Rototillers Dig Your Garden
rototillers
When it is time to start a new garden bed I usually recommend using the no-till method. However, there are situations when this may not be possible or desirable and you need to turn over the soil.
A rototiller is a great tool for creating a new garden bed. It is essential as soon as possible after you are finished using the rototiller to add organic material, compost for example or well rotted manure to the site.
Tilling the soil does break up the biotic community so once you have done this it is essential to restore it as soon as possible. Your garden plants need soil that is alive with the myriad beings that help it grow.
I have used a rototiller on several occasions and if I was ever going to buy one there are a few things I require.
Unless the space you are planning to till you will want a reasonably lightweight machine, say no more than 20 pounds. Ideally I would buy a tiller powered by a rechargeable battery; however, if that was not available an electric machine would be my choice, especially if the space being tilled is a garden plot.
I suggest, if you buy electric, you invest some extra funds in a cord management system so that the cord does not get in the way and you get a surprise as you till over it.
Now if I am spending my money on a rototiller, I want it to do more than just till as this is an activity I may do only once or once, every two or three years.
If you have a lawn you may also want to spend some money on an aerator and a dethatcher attachment. Some models have a combo attachment that will do both jobs. Dethatching and aerating are important elements of a lawn care regiment so these can eb a good investment.
Another reason you may want to consider buying a rototiller with the attachments mentioned is the possibility of earning some extra money offering lawn care and basic gardening services.
A small rototiller is easy to transport, and if it enables you to create garden beds and care for lawns, there is the possibility you could offer your services to neighbours and earn enough to buy for the equipment and then some.
A properly cared for lawn will require less water, especially if you select grass seed that is drought tolerant or decide to naturalize your lawn rather than growing grass.