Tilling technique

[Rigger Dave]

I’m tilling a 40x40 plot for garlic this fall. At the end of the run the tiller leaves a large divot. Not really a big deal but would like the whole plot to be level. Any advice or is it just how it is.

Thanks in advance,
Dave Richey

 

[MINICUP28]

IF YOU HAVE ROOM TO GO IN BOTH DIRECTIONS, I USED TO GO THE OTHER WAY TO FILL THE DIVOT AND THEN NEAR THE OTHER END LIFT THE TILLER OUT SLOWLY BEFORE THE END.

 

[War Eagle]

In my case I have has good luck with tilling all one direction on the final plot till. This leaves your divot for each row tilled all on the same end of the plot. Then I make a final run by tilling down the line of divots so that when you get to the end of your plot everything has been leveled and there is only one divot left for the whole plot and that is easily raked out by hand if needed.

 

[Workerbee]

Thats where your loader comes in handy...

 

[Creature Meadow]

Disking or tilling I do a clean-up pass at the ends as I never lift or lower in the same spot always some at the start or end not done. This adds a nice finished look.

 

[67Truckin]

We run a tilling service with a 48" tiller. We run it all one direction starting on the right side to leave no tire track. Then we run a pass across the end to fill in the divet. Never a complaint in years now.

 

[Rigger Dave]

Thanks for the replies. That’s what I’ll do.

 

[NHSleddog]

It all depends on the ground. Sometimes a single pass over last years garden is all it takes. Sometimes it is a ground that needs multiple passes. If that is the case doing it in several directions will give you better results.

 

[Tx Jim]

Why not as one approaches end of the pass slowly raise tiller therefore virtually eliminating the divot?

 

[BigG]

Why not as one approaches end of the pass slowly raise tiller therefore virtually eliminating the divot?

As the others have said it is easier to run in one direction and have the divot along the one edge. Then run at 90 degrees to fill in the divot. Everything will be tilled to the full depth. And as you have suggested as you near the end of the final row you lift the tiller as you approach the end to leave none or a very little divot to fill in with a hand rake. This will minimize the hand work and give you tilled earth all the way to the end of the garden or yard.

 

[67Truckin]

We always do a double pass as deep as possible for our customers. The dirt looks like it is poured out of a bag and 6-8" deep with no green showing ever.