.

[@RJSoftware2000]

Thank you for this explanation. Now I understand how to plant inside of cover crops and not to worry about the cover crop competing with actual crop. But I still have two questions. Did you have to dig down to soil to plant cover crops? And why not use regular lawnmower to chop and drop?

[@ybly6627]

Mark! Your DIY crimper for the cover crop is awesome, I recently terminated covercrop (buckwheat) didn't have the right tool for terminating so next time I'll be able to make my own tool...thank you sooo much for your phenomenal video.

[@KaleidoscopeJunkie]

Seems like a perfect job for a Scythe. I'm glad you mentioned how tall Rye gets. How long did it take to reach 6'? I was thinking of planting some to have greens over winter for the methane digester.

[@iamorganicgardening]

Once the spring starts here in April it is that tall by mid May.. There is 2 pictures of this on my google page... THANKS for watching.

[@iamorganicgardening]

@@VesnaVK Google no longer makes this page available, they took it down. I will post it on my FaceBook page. Link in the description.

[@jefflandsberg4251]

Mark, Thanks for covering this topic. I have raised beds with cover crops growing down the middle. Mark would you plant directly into the cover crops themselves or alongside of them? thanks

[@iamorganicgardening]

I would plant along the side of them.. THANKS

[@zepguwlthistle7924]

HELP i am in zone 5 and it takes all year to mature my plants because I have to plant so late, very short growing season. I am trying to start using cover crops and raised rows. Not sure how to get started since my vegetables will still be in the ground and if I wait to plant cover crops when veggies are finished, the cover crops won't have time to grow. I'm thinking if I go ahead and plant cover crops between my veggies that at least it will be a start with cover crops. What do you suggest to get started with cover crops in zone5? or just put down my compost and straw and cover with weed block and try the cover crops next year? I am in a dilemma

[@iamorganicgardening]

I fully understand how hard it is to grow in zone 5 time wise. I would try a cover crop of clover and type that is the cheapest to buy in your area. It is a perennial in your area ( but double check with the seed company you buy from ) . Plant now instead of oats maybe and just lay a wood board on top in very early spring to kill it of at least 30 days planting

[@HonuKai1265]

Hi Mark, I just discovered your channel and I love all the science behind the information you share. I have a question similar but slightly different from others here. I too am trying to kill out my yard (combo of grass and weeds) so I can landscape and plant gardens. About two weeks ago I already covered the front yard in cardboard and then a few inches of shredded bark mulch. It's very rainy in the Pacific Northwest, and the soil is compact clay and rocky. My question is this: when and how should I plant cover crops all over the yard so I can start building some nice soil? (The cardboard may be all decomposed by Spring.) Thank you!

[@zepguwlthistle7924]

that is soo cool putting the hedger on the rake! I am going to do cover crops for the first time this year. i figured by listening to you that oats as cover crop for areas to plant carrots or any seeds. Is that what you find to be true?

[@iamorganicgardening]

Yes. That is a great start. Thanks for asking.

[@JoshScandlen]

Mark, do you water your cover crops? Thanks!

[@iamorganicgardening]

No, But I have plenty of rain fall and my soil can hold water up to 6-8 weeks. If this does not happen I pray.. and try to water. Where I can.

[@ivenwolf5625]

awesome ideas I let some grass grow long to feed to animals and these ideas will be much better than me getting the lawn mower out to use for a couple minutes thanks

[@iamorganicgardening]

Thank You for sharing and writing...

[@SneekySingh]

Would the crimping method kill the winter rye, would it still grow back later in the season so you can crimp it again the following year, or would you have to buy more seed for the following season

[@ashleyshrader6679]

Can we not just use a push mower on the highest setting? I pull backwards and seems to work great.

[@iamorganicgardening]

You can.. But it will make it decay faster. That is why chrimping is used to slow the decay process down. Thanks

[@VonFowler-fw3yh]

I have used a sickle bar cutter and or a brush wacker with a tri tip blade. Both methods are quicker than your hedge setup. Used properly the green growth is laided down nicely and there is no problem for my seeder to slice the ground and deposit a seed. The CBS tiller let's the handles pivot to the side so I don't walk in the raised bed and they offer wheel extensions, there by moving the wheels off the bed and straddles it. Extensions come in differ lengths to accommodate different size mound widths and of coarse they offer different size tires so you can elevate the tractor motor above the bed. Many uses can be found for a CBS TILLER. Living with a small pension keeps me from affording my own tiller so I'm forced to rent or borrow. The problem is I can't always use it when I need it and lately he has been upping the rental fees. I always disinfect the unit before use because I worry about bringing in soil diseases from other gardeners.

