Friday, January 30, 2009

How To Buy A Rototiller For Your Garden

By Ursa Gunthis

Hey summer is just around the corner, no really it is! And that means it's time to get things ready to plant in your garden. But, first things first, you need a good garden rototiller, one that digs into the earth nice and deep and mulches it to a lovely fine loam. You know what we mean, the kind of dirt you pick up in your hands and let it run through your fingers, enjoying the quality of a good job done with your garden rototiller.

If you're already planning and dreaming about your spring garden, then now is the time to start looking for the perfect garden rototiller. Its not a super idea to just pick any old rototiller out of the lineup at the store just because it happens to be a deal. Spend some time checking out the bells and whistles on it, because those are what you will need to get the dream garden you want.

What you need is a versatile tiller that can handle anything you throw at it, and that includes breaking up the soil, making rows and furrows and cultivating. A superior tiller makes your job a lot easier than digging it by hand. You will likely find three different kinds of tillers simply because they each perform a different task. Make sure you find out what those tasks are before you spend any money.

Know your plans before you buy a tiller and then figure out if you need front or rear tines to give you good depth, or maybe pick something that isn't as heavy. For breaking new ground and adding in enhancements, choose rear tine digging. You will get a super veggie garden this way, and rear tines are easier to operate as well.

Front action tines are great for digging power and do a superior job on flowerbeds where you want to start afresh with new plants for the next season. If you are faced with having to mix soils to get the type of soil you prefer for your flowers, then go for a mid size tiller with front tines. Hey, when you're done for the season you can admire your nicely muscled arms from wrestling the tiller.

Already have a garden that doesn't need too much work to get it back into shape? Then really all you would likely need would be a smaller rototiller. The way to tell if it will suit what you want, and won't be too heavy, is to lift it before you buy it. Check how wide the front tines are to make certain it will fit between your rows.

Check out what features the rototiller you like offers. For instance you want a smooth start and a tiller that anyone could handle and fix with easy to read gauges. Make sure what you select is easy to adjust height wise, offers an auto shut off and shielded tines.

If rototilling your garden is something you do once a year or very infrequently, don't bother to buy one as they are rather expensive " up to $1,000. Consider renting a tiller if you will only be hard at work now and then. This will ultimately save you some big bucks, and who doesn't like to save money? - 16035

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