subject: What Is A Tiller & Cultivator? [print this page] A tiller & cultivator is a gardening tool that provides the gardener with a way to perform two tasks with one tool. Different models of tiller/cultivators are powered by electricity -- using a power cord plugged into an electrical outlet while others have rechargeable batteries or are gasoline-powered. Tiller/cultivators also come in an assortment of sizes, from mini models for the home garden to bigger versions for larger-scale applications. Tilling widths, number of blades and speeds also vary depending upon the model
Tilling
Preparing the soil before planting is the most important aspect of gardening. Good, loose soil helps plants roots penetrate the surrounding soil and grow stronger. Tilling is the act of loosening the soil, typically to a depth of 10 inches. The tiller/cultivator may also be used to blend amendments, such as compost and manure, into the soil. Tilling is sometimes done at the end of the season as well, to shred dead vegetation and mix it into the soil for decomposition.
Cultivating
Cultivating is done for two reasons: to break up the top layer of soil to allow air and water to penetrate, and to remove weeds. The smaller, or mini, tiller/cultivator tools can be used to remove weeds between rows of vegetables. Since the area between rows is generally the high-traffic area of the garden, an added bonus of cultivation is that it breaks up the top of the soil, aerating it and preventing soil compaction.
How it Works
Depending upon brand and size, tiller/cultivators have tines that rotate into the soil to break it up. When tilling, some machines have a reverse tilling function that causes the tines to reverse their direction, digging deeper into the soil. In the cultivating position, the tines dig into the top 2 or 3 inches of soil, uprooting weeds and loosening the soil.
Considerations
Some gas-powered tiller/cultivators require that you mix oil and gas together to run the machine. Others dont, and these typically contain the words no mixing required in advertisements and on their packaging. When considering which tool to purchase, look for a guarantee if you are unsure about the quality of the tines. Some manufacturers guarantee the tines against breakage for a certain amount of time after purchase.
Gardeners have used tillers for generations to break soil into smaller pieces. It is very difficult to dig through layers of compacted soil in order to add plants or seeds. The theory is that air and water flow better around smaller pieces of soil, and subsequently provide more room for roots to grow and more oxygen for the roots to absorb. Tilling does not alter the size of the particles of soil but only acts upon the spaces between particles.
Do not till as routine activity that you perform as a matter of course. Till for a specific purpose and over a limited amount of space. Till to break heavily crusted soil or to incorporate organic material into the soil when you are ready to plant in the area. Never till wet soil because your efforts will force wet particles to bind together and hasten soil compaction.