[@bobcraig1607]

Are you planting your vegetable crops in the cover crop area or in the area where the wood chips are?

[@iamorganicgardening]

Both, I will show you how in lots of different ways. As soon it stops raining and gets a little warmer. THANKS for asking.

[@geneeddleman2132]

very interesting. I have some questions: 1. why not just use a rotary mower to lower the height of the rye, etc? 2. are the chipped areas the walkways, and the cover cropped rows, your growing rows? Lastly, would using a broadfork or potato fork to loosen (not turn) the soil under the cover crop mess up the funge, etc?

[@iamorganicgardening]

Hi. Answer to # 1 ..you can, but it will decay faster and let more weed grow. # 2 Yes. Answer to #3 . Very slightly , but will repair quicly if you have a living root. Your goal with broadforking is do it less every year and then stop.

[@thesoganilb8867]

cogon grass is my problem in the area how can I manage them?

[@maxdecphoenix]

What is your opinion on mixing leaves into cover crop philosophy. Leaves have a tendency to smoother everything out, which sounds great right after rolling a cover-up, except that leaves tend to linger around for several years which could cause problems germinating the following years cover-up.

[@dstringf]

Would using a lawnmower on it's highest deck setting work for this purpose?

[@iamorganicgardening]

When you crimp it you leave the whole stem in-tack. If you cut it you will make it decay 3 times faster. I most cases you do not want that you wish to keep the material there as long as possible to keep the weeds down, moisture in and the soil covered. THANKS

[@ericdee2525]

Is this still the method you are using for crimping? Seems difficult for anything other than a super small scale. I was looking in to a roller crimper for my riding mower, but the prices are astronomical :D

[@tomhill1713]

Hi Mark, is there a way to make using cover crops possible in a small grow plot like 4' x4' or 4' x8'?

[@iamorganicgardening]

YES. I also answer your other question.. What type o soil do you have? just sand, clay and sand and of what % each. And how well does it drain? Thanks

[@tomhill1713]

My soil is pretty heavy clay. I've been tilling leaves and compost into the garden area since I moved here. It was new construction so I'm sure all the native soil was removed and replace with someone's basement soil. So in a small garden plot would I still use a perennial ? I'm afraid of it getting weedy.

[@iamorganicgardening]

Since you have a raised bed you do not have to till and more..Just plant a few inch on top as a mulch. You can plant a few strawberries plants around the edge or make rows of then just a few plants per row. NOW you have a perennial root to grow soil and you can enjoy to.. Made a video on it. This is the link : kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJm0eoeEfrNkr7c . THANKS

[@geneauger]

Hi Mark another question is it okay to plant just clover and keep it trimmed after planting?

[@iamorganicgardening]

YES,, if you can plant a very different types also.. THANKS

[@geneauger]

Thanks

[@Xanian13]

How you grow potatoes this way? after all you would/will have to dig up the soil and cover crop to get to the potatoes

[@iamorganicgardening]

Yes, you are correct. But it is easier and faster too repair the soil with a cover crop. Thanks For asking.

[@joshspeece9617]

what would be the issue with just running it over with a mulching lawnmower?

[@iamorganicgardening]

Nothing.. If you wish to kill it. I do not wish to do that, but just leave it - say a foot tall. Thanks for asking..

[@redddbaron]

I use a mulching lawnmower adjusted to maximum height.

[@guycanada1944]

Red Baron Farm. Does it kill it off or will it keep growing?

[@GodJesusPray444]

How many things have you stuck a hedge trimmer to ? Lol , just messing man, great channel and very well explained .

[@iamorganicgardening]

Endless things.. lol THANK YOU for watching and the laugh to...ENJOY.

[@phillipaiken9879]

Would it hurt to run over your winter rye with a lawn mower or field mower? Seems that would be a quicker way to terminate the rye cover crop.

[@iamorganicgardening]

No, it would not hurt.. BUT the reason you crimp is to not chop up the rye in small pieces ( small pieces will decay faster) . You wish to have cover from the long crimp stalks covering the soil long to prevent weed growth and the keep the soil cool. THANK YOU for watching.

[@pkirkey6932]

Any reason I can’t use my mulching lawnmower , no bag, on it’s highest setting to trim the rye? What are the benefits of rye over oats in the case where you are going to terminate?

[@iamorganicgardening]

It is worth a try...THANKs.

[@dwills135]

Thanks for the video, would you say it's too late to plant cover crops now before winter? I live in Virginia zone 7

[@iamorganicgardening]

The best answer is Call a seed company in your area and ask them for there knowledge about that. If you go back to the other video there is a free download book on that also..THANKS for asking..

