I live in Oregon, and this time of year we seldom get more then 3 or 4 days
at a time without rain (if that much). As a result my backyard is quite wet
(mud), and the soil can't be easily worked with. Is there any way to
actually work with the soil to get cold weather crops planted? I'm tempted
to just dig a very shallow trench, plant my seeds, and cover it with mulch
or something that doesn't turn to mud when it rains. Any ideas?

On Sat, 25 Mar 2006 14:27:02 -0800, "Ook" Ook Don't send me any
freakin' spam at zootal dot com delete the Don't send me any freakin'
spam wrote:

I live in Oregon, and this time of year we seldom get more then 3 or 4 days
at a time without rain (if that much). As a result my backyard is quite wet
(mud), and the soil can't be easily worked with. Is there any way to
actually work with the soil to get cold weather crops planted? I'm tempted
to just dig a very shallow trench, plant my seeds, and cover it with mulch
or something that doesn't turn to mud when it rains. Any ideas?



Wet soil should not be worked. You can lay 2x12s and walk on these
instead of walking on the wet ground. Your best bet is waiting for
several days of dry weather, perhaps cover the area with a large tarp
during the rainy days.

On Sat, 25 Mar 2006 14:27:02 -0800, "Ook" Ook Don't send me any
freakin' spam at zootal dot com delete the Don't send me any freakin'
spam wrote:

I live in Oregon, and this time of year we seldom get more then 3 or 4 days
at a time without rain (if that much). As a result my backyard is quite wet
(mud), and the soil can't be easily worked with. Is there any way to
actually work with the soil to get cold weather crops planted? I'm tempted
to just dig a very shallow trench, plant my seeds, and cover it with mulch
or something that doesn't turn to mud when it rains. Any ideas?


If you don't care about turning the soil the method you are talking
about works. I plant onions and carrots early in the spring in Ohio by
covering the seed with planting mix or sand. I till in the fall for
these crops as it's rarley dry enough in the spring.

I use raised gardens to overcome that problem. The soil gets worked when I
can and then I rake it into hills 12 inches high, as long as I need them,
and 4 inches wide at the highest point. I lay my soaker hose on top and
plant on both sides of the soaker hose and water when and as needed. This
method also keeps potatoes from rotting from too much rain and makes weeds
easier to handle.

Dwayne

"Ook" Ook Don't send me any freakin' spam at zootal dot com delete the
Don't send me any freakin' spam wrote in message
...
I live in Oregon, and this time of year we seldom get more then 3 or 4 days
at a time without rain (if that much). As a result my backyard is quite wet
(mud), and the soil can't be easily worked with. Is there any way to
actually work with the soil to get cold weather crops planted? I'm tempted
to just dig a very shallow trench, plant my seeds, and cover it with mulch
or something that doesn't turn to mud when it rains. Any ideas?

You might try mixing in coarse sand. This will promote drainage and carry away

excess water. To make this more effective, you may have to grade the land to
encourage this drainage and provide a place for the runoff.

Sherwin D.

Ook wrote:

I live in Oregon, and this time of year we seldom get more then 3 or 4 days
at a time without rain (if that much). As a result my backyard is quite wet
(mud), and the soil can't be easily worked with. Is there any way to
actually work with the soil to get cold weather crops planted? I'm tempted
to just dig a very shallow trench, plant my seeds, and cover it with mulch
or something that doesn't turn to mud when it rains. Any ideas?