Soil that is not compacted and contains lots of organic matter throughout is the basis of a vibrant garden. Tilling your garden’s soil helps remove surface weeds that compete with plants for moisture and nutrients, breaks crusted surface to allow moisture to penetrate and mixes in compost. Some experts recommend an annual tilling of the garden soil to integrate organic matter and improve friability. But beware; too frequent tilling can do more harm than good according to the Oregon State University Extension.
Till the garden soil when the conditions are right; that is the soil is not too wet or too dry and plant residue has been removed to the extent possible. To check soil moisture, take a handful of dirt and squeeze it. If it stays together in a ball, it’s too wet. If it is powdery then it is too dry. If it crumbles freely, it is ready for tilling.
In most areas of the U.S. tilling is done either in the spring or fall. It depends on when a location gets frequent rain. Before tilling, add a layer of peat or rich organic matter that tilling can then work into the soil. For most vegetable gardens and landscape plants, till down three or so inches. After tilling remove weeds and grasses left behind by hand.
A cultivator is a hand tools to help turn the soil and break up the surface‚Äîa sort of extended fork than goes down about 1½ inches. This tool is a good choice for small areas or to carefully break up the soil around perennials. Gardening Tips lists these seven hand tools to get the tilling job complete in larger gardens:
Or, you can use a powered tiller. Powered tillers for small, home vegetable gardens come in two basic types: gasoline powered and electric. Many people have found that gasoline powered tillers work better in heavy soils. However, electric tillers are easier to start, require less maintenance, and have plenty of power for small tilling tasks. The disadvantage of an electric tiller is, of course, being tethered to a cord. So, extra care is required not to cut the cord with the tiller or get the cord wrapped up in the tines.
Electric tillers are also quieter than gasoline powered ones and produce less exhaust which is better for the environment. Electrics are lighter in weight for easier maneuverability than gasoline tillers. The Mantis electric tiller has high ratings from consumers and professionals. However, its $300+ price tag may be more than a home gardener wants to spend. Slightly less expensive electric tillers are made by Power Paws, Troy-Bilt, and Electric Garden Tiller and Cultivator.
An electric tiller is a very nice tool to have to keep a garden in shape for planting and producing vegetables. It is low maintenance, quiet, easy to use, and effective. Electric tillers have sufficient power to easily turn well-maintained soil and effectively bury compost down into the soil areas where plant roots get nutrients.
Most homeowners have probably spent hours looking at the different types of garden seeders. You may have even come across…
When it comes to vehicle lovers, cleaning their cars on a regular basis is essential to maintaining the paint job's…
Gas chainsaws are the perfect tool for a variety of outdoor tasks, including chopping up logs for firewood, clearing brush…
A home can be a daunting project, one that takes some time and energy to maintain. With hard work, determination,…
Today ginger is grown all over tropical and subtropical regions in Asia, in parts of Africa and South America, and…
Onions are one of the most popular vegetables in the world, and growing onions is a snap in the home…