How to Use a Rototiller

Rototillers operate by breaking up soil with sturdy metal tines which rotate and dig into the dirt. Rototillers are an essential tool for any serious gardener.

Things You'll Need

• Rototiller
• Gloves
• Boots
• Either Gas or Electric, depending on your style of rototiller
• A Good Back

Instructions

1. Mark the area to be rototilled.

2. Mow and/or weed the area of any large 'seedy' items so your not tilling it into the soil. This is also a good time to pick up any rocks or litter that may be in your path.

3. Some rototillers require grease while others require oil. Refer to your manual to find out which type you have and how to check it. Check the lubrication before beginning any rototilling job or you risk needing to replace the transmission later on. (the most expensive part on your rototiller!)

4. Check the gas, if yours is gas powered. Again, refer to your manual. Some rototillers require a gas/oil mixture (2 stroke types) while others use straight gasoline.

5. Put on your gloves. Most rototillers vibrate something fierce and lack of gloves is sure to give you blisters.

6. 

   Be certain to wear long pants and boots. Tuck your pant legs into your boots. This is for your safety. The tines won't stop churning just because you say ouch.

7. Start your tiller and walk it to your area while keeping the tines somewhat up from the ground so you're not tilling as you go.

8. Once in the area you'd like to start tilling, let the front end of the rototiller down and start churning up that dirt. Walk slowly.

9. 

   After completing one row of tilling, go over it again. Each time you go over your row, allow the tines to dig deeper into your soil by standing still as the rototiller tries to move forward. Continue this until your soil is not only sufficiently aerated but also soft to the touch, to an adequate depth of around 6".

10. Rake out any weeds and large clumps of grass, etc as you complete each pass. Nice to have a helper for this part.

11. Continue this process for the entire garden area.

12. Once your rototiller is turned off, remove any weeds or other matter from your tines.

13. 

    Adding a small coating of vegetable oil to your tines at this point will help to prevent rust.

Tips & Warnings

• This job make take some time, apply sunscreen and wear a brimmed hat.

• Do this job during the cooler part of the day.

• Mini tillers work great for small upkeep jobs after the main tilling is completed throughout your growing season.

• Persons with back problems should delegate this job to someone else.

• Never attempt to remove anything from the tines while your rototiller is running. NEVER!