How do I convert a weed and grass covered area into a fertile garden plot for late summer planting in San Diego, CA?
I want to turn a hard-packed weed and grass infested area with two garden plots on it into one big giant garden for late summer planting. I need advice on how to transform it in the easiest, quickest, cheapest way possible. Any suggestions taken!
Come mid-October, I want to be planting potatoes, lettuce, romanesco, snap peas, carrots, beats, and radishes.
Currently, I have a tarp and some cardboard down to kill the grass and weeds underneath. I will also be rototilling. I may get a truckload of compost or topsoil as well. Should I be utilizing leaves from a nearby avocado tree that fall? The corn still standing in one of the plots could also be used?
This is in San Diego, CA.
Answers ( 1 )
I've gardened all my life and I think some general concepts apply despite my experience being in a very different location on the continent. I'm in Ontario, Canada where the growing season starts about mid-April and ends mid-September. But I have transformed large plots of grass and weeds into garden plot with little more than a rototiller. Since you say all ideas are welcome, I'll just share what I did and let you take it from there. I did not try to kill the weeds and grass because I considered them to be good green manure if tilled under and left to rot. In other words, I did not use compost or topsoil, but allowed the weeds and grass to decompose in the soil instead. This was decades ago and I do not remember if I planted garden the first year or if I let this sit over winter. In my part of the world, letting it sit over winter would have allowed it to freeze, aiding the decomposing process.
Rototilling the newly thawed and dried out soil (soil has to dry out after the winter snow and spring rain) would have further broken down the decomposing fiber of grass and weeds and roots, leaving a rich topsoil for the garden. I am not familiar with the climate and soil conditions in San Diego, whether a similar process would occur with rain and sun, but probably not fast enough to be ready for planting by mid-October. I mentioned it because you asked for cheap and it is by far the cheapest in dollars and cents but not in time. To further build up the soil, I would cut up the plants after they were harvested and rototill them back into the soil. My Dad worked that way on the farm and my sister took it a step further. When a part of the garden was done, she planted cover crops like rye and buckwheat that she let grow tall and lush, then tilled back into the soil.
For local help, you might also be able to get tips and information from nearby nurseries and agricultural extension offices. I think that's what I have read they are called in the States. The study of plants, gardening, etc. is a well-developed science so you should be able to find local information. I just can't think of the proper names of the various disciplines. Horticulture is one. Agriculture is another. I have also found informal local gardening groups on Facebook that are very helpful. They will know where to get the supplies you need and what works in your area.
All the best with your gardening project. The fruit of your labours will taste so good!