What should I do about tilling tomato soil?

QUESTION:

I have a small area that I've used for the past 5 or so years as my tomato garden. I grow primarily heirlooms (Arkansas Traveler and anything grafted that I can find). But for the squirrels, it has been successful. My question: should I turn over the soil at the end of the growing season? I have been using a “no-till” method as I understand it encourages the growth of helpful bacterias, etc. I wonder because I only scratch in fertilizers and occasionally epsom salts. Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated. - Tom

ANSWER:

Whether you till or us no-till is up to you. Both systems have their advantages. Most gardeners till the soil in the fall and add organic matter, such as compost to help improve the soil. No-till gardens will maybe add a layer of compost over the top of the soil and let nature take it from there. I don’t think with growing only tomatoes you can go wrong with either system. I have done both till and no-till with my own tomatoes and have not really noticed much difference. The nutrients, mainly nitrogen will move into the soil with either rain or irrigation. If you need to add phosphorus or potassium then work it into the soil would be best. So I guess it really depends on your style. - Dennis

This story was originally published October 27, 2015 at 1:10 PM with the headline "What should I do about tilling tomato soil?."