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Eastern Pennsylvania

I need to break ground on a new patch. It rained Sunday night about 0.5 inches, do you think it will be safe to till tomorrow (Thursday)? It has been dry and windy since then. I get home well after dark so I can't check on the soil condition really. I'm on a tight schedule to get tilled and compost dumped so I might need to go tomorrow. Dry spells are few and far between right now. Thanks for all input. Jim

1/3/2007 11:31:24 AM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

If you can squeeze water out of the soil or if it is sticky grabby. I would not till. You could screw things up for the long haul. I prefer not tilling cold soil either, throws the delicate ecosystem for a hard loop.

1/3/2007 3:11:37 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Yep...grab a handful & squeeze. Then if no drips, touch it. If it crumbles you can till.

1/3/2007 4:03:42 PM

Eastern Pennsylvania

I don't have to do the squeeze test to know this soil is way too wet to work on tomorrow. I almost think I need to find a spot with better drainage. Thanks guys, better safe than sorry. Maybe I should just wait for spring? The weather has been crazy here.

1/3/2007 11:55:36 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

If one half inch of rain followed by the weather you described is still too wet then there is a problem. Pumpkins need deep well draining soil. Consider building UP by bringing large quantities of good (well rested) loamy farm soil in. PA should be loaded with good supplies at fair prices.

1/4/2007 12:28:59 AM