how to rototill your garden
Tips for How to rototill your garden to make it easier. Use them to set up a new garden or close your beds up for winter. We’ll take a look at traditional tools as well as a few unique ways you can try that are easier and less rough on your back and arms.
How to start a backyard garden that is easier to do so you can get back to your love of growing food and plants in midlife and beyond.
Breaking up ground can be hard, backbreaking work, and that is why having a tool that does the heavy lifting for you is helpful and valuable.
That is where a rototiller comes in. This piece of equipment can make hard work easier, but it can also be intimidating. For years, I needed to rely on help to use a tiller, and then I worked to learn what I could do that would allow me to handle this chore on my own.
These are my tips that will help you to be more self-sufficient with your garden beds, allowing you to get back to it without having to rely on outside help to get things done.
We will cover all the basics when it comes to tilling the soil, from understanding why you need to till as well as the different types of tiller options that will make this job easier on yourself (and your back!).
We will also explore a few unique ways to prep the soil that require no tools at all!
Why do you need to till the soil for a vegetable garden?
First, tilling the soil helps to break up a solid area of ground and any existing clumps of dirt, giving the area a uniform texture. This allows for better root growth, nutrient absorption, and easier planting.
Rototilling can also be a useful tool to use if you want to mix in organic matter, such as compost or fertilizer.
How to Rototill Your Garden
Tilling the soil involves using a garden tiller, which is a type of machine that uses metal tines that spin and dig into the ground. As the tines turn, it loosens and mixes up the top layer of soil.
Where can you get a rototiller?
Tillers can be pretty expensive and come in a variety of sizes, ranging from pull-backs that attach to a tractor to manual handheld options that are great for smaller areas.
For years, we rented a tiller from our local hardware store for a weekend, which allowed us to do all the work for a much lower cost. Also, by renting, you will not need to find an area to store or maintain the equipment.
Prepping the Area before tilling
Before you begin tilling, it is important to remove any large rocks or debris from the area. This will prevent damage to your tiller and ensure a smooth tilling process.
You can also mark off the area you plan to till up so you can keep the garden plot the size you planned without it growing in size. Something that can easily happen if you try to “eyeball” it.
You can use spray pant to outline the area, giving you a better idea of what needs tilled up.
Types of Garden Tillers
There are several types of garden tillers that you can choose from, depending on your specific needs. These include:
- Front-Tine Tiller: This type of tiller has tines, or blades, located at the front of the machine. It is best suited for smaller gardens and light-duty tilling tasks.
- Rear-Tine Tiller: The blades on this tiller are located behind the wheels, making it easier to control and more powerful than a front-tine tiller. This type of tiller is ideal for larger gardens or tougher soil conditions.
- Mini-Tiller: As the name suggests, this is a smaller and more lightweight version of a garden tiller. It is perfect for small spaces and can be easily maneuvered between plants in an established garden.
SuperHandy Rear Tine Tiller – 7HP Engine, 16
ZERNEIL Gas Powered Tiller Cultivator Rototiller, 2-Stroke 52CC 2HP 1900W Soil Cultivator Soil Tilling Machine, 6500-7000RPM Air-Cooled Gasoline Garden Farm Tiller, for Plowing/Tilling/FurrowingMantis 7924 2-Cycle Plus Tiller/Cultivator with FastStart Technology for 75% Easier Starts, Red
For the last 15+ years, we have used our Mantis Tiller on our homestead. It was purchased at a yard sale for only $40, and it is one of my best finds to date. This tiller is very small and lightweight, making it perfect for me to use on my own.
It also does a great job on even the hardest compacted soil in our chicken coop.
Tilling Tips
When using a garden rototiller, it is important to follow these tips for safety and to get the best results:
#1. Start in the center of your garden and work outwards keep,ing your feet on solid ground. Walking in tilled soil is tricky and dangerous if you are running a piece of equipment.
#2. When tilling aim for a depth of 8-12 inches. This will ensure that all areas of your garden are evenly tilled.
#3. Avoid tilling when the soil is too wet or too dry. Wet soil can clog the tiller and make it difficult to work, while very dry soil can create dust that is bad to breathe in.
#4. If you are tilling a new garden bed, once you break up the sod, you can go back over and work in any compost or other organic matter. This will help improve the overall health and fertility of your garden.
#5. To prevent damage to your tiller, remove any large rocks or debris from the soil before tilling. These can not only cause damage to the machine but also interfere with the tilling process.
#6. After tilling, rake the soil smooth to create a level surface for planting. This will also help break up any remaining clumps of soil and create a finer texture.
