How to Use a Rototiller

Rototillers are a wonderful tool for creating a new garden or lawn. They are also incredibly useful for maintaining an existing garden, as well.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Spade
• Shovel
• Work gloves
• Rototiller
• Protective eyeware
• Stakes
• String
• Rake
• Work clothes and boots

1. There are many different types of rototillers, all requiring different methods of use. Refer to the owner's manual for specific instructions on how to safely start and maintain your rototiller.
   
   Always check the oil and gas levels prior to starting a project!

2. Tilling wet soil is never a good idea. Neither is tilling soil that is too dry. The composition of the soil should be moist. Taking a shovel, scoop up enough to hold in your hand. It should be able to form a loose ball that falls apart easily, when squeezed. Water, or wait, as necessary. Damaging the soil by compacting it (too wet) or pulverizing (too dry) will not enhance the end result!

3. TO START A NEW LAWN: Step one is to determine the area that you will want to rototill. If it is obvious, as in bare dirt, then skip this step. Pound wooden stakes into the ground, and tie string around the perimeter. This is your area to be tilled. The next step is to remove any existing plant matter by digging it out with a spade or shovel. Best results will be achieved by starting with a "clean slate".

4. Don gloves and protective eye ware. Blisters and foreign matter in the eyes is not uncommon in this endeavor!
   
   Begin tilling at the lowest speed, keeping the tiller as level as possible. Depending on the type of tiller, pressure will be placed either by pushing down (rear tine) or pushing up (front tine). Results will be better if time is taken to turn the soil multiple times, alternating from top to bottom, then side to side, versus trying to till all at once. Gradually increase the speed of the tines, as the soil becomes more loose. The machine may bounce as it encounters particularly rough terrain, tree roots, or rocks. Be prepared and watchful for anything that may damage you or the tiller. Remove any large rocks as they surface. An ideal depth is 4-5 inches of tilled soil to create a new grass seed bed or garden.

5. Once the soil is loose and soft, gently rake the top layer to level it out. Grass seed can now be scattered over the dirt and gently raked again. Don't forget to water!

6. TO START A NEW GARDEN: Follow steps 1 through 3 above. Raking the entire area is not necessary, only the areas that will be planted. Insert wooden stakes at each end of the row. Tie string to each stake, and have a straight line to follow when planting. Be sure to leave at least 18 -24 inches in between the rows, or the garden will be too crowded after it grows a bit.

Tips & Warnings

• Some gardeners prefer to rototill between rows, instead of weeding by hand. This is personal choice, but remember that every time soil is tilled, existing weed seeds -- too deep to sprout -- are now brought to the surface and get all the water and light they need to grow.
• A rototiller may also be used to incorporate organic matter (compost, leaves, etc.) into the soil bed. Scatter an even layer, and follow the methods above to till it into the soil.
• Keep children and pets away from the area. Tillers can throw rocks and other matter that can cause serious injury.
• Tillers can get away from you, damaging areas that were not intended to be tilled. Operate the machine at a speed and depth that allows total control at all times.
• Ensure that power or telephone lines will not be compromised as a result of tilling. It is an incredible safety hazard, as well as inconvenient if you lose power or communication to the outside world.
• Use common sense, rest and rehydrate frequently, and take your time!