My current plan is to silage tarp all the grass and ivy for 3-4 weeks. Then cover with any needed amendments, 2 inches of compost, 4 inches of wood chips, then tarp again for the remaining 2-3 weeks. When the final frost passes, transplant out my annuals.

After the growing season I'll cover crop with peas, clover, vetch, oats. Repeat next year.

Does this make sense? Am I missing anything?

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[–] just_another_person@lemmy.world 5 points 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago)

With in-ground soil you need to do an initial till to disrupt the roots of whatever is growing on top and soften the depth of the soil to allow roots to take hold easier. You amend it after to ensure that all of the existing top soil is refreshed with nutrients, and allow that compost to help stop it from compacting again. After doing it the first year, it shouldn't be necessary for many years after and you can just add top soil or whatever amendments you want for awhile until it compacts again.

Depending on the kind of soil, you may even want to till a second time after adding amendment to really mix it all together.