How To Use A Tiller For New Ground?

| Updated On: June 3, 2021
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A tiller is a farm or garden tool that is used to dig into the soil. Although any tiller may be utilized for either already tilled or new grounds, there is the need to differentiate the two states of grounds. Normally, new grounds are hard and may call for a somewhat tougher tiller.

As such, you need to understand how to use the best tiller for breaking new grounds for the best results. In other words, it’s a matter of making use of the top-notch tiller to attain the desired texture necessary for planting.

With the tiller for new grounds, you can surface a large area with ease. This will, in turn, be used for creating a stable planting bed for vegetables or grass.

Using a tiller simplifies your leveling task which can be pretty tedious if you choose to do it manually on new ground. On the authority of experts, it is easier to till the soil in the fall on the basis that the season allows the soil to settle in smoothly and finally break down during the winter.

When spring comes, your soil will be exactly the required quality for you to plant whatever you may wish.

Another essential factor to note is the timing of the tilling of new ground. Preferably, do it as it starts to get more summery in springtime. Still, you should be sure that the soil is nearly dry.

When using a tiller on new ground, make sure to eliminate sod first. Again, don’t till sod during the spring season as it may lead to some vegetation like grass resurfacing when the temperature starts to get warmer.

Self-protection while using the tiller

Always put on the correct gear to safeguard yourself as you use the tiller. To be specific, wear suitable eye gear, firm boots and the right clothing shown in the manual for your tiller. Keep in mind that the specifications for each model vary. Therefore, try to go through your manual before embarking on the tilling.

Earthwise TC70125 12.5-Amp 16-Inch Corded Electric Tiller/Cultivator, Green

Steps on how to use the tiller for breaking new ground

  • Begin by clearing the ground. Eliminate any wreckage like rocks or branches. Also, eliminate any vegetation like bushes or weeds as these may tangle your tiller tines in the process of tilling. You may leave some small weeds since the machine can comfortably mince these off.
  • Make the right decision on the suitable depth that you wish to have and set your tiller accordingly. Since new grounds are a bit hard and solid, it is preferable to start with a superficial setting. But if you feel the ground is soft, you may go with a medium adjustment on your tiller.
  • With the right adjustments, you can start engaging the tiller tines. Next, gradually and carefully make some parallel passes across the ground. Usually, you will see some manufacturers suggesting straight and overlying passes. At times, you have to go as per the dictates of the patterns shown in the directions given by the manufacturer of your tiller.
  • After tilling the ground, proceed to choose the deepest settings for the tiller. Ultimately, you can make straight passes for excellent results. Here, all you should do is to just let the tiller operate as you walk leisurely with one or two adjustments on it.
  • Use the tiller to the point that you can incorporate wholly any organic material into the soil. For the best results, till the soil 8 inches deeper. Allow the organic matter some days to enrich the soil then aerate the soil while your tiller is set at medium depth.
  • Lastly, select the deeper setting on the tiller. Finally, make some perpendicular passes that run across the ground.

Final Words

Remember, while setting your tiller, you will want to avoid settings that may make excess passes that can cause soil compaction. As a maintenance measure, clean the tines of the tiller fully after using it. This will ensure that there are no such things as plants or weeds sticking into its tines.

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