[@VogonPoet81]

when do you terminate the cover crop?

[@iamorganicgardening]

A week before or at planting time.. THANKS

[@VogonPoet81]

I AM ORGANIC GARDENING thank you. I was listening while I was at work and afraid I missed that. I'll have to try this. So do you plant this very early spring or in the fall?

[@VonFowler-fw3yh]

Instead of that clamp on the clippers I take a wide, inch or so, strap of Velcro, wrap it a couple of times, and it works better for me.

[@squidbeard492]

I just weed eat, and lay rows of cardboard. Then use a drill with an auger to make a hole in the cardboard and dig straight into the ground. Cover crops between the rows can reseed for the next year.

[@browntownorganics2172]

How thick are you wood chips?

[@iamorganicgardening]

10 inch. The cover crop is grown in a raised bed part..THANKS for asking..

[@anonymousme9329]

What about regular lawn grass? Would we want to just dig a small hole in the lawn and plant in it? Serious question. I have a lot of grass and no funds available for building raised beds etc. Could I just dig holes and plant tomatoes and peppers etc? I don't know what the soil is like under there. Does regular lawn grass have too thick/short roots for this to work?

[@iamorganicgardening]

Regular lawn grass will not work. You do not have to buy a raised bed wood kit. Just dig soil and place in a mound at least 8 inch tall and 2 feet wide. You can use card board on the sides at an angle and hold down with rocks. Now just buy some rye grass and sunflower seeds and plant into the mound.. THANKS

[@anonymousme9329]

Thank you

[@anonymousme9329]

Another question. I don't really have any soil to dig up from anywhere. I do have access to a horse barn nearby that will give me manure. I haven't seen it but I imagine it has bedding such as wood chips in it. Could this be my "soil"? I also have some half composted leaves from last fall and straw with chicken manure in it from our coop. Do I need to get some actual dirt from somewhere?

[@iamorganicgardening]

I am SORRY I did not make my self clear. The soil you are going to mound is from your ground. You are going to dig a ditch on both sides of the raised you are going to mound, Dig 4 inch deep and 2 feet wide. Then go back and fill with wood chips as a walk way.. Hope you understand. DO NOT BUY DIRT or get the manure..

[@anonymousme9329]

OK I should have known that from your other videos. I don't think that will work in the area I wanted to use. I wanted to plant in an area full of tree roots that are rising to the surface and making it difficult to mow there. I will have to do more thinking about how to use that area. It might not be a good planting area.

[@portiaholliday8741]

I will just buzz cut with my hedge trimmer and let the cut parts lay and decay. Yes, I like your second method. No tin cans or me.

[@iamorganicgardening]

GREAT.. Simple is better. Thanks for writing...

[@IAmKerryWatson]

MacGyver 🔨 🎉

[@iamorganicgardening]

Great Comment. Thanks. Enjoy

[@christineroyer570]

Could you just use a riding lawnmower to cut the cover crop rather than the electric hedge trimmer, or does the hedge trimmer allow for a closer cut to the ground?

[@iamorganicgardening]

The goal is not to cut it into little pieces. But make a large mat to decay slower.. THANKS for asking

[@rudicerb97]

Last Fall I let white mustard grow as cover crop. It's becoming more and more popular with this purpose by farmers in this country.

[@iamorganicgardening]

FANTASTIC.. THANK YOU for sharing.

[@billbaskin4631]

Hello Mark...change of topic please. Question, “Do you have experience using a nylon trellis where needed for certain veggies? And if so, what are your thought please?” I am retired (old 😊) and do not have help in the garden. But I do need something.

[@iamorganicgardening]

I would try hard not to use it. Reasons why I do not like it. Whatever you grow on it is not strong enough to hold it. YOU must still have a very strong frame to use it. When the crop is done most likely you have throw it out. It is so hard to remove dead plant material from It. A wire wesh on you can use broom to remove dead material. THANKS

[@billbaskin4631]

Very helpful. Thank you. Do you have a preferred size/vendor? Generally speaking, does one size fit all?

[@izzzzzz6]

I'm looking at the sack barrow in the shot with the 2 rakes and the hedge trimmer and i'm thinking why wouldn't you attach the hedge trimmer to the sack barrow!

[@mjk9388]

So what's the easiest and most effective way to build better soil over time? Is it wood chips, leaves or cover crops or is it a combination of those 3?

[@iamorganicgardening]

A combination of all 3. Just like in nature. Never bare soil and a living root in the ground all year round.. THANK YOU for watching..

