Gardening Tools – Electric Tiller

Create a Healthier Garden by Adding Compost Deep into the Soil

Aug 25, 2009

To till or not to till; that is the question. Tilling breaks up soil clots creating room for plant roots to grow. But too much tilling may also harm soil composition.

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.

When to Till a Garden

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.

Tools to Help Till a Garden

A cultivator is a hand tools to help turn the soil and break up the surface—a 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.

The copyright of the article Gardening Tools – Electric Tiller in Vegetable Gardens is owned by Barbara Brown. Permission to republish Gardening Tools – Electric Tiller in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.