Garden Soil Preparation

Question

Hello,
I am trying to prepare my garden soil for Spring planting and am wondering if, when double digging the garden, it would help to add apple peals and/or oak tree leaves which dropped last Fall. I have also added diluted fish fertilizer.
Thank You So Much For Your Great Gardening Information in Your Weekly Newsletter,
Ranny McMurry

Answer 1

The latest in soil science shows that all that double digging is actually harmful. Gardeners are advised to dig a hole just big enough for the plant – that’s it! That’s a hard swallow if you, like me, have been digging or tilling for many years. I also have a hard time believing no amending soil by digging in compost or peat is also frowned upon. Current recommendations are to add compost, leaves, etc to the top and let the worms and critters drag them into the soil. I’ll give you links at the bottom of my reply. As to adding peels, etc don’t do it. Peels are much better once composted than raw. Shredded oak leaves, or chopped by a mower, are best used as a mulch where they will compost in place. I hate to spoil all your fun; I know what a day of double digging does to the soul.
http://gardenprofessors.com/building-healthy-soils/