How to Till a Garden

Preparing to plant a home garden starts with tilling the soil. This is a crucial step because tilling flips over the garden's top layer of soil to uncover fresh soil below. Till your garden to achieve maximum results for flower beds and homegrown fruits and vegetables.

Instructions

1. Determine if the soil is ready to till in March or early April. If it is sticky and clumped together, wait another week and retest. If the soil crumbles when you squeeze it in you fists, it is ready to till.

2. Test your garden soil to see if you must add any nutrients. Soil test kits are available at garden centers and, in some states, are free at a local agricultural extension office.

3. Till the soil with a garden tiller, including areas under any crop or crop residue left over from the fall. Tillers are available for rent at most home improvement centers and tool rental stores.

4. Loosen the soil down to a depth of between 6 and 8 inches. This allows for good root growth in the soft, cultivated soil.

5. Add lime, manure or organic compost according to the results of your soil test. Wait to add chemical fertilizers until just before planting because they may leach away if added too early.

6. Work your additives into the soil with the tiller. Mix the additives deep into the soil where they are most beneficial to your plants.