[@norweavernh]

ok I think Ive got it. I will use the hedge trimmer method and naturalize spots throughout my garden space by planting a perennial or 2 and veggies w complementary plants, (tomatoes w basil, marigolds and , peppers w garlic etc) according to the mycoryssal chart, and spread these areas around the garden in various spots. Right in the debris after clearing a small spot.

[@iamorganicgardening]

PERFECT.. It is going to work and look GREAT. THANK YOU.

[@norweavernh]

Thanks so much Mark. I have learned tons from your videos. Im looking forward to playing with this new combination of bte and traditional permaculture.

[@nshue23]

This is a few years late, but couldn't you just use a law roller to crimp the rye? Normally the lawn roller dosent disturb grass because it's just the leaf being rolled over, but once the straw grows it should break the straw below the leaf.

[@iamorganicgardening]

Yes, I have been doing that also with a water filled one. But you have to add a metal edge every 5 inches on the roller drum to make the crimp work. If you just flatten the rye it will stand back up about 20 % to 40% again

[@michaelalexander6064]

I know this is an old video but I am curious, Why not just use a scythe to cut your cover crop? I have heard people say using a sharp scythe is even easier than electric or gas-powered tools.

[@iamorganicgardening]

The scythe is a great tool. But if you grow winter rye it will grow back like grass. But if you crimp the stems it will kill the plant and leave a dry mulch that is connected to the roots that ill not blow away. Plus a scythe will gather material to on side. Crimping keep it in place, THANK YOU so very much for asking. Happy gardening.

[@bigal25938]

I planted rye last fall and screwed a shape metal angle to a 3’ two by four and tried crimping. I guess I ain’t fat enough cause the rye stood back up in a couple days. Cutting it with a weed eater and will spread it where I need it. Got it cut and raked off. Ain’t never planting that crap on my garden again.

[@MK-tu1zh]

I love your ingenuity, but why don't you use a weed eater? Or the old fashioned scythe.

[@iamorganicgardening]

You wish not to cut it up to fine pieces or spread it around to much. The KEY is cover the soil as much as you can. THANK YOU.

[@dystopiagear6999]

I've seen other videos on making your own hand-held crimper and they're hilarious because they all rely on adding a ton of weight to them. That's *dumb*... you just end up with a tool that will tire you out a lot faster. Rather than making it weigh 50 or 100#, just stand on the dang thing! Also, you don't need nails anywhere near that long just to tack down the tin. You're just taking a chance on splitting the wood. Use whatever you've got, but overkill is not always the best! Other than that, great concept.

[@iamorganicgardening]

I found out something new that you need at least 400 lbs of pressure to crimp well.

[@dystopiagear6999]

@@iamorganicgardening ...right, but that's not as difficult as it sounds if you apply the weight to a very small area. The idea that springs to mind is to bolt a piece of angle iron across the bottom of the crimper, or carve it into a triangle cross-section, so the contact point is, well, pointy. By contrast a really wide contact area spreads the weight out over a much greater distance, reducing the pressure at any contact point. Like how snowshoes work.

[@dystopiagear6999]

Crimping may never be perfect; I've seen plenty videos where people drag big *heavy* purpose-built or cobbled-together contraptions over cover crops with tractors and still have to go over it all twice or three times. Seems like overkill to me, and I would think they're getting right back to compacting the soil. Perhaps a 80 or 90% effective rate for crimping is a good balance between killing most of the cover plants without using a ton of energy or smashing down the nice fluffy vibrant soil we're all trying to establish?

[@chevy6299]

A weed eater would work too and most people have one. Just have to control the hight.

[@iamorganicgardening]

GOOD IDEAL. that will work great too. THANK YOU..

[@boboscurse4130]

Hey isn't that what they use to make crop circles? :)

[@iamorganicgardening]

YES, you found me out...Good eye.

[@jackdula2459]

use roofing tacks please

[@iamorganicgardening]

GOOD IDEA, Thank You...

[@james-jq8sk]

Just use a garden strimmer, or for smaller areas dig in by hand, the Macgyver approach looks a bit ineffective...

[@iamorganicgardening]

I agree, but have lots of people that think and concern the plastic string is not organic

[@michaeltodd813]

A scythe would be faster and a little exercise also.

[@iamorganicgardening]

You do not wish to move the material away.. and a scythe moves it to the end on the pass. You what to keep the soil cover. THANKS.

[@maxdecphoenix]

I AM ORGANIC GARDENING fall depends on the users position relative to the row, and stroke used. Like if you straddled the row, and do a normal arc stroke, the blade would be cutting perpendicular to the length of the row. Vegetation could possibly be thrown some. However, if you stand on one side of the row, and only use a quarter stroke or even a hacking stroke, the blade would be traveling parallel to the row and deposit the vegetation pretty much in place. Still, if you have the means, and the plant is responsive laying it is probably still more efficient.

