[AT] garden question; potatoes

[jtchall at nc.rr.com]

Our soil will crust over as well. For long rows you can take a potato digger 
and break the crust so the beans can come through. We also have a tool that 
goes on the tractor to break the crust. It is basically 1/2 of a set of 
rolling cultivators or a small section from a rotary hoe. It mounts 
underneath the tractor (Farmall Super A) and is spring loaded so as not to 
apply too much pressure. I have no idea why it is here, it is very old. It 
may have been bought to help prepare seedbeds if the soil had too many clods 
in it. It's too much work to put on for just a couple short rows.

John Hall


-----Original Message----- 
From: Herb Metz
Sent: Sunday, June 23, 2013 4:56 PM
To: Antique tractor email discussion group
Subject: Re: [AT] garden question; potatoes

Mike,
The only problem we have ever had with beans coming up is if ground crusts
over (rain packs the top of the soil, then sun dries and strengthens this
crust).   We normally anticipate this possible situation by placing a 4" or
6" board approx 1" above the soil.  If beans need watered, just water this
flat board.  The top of the soil stays moist, and relatively soft, and the
beans readily break through and come up.  As soon as they come up, remove
the board and 1" spacers.  Herb

-----Original Message----- 
From: Mike
Sent: Sunday, June 23, 2013 2:57 PM
To: Antique tractor email discussion group
Subject: Re: [AT] garden question; potatoes

I've had a tough time with green beans the last two years. Last year I
had to replant about 70% of them, this year about 40%. Not sure if it's
something I'm doing wrong or the weather. I've never had problems with
beans in the past.  They just don't come up.

Mike M