Years ago I was given a copy of Ruth Stout's book, No-Work Garden Book. It was first published in 1953.
It open my thought to a more sustainable method to growing. Salt marsh hay has been used in the greenhouse to improve the poor soil and to provide insulation in the winter and the summer by keeping the soil temperature and moisture more consistent. Here at the Annisquam Herb Farm the area referred to as the Back 40 was planted with clover and buckwheat. The soil has been very heavy. Each year composted materials have been added but the soil was still in need of improvements.
This year the plan it to plant potatoes in rows leaving the clover and buckwheat in wide aisles in between.
Benefits of No Till Systems
There are a lot of potential benefits that farmers and gardeners can reap when adopting reduced tillage or no-till practices. Some of the most common benefits include:
- Reduced weed pressure
- Better water infiltration and retention
- Improved plant health due to improved soil health and structure
- Reduced labor inputs
Reduced till or no-till practices aim to create a more holistic approach that mimics nature, and can be integrated into any size farm or garden.
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