When tilling soil or clay dirt.........is it better to have the ground slightly moist or dry?

Question

why and how so?

have read in the garden book to not till when the ground is wet...but I was thinking that you would want the ground slightly moist so that the dirt doesnt just break up into a million pieces and just would turn over nicer.

what would be your estimate as to which is true or not and which specific reasons for this?

Thanks for your answers!

Answer 1

Most people use machines, with these if the soil is moist the machine clogs. Only thing I can think of for saying this......

Clay is a pain.....

Answer 2

Our neighbor tilled our garden for free.  His only request was that we get the soil good and moist, not soggy.  He said that the moist soil holds down the dust and also helps the tines get through the soil easier, so there is less chance of breaking a tine.

Answer 3

yes this is true, you want it kind of moist so it will be better to work with.

Answer 4

The soil has its own moisture which will be sufficient.  Too moist, and the machine's augers will clump with mud.....

If the surface is dry, you can spray it down to eliminate dust, but only a quick spray

Even though the surface may look dry, the soil will have moisture about 1/2 -3/4 of an inch below the surface.

Good luck

Answer 5

I've owned and used tillers for over 30 years. I've never seen soil, especially clay, which was too dry to till. However I have seen a lot of it which was too wet. When soil, especially clay is too wet it just sticks to and clogs the tines, making it impossible to operate the tiller. As one of the previous responses said, soil, even though it looks bone dry on top, has moisture down inside. I have started tilling at times only to have to quit after the first or second pass as the soil was too wet inside and had to be let sit and dry. I'd never water soil on the assumption that it's too dry. Go by the old farmers lament, "Too wet to plow, too dry to plant".