Expert's Guide to Spring Soil Prep for Cucumbers & Tomatoes
Dr. Giordano Scarciotti, author of the 'Landwork' channel, shares his expert advice on soil preparation for spring planting of cucumbers and tomatoes. His method focuses on creating loose, warm, and 'breathable' soil without excess chemicals or extra costs.
Autumn is the ideal time to start this process. Dr. Scarciotti begins by applying chopped straw, about 5 cm in length, at a rate of 4-5 kg per square meter or 5-10 liters in a layer of 2-3 cm. This is then dug in to a depth of a spade. For sandy soils, he recommends using vermiculite and perlite at 2-3 liters per square meter for excellent moisture retention. On heavy soils, washed river sand is applied at 2-3 kg per square meter to improve drainage.
Sawdust from small pieces, preferably from fruit trees or birch, is also used. Dr. Scarciotti applies it at 5-6 liters per square meter and 'feeds' it with nitrogen using urea. Rice husk is another key ingredient, used at 2-3 liters per square meter to loosen the soil, followed by deep tillage or using a cultivator. This results in a long-term loosening effect that works slowly for 2-3 years. Rotted compost older than 4-5 years is mixed in a ratio of 50% soil, 50% compost, 10% washed sand, and 25-30% prepared sawdust to both loosen and feed the soil simultaneously.
Dr. Scarciotti's method alternates long-term looseners like rice husk with quick ones like straw and sawdust, and selectively adds sand on heavy spots. This approach improves soil quality for cucumbers and tomatoes, creating a loose, warm, and 'breathable' environment without the need for excessive chemicals or additional costs.