Question
reside in Colorado Springs (zone 6) and have been planting a vegetable garden for several years.  However, I'm looking for the most productive way to incorporate organics into my garden plot.

I'm planting a vegetable garden of about 750 square feet.  I plan to rent a roto tiller this year and work in about a yard of home-made compost (it's been composting since early last fall).  I'll also add about 5 bags of mushroom compost and 5 bags of steer manure.

Two questions:
1)  This is March 11.  With the warm weather lately in my area, is this a good time to till the materials into the soil?  I can plant later, if need be.  (our typical last day of freeze is around May 1)

2)  Does my list of organic materials seem like a good enough amount and balance (alkaline clay soil)?  Much of the area I will till has not been used as a garden before.  Thank you.

Answer
Hi John, You can incorporate organic matter into your soil anytime the soil is not too wet. When tilling, it should break up into pea to golf ball size particles.  Your homemade compost is great. Nothing wrong with mushroom and cow but the homemade is usually coarser and helps improve the texture and drainage. Normally I'd add no more than 40% organic matter to you soil.  None of the above are substitutes for fertilizer.  You'll need to fertilize and check your pH.  I'd like to see the pH between 6.5 and 7 for your vegetables. Next fall, till it again.  Freezes help improve the texture of your soil also. You might also consider planting a crop of rape for a green manure to turn under in the spring.  Jim