The more intensively a garden area is used, the more it is changed as a result. For example, the earth can become very compact. So that the soil can be used again, it must be loosened. The easiest, fastest and most effective way to do this is with a milling machine.
A motorized tiller saves labour, but is not particularly environmentally friendly
Different models
The classic garden tiller (€162.69) for the hobby garden is equipped with rotating hoe stars. This breaks up the soil into rough clods. It is operated by hand, which can be tiring and time-consuming depending on the size of the area to be milled. But it is one of the smallest and most affordable milling machines.
If you need to mill a larger area or do this work on a regular basis, you can look around for an electric or petrol-powered milling machine on the market.
tips
If you are deterred by the high purchase price of a milling machine, renting it is a cheap alternative. Ask for it at your hardware store.
Optimum time
The availability of the milling machine and your own free time potential are two factors that can determine the timing of milling. However, whenever possible, you should follow the course of nature and integrate the loosening of the soil in a sensible manner.
- future lawns are milled before sowing
- in spring or alternatively in late summer
- Vegetable beds are tilled in autumn after harvest
- alternatively also in the spring before planting
procedure
Routing with a hand router is easy. The entire area is covered lane by lane with it. Slight pressure may be applied so that the teeth of the tiller penetrate deep enough into the ground.
In the case of large, motorized tillers, the operating instructions should be studied thoroughly, as improper use also poses a risk of injury. Above all, make sure that small children or pets are not in the immediate vicinity.
Before you start milling, you should first remove large stones, unwanted plant debris or other garden tools.
rework
If you have completely processed the entire surface with the milling machine, the work may not yet be complete:
- for finer crumbs of earth, mill a second time if necessary
- collect and remove the exposed root remains
- collect large, unearthed rocks
Garden soil sand
If you want to improve a loamy garden soil, you can also do this with the help of the tiller. Sprinkle a generous amount of sand before milling. It is automatically mixed with the top layer of soil during milling.