Square Foot Garden Planner+Guide
2024 Garden PlannerHerb Garden Planner+Guide
Maintaining Your Garden Tiller
Proper maintenance of your garden tiller is an important part of having machinery that lasts for many years. As I mentioned earlier, our tiller was purchased for $40 at a yard sale over 15 years ago, and because of the care and upkeep, it is still working great every year!
#1. Before each use, check the oil level and add more if needed. Refer to your owner’s manual for the recommended type of oil and how often it should be changed. If you purchased your tiller used and do not have a manual, you can now look them up online.
#2. Inspect the blades and tines for any signs of wear or damage. Replace them if necessary to ensure efficient tilling.
#3. After use, clean the tiller with a hose or pressure washer to remove any dirt or debris that may have accumulated during tilling. Make sure to also dry it off before storing it away.
#4. Store your tiller in a cool, dry place to prevent rust or corrosion. If storing it for an extended period of time, consider draining the fuel tank and adding a stabilizer to the remaining fuel.
#5. Regularly sharpen the blades and tines to ensure they are cutting through the soil effectively.
#6. If you notice any unusual noises or vibrations while using your tiller, stop and inspect it for any issues. Continuing to use a faulty machine can cause further damage and potentially lead to injury.
By following these maintenance tips, you can extend the life of your garden tiller and keep it running smoothly for many years. Refer to the owner’s manual for specific instructions and recommendations for your model.
Manual Garden Tillers
Manual tools work surprisingly well for breaking up soil in smaller areas. Even though they work, if you have a large area to prepare, you will want to be ready for the physical effort that will be required.
Even though manual tools may not be the best option for you, if you have physical limitations, it is worth considering, especially if your finances are limited.
- Shovel – a garden shovel is often used for digging, but can also be used to manually prep an area for planting. You can turn the soil over and spear the soil from underneath to break it all up. Shovels can also be used to mix in fertilizer or compost while tilling.
- Hand Tiller—A hand tiller, also known as a cultivator, is a small handheld tool with three to five curved prongs. It can be used to break up soil in smaller areas or to till more precisely around plants.
- Rotary Tiller—A rotary tiller is a type of manual tiller with rotating blades that easily break up and mix soil. It is used for larger garden spaces.
Manual Tilling Tools for the Garden
Garden Shovels for Digging, 41 Inch Small Metal Shovel with D-Shape Handle for Shoveling,Digging, Perfect Size Effort-Saving Lightweight ShovelAltdorff Rotary Cultivator Set, 25Walensee Rotary Cultivator Tool, Adjustable Garden Hand Tiller with Stainless Steel Pole, 2-in-1 Garden Weeder and Crumbler Soil Cultivator Tool with Weeding Knife for Soil Mixing or Reseeding GrassHand Tiller Garden Tiller, Manual Twist Tiller with Long Handle, Garden Tiller Claw Cultivator Lawn Aerator Soil Ripper for Gardening Bed and Plant Box, 3 Adjustable Height, Yellow
Livestock Tilling options
In addition to traditional manual garden tillers, there are also various options for using livestock to assist with tilling tasks.
This section will explore some of the different methods and animals that can be used for tilling in a more sustainable and eco-friendly way.
#1. Chickens – chickens can be used to till smaller areas by allowing them to scratch and peck at the ground. This helps break up compacted soil and adds nutrients through their droppings.
#2. Pigs – pigs are known for their ability to root in the ground, making them great for tilling larger areas. However, they may also cause damage to plants if not properly managed.
#3. Goats – goats are efficient grazers and can also be used for tilling by grazing on cover crops or unwanted vegetation.
#4. Horses – horses can be used for tilling by attaching a plow or harrow to them, which they can pull through the soil to break it up.
Using livestock for tilling is a unique and efficient way to utilize what you have and be kinder to your body.
Should I rototill my garden in the fall?
Rototilling in the fall is a common practice for many gardeners, as it can help prepare the soil for planting in the spring.
We like to close our garden by removing old plants and debris and using a tiller to work in fresh compost and manure. This gives us a healthy bed to plant in come spring.
Benefits of Fall Tilling
- Tilling in the fall can help to break up compacted soil, incorporate organic matter into the soil, and reduce weed growth.
- Rototilling in the fall also allows for ample time for the soil to settle and stabilize before planting in the spring.
If you choose to rototill in the fall, be sure to do so at the right time and with proper techniques to avoid any negative impacts on your soil health.
More Fall Garden Help:
There are various garden tilling options, ranging from machinery to manual tools to utilizing livestock. Each method has its own benefits allowing you to choose the best solution for you and your time of life.
Whether you choose to use a hand tiller, rotary tiller, or animals such as chickens, incorporating these methods into your gardening routine can greatly improve soil health and reduce the strain on your body.
