100380 - REAR TiNE TiLLER
TiLLiNG TiPS AND TECHNiqUES
22
When cultivating (breaking up surface soil around plants to
destroy weeds), adjust the tines to dig only 1 in. to 2 in. (2.5
to 5 cm) deep. Using shallow tilling depths helps prevent
injury to plants whose roots often grow close to the surface. If
needed, lift up on the handlebars slightly to prevent the tines
from digging too deeply. (Cultivating on a regular basis not only
eliminates weeds, it also loosens and aerates the soil for better
moisture absorption and faster plant growth.)
Choosing Correct Wheel and Tine Speeds
With experience, you will find the “just right” tilling depth and
tilling speed combination that is best for your garden.
Set the engine throttle lever at a speed to give the engine
adequate power and yet allow it to operate at the slowest
possible speed ... at least until you have achieved the maximum
tilling depth you desire. Faster engine speeds may be desirable
when making final passes through the seedbed or when
cultivating. Selection of the correct engine speed, in relation to
the tilling depth, will ensure a sufficient power level to do the
job without causing the engine to labor.
Let the Tiller Do the Work
While tilling, relax and let the wheels pull the tiller along while
the tines do the digging. Walk on the side that is not yet finished
(to avoid making footprints in the freshly tilled soil) and lightly,
but securely grip the handlebar with just one hand.
Avoid Tilling Soggy, Wet Soil
Tilling wet soil often results in large, hard clumps of soil that
can interfere with planting. If time permits, wait a day or two
after heavy rains to allow the soil to dry before tilling. Test soil
by squeezing it into a ball. If it compresses too easily, it is too
wet to till.
Preparing Seedbeds
When preparing a seedbed, go over the same path twice in the
first row, then overlap one-half the tiller width on the rest of the
passes. When finished in one direction, make a second pass at
a right angle. Overlap each pass for best results (in very hard
ground, it may take three or four passes to thoroughly pulverize
the soil.)
If the garden size will not permit lengthwise and then crosswise
tilling, then overlap the first passes by one-half a tiller width,
followed by successive passes at one quarter width.
Cultivating
With planning, you can allow enough room between rows to
cultivate. Leave room for the hood width, plus enough extra
room for future plant growth.
Tilling on Slopes
Read the following recommendations before tilling on slopes:
If you must garden on a moderate slope, please follow two very
important guidelines:
1. Till only on moderate slopes, never on steep ground where
footing is difficult.
2. We recommend tilling up and down slopes rather than
terracing. Tilling vertically on a slope allows maximum
planting area and also leaves room for cultivating.
IMPORTANT: When tilling on slopes, be sure the correct oil
level is maintained in the engine (check every one-half hour of
operation). The incline of the slope will cause the oil to slant
away from its normal level and this can starve engine parts of
required lubrication. Keep the motor oil level at the full point at
all times!
WARNiNG
Do not operate tiller on a slope too steep for safe operation.
Till slowly and be sure you have good footing. Never permit
tiller to freewheel down slopes. Failure to follow this
warning could result in personal injury.
Tilling Up and Down Slopes (Vertical Tilling)
To keep soil erosion to a minimum, be sure to add enough
organic matter to the soil so that it has good moisture-holding
texture and try to avoid leaving footprints or wheel marks.
When tilling vertically, try to make the first pass uphill as the
tiller digs more deeply going uphill than it does downhill. In soft
soil or weeds, you may have to lift the handlebars slightly while
going uphill. When going downhill, overlap the first pass by
about one-half the width of the tiller.
Tilling across Slopes Without Using Terraces (horizontal
Tilling)
If vertical or terracing gardening aren’t practical for you, then
you can till laterally across a slope. We don’t recommend this
method as it can create unsure footing and invites soil erosion.
As in terrace gardening, start at the top of the slope and overlap
the first pass by half the width of the tiller. For added stability
of the tiller, always keep the uphill wheel in the soft, newly tilled
soil.
Terrace Gardening
–
When a slope is too steep or too short for vertical tilling,
it may be necessary to till across the slope and create
terraced rows. Terraces are rows that are cut into the side
of a slope, creating a narrow, but flat area on which to plant.
–
On a long slope, you can make several terraces, one below
the other.