Gardening Methods

No-till garden.?

I am trying to develop a no-till garden. Right now the spot I want to use is planted in sweet corn. What would be good crops to grow over the winter to help prepare the soil and also provide organic material and mulch for next year? I live in southern illinois. I am considering using a mix of legumes for nitrogen fixation, something else for organic material/mulch, and possibly another crop with deep roots for soil penetration. I would like to be able to start planting no till by the last week of april. If anyone has any experience in no-till gardening I would like to hear your input. Thanks

Hi – I have had good luck with Crimson Clover as a cover crop.

Here is one link that compares some alternatives:
http://www.ncsu.edu/sustainable/cover/win_ann.html

Good luck

How to Compost : Learn Organic Garden Composting Online : How Nitrogen Affects Compost