[DIGGER]

Having now completed the end of season digging an manuring,I have covered part of the plot where i shall be growing broad beans and carrots [no manure] at the end of March.
I shall be away early March and thought i would give myself a start in ground prep,and just bung some growmore on before i go away and plant on my return.
It has been suggested to me that the ground needs to be open to the elements. Any coments appart from dont be so lazy.

[Salmo]

If you are on heavy soil you need to leave it open to allow the rain and frost to break it down.

If you are on easy working soil covering it will prevent nutrients leaching out. A green manure dug in a few weeks before planting is better.

There should not be many weeds germinating now the soil has cooled down and any that do will be easily dealt with in the Spring.

Personally I never cover soil in the winter. I believe that you should let the air and winter rains in and allow the birds to eat the bugs. Slugs love it under a plastic sheet.

To my mind the only time to cover soil is in the Summer months when the soil will be vacant and weeds will grow quickly. Again a green manure such as mustard or phacelia is probably a better bet.

[DIGGER]

I cleared that part of the lotte at the end of Aug,so i suppose the sheeting has done its job re weeds .
Think i will take it off next time down.
Cheers

[jazzbyrd]

A lot of people on my allotments cover their beds for the winter. I also cover unused beds. I cant really give you a scientific reason except that covering fits in with my lifestyle and would rather have less weeds to contend with in the spring. I have dug over layered over manure / compost and covered and left it for the worms to do their best. I will uncover in advance of planting (about two weeks). This should be long enough for the birds etc to do what they have to do!! I have raised beds and the soil doesn't need frosts to break it down.

Jazz

[paintedlady]

I have to say that leaving the bed open over winter to allow frost "to break up the soil" did not work for me, and concluded it was not scientifically sound - the RAIN just knocks the soil back and the whole thing gets compacted again  :?  I have covered beds, and found 2 advantages - it warms the soil up and encourages any weed seeds to germinate but as they are covered up, are weak, spindly & blanched and a quick hoe in spring soon sorts them out    Secondly. it warms the soil up nicely for sowing your own seeds, and also reduces waterlog which often delays sowing of seeds or planting of potatoes for most people if it has been a very wet winter/early spring  

[jazzbyrd]

Agrees!! with painted lady!!

Jazz

[gingercharlie]

spot on-painted lady

[DIGGER]

Interesting and thanks for the responses.At least no one called me lazy.

[Trillium]

I never covering my garden for winter because I do want those pesky bugs killed. Any areas where extra mulch has remained are always the wettest, coldest areas come spring so I must pull away the mulch to let the soil warm and dry up in the sun. Regardless of which way I've tried it, I find the soil in spring still needs a rotovating fluff up which also throws up more hidden weed roots and rock seeds  

[garddwr]

I think if you cover the frosts won't break the clumps

[compostqueen]

I don't make clumps so it doesn't need the frost to break it down. Seems perverse to me so I don't bother  

[cooperman]

As Grumbling Sid Grumpo said " The answer lies in the soil"
It all depends on what your soil is like, heavy to medium clay needs the frost, light friable soils need plenty of humus and covering.....

[DD.]

As Grumbling Sid Grumpo said "

You're on the right track! It's Rambling Sid Rumpo, but it was not that character. Right actor - Kenneth Williams - but the character was Arthur Fallowfield.

There - that's shown my age.