[@danacross3427]

I'm sure this has been asked but I haven't been able to find an answer so I guess the best method is just ask the question. With cover crops I am confused how you plant and weed your crop. Weeds will come up in your cover crop. Your cover crop will compete with your real crop. If you have to trim your cover crop back regularly then I don't see the advantage over weeding the garden which mulching does without cover crops. I'm sure I'm missing the message here but having to control a cover crop versus weeds doesn't seem like much of a difference.

[@iamorganicgardening]

Hi, This is a video I made that will answer all your question ...If not PLEASE write Back. This is the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqjaoGZ7qbZ9iaM . THANK YOU for asking.

[@danacross3427]

Yes I watched that video. I still don't believe that something can be smothered and produce a crop. Surviving plant that you showed doesn't speak to the crop production. I've seen my share of gardens choked out with weeds and they didn't produce well. What have you noticed? IF you can get production and low maintenance I'm all for it.

[@iamorganicgardening]

That's OK, I just have to give you more information. A cover crop ( cover we want ) reduces weeds by growing soil. The soil grows by all those roots and mycorrhizal fungi. Sunlight feeds the plant. The plant uses the sunlight for power to run. Now the plant takes CO2 from the air, release the O2 for Us and puts liquid carbon in the soil to feed the soil food web via mycorrhizal fungi. Now WEEDS do not us mycorrhizal fungi to live. So all other plants get stronger and produce better.. Now my smothered of crimping all the soil food web was being feed and growing soil. Now our new plants or seeds will survive the same way in harmony. One last thing ( LIQUID CARBON ) that plants make can produce acids to dissolve sand. silt and clay so the plants can get nutrients from them . Also the plants feed the soil food web and they eat each other releasing plant available nutrients 24/7 -365 days a year. No days off for holidays, maybe earth day.. THANKS

[@danacross3427]

OK thank you, that clarifies the issue. What have you noticed about production with this method?

[@iamorganicgardening]

All good. If there was a problem I could not make money are my 20 acre farm to support my 2 sons and myself. My beautiful wife passed away when my sons where 6 & 4 years old, 15 years ago.

[@keithmcdonald1376]

Crimping and mowing after planting risks cutting the new plants

[@stewpidaso26]

why does crimping kill the crop but cutting it really short doesnt?

[@arlingtonheet5211]

If all you're doing is knocking it down, why not just drag a piece of plywood? Or use a weighted 2x6 with some low wheels tacked onto the ends? You'd knock everything down much faster with less effort and less repetitive motion.

[@iamorganicgardening]

You need to CRIMP it..not just knock it down. Crimping is braking the step of the plant. THANK YOU for asking,,

[@dstrbd223]

Why don't you want to till it in? That goes against everything I've ever heard?

[@iamorganicgardening]

Hello, Thanks for asking.. We have come to learn that tilling of any kind destroys soil. No were in nature does tilling ever take affect. More And More farmers today are using no till seeders and having also 10 to 15 % increase in yield.

[@dstrbd223]

I AM ORGANIC GARDENING I have to till. My hard clay is like concrete and has no organic material. It doesn't drain. So yes, I have to till in.

[@iamorganicgardening]

My soil is the same as yours hard clay, Sir. if you would like to try a test to fix this. Build a raise bed of clay 8 inch tall and 2 feet square. Then just plant a lot of annual rye grass no fertilize of any kind except worm casting. Water, let grow, never cut or till that bed again. Then in the fall you will be able to place you hand in to the soil with out digging hard. The roots of the rye grass has open the clay with the help of mycorrhizal fungi that is in the soil for free. Watch my video on this. Click this link to it...THANKS. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y4DCimCng514sLM .

[@johnlvs2run]

I have a better method. I've been cutting my yard for years with a sharp 7" kitchen knife, or a 14" machete. The kitchen knife is super fast, and the machete covers a bigger area but slower so I use either one. I stoop down, swing the blade, periodically switching sides, and this is interestingly faster than mowing. This is also more versatile as I can cut any length of grass, wet or dry, to any length that's desired. As long as a person is flexible, this is also quite excellent for exercise.

[@iamorganicgardening]

I fully agree with you.. What a great way to work with it... THANK YOU for sharing

[@erwinbrubacker7488]

Are those nails long enough, 😂

[@rsoubiea]

looks like you are making crop circles, lol.

[@iamorganicgardening]

IT does. But it is a great path to walk on in the spring and it is not muddy. THANK YOU for watching.