How to Till Dirt

Before planting a new garden or flower bed, till the soil. This involves tearing up the sod and exposing the dirt, turning it over so you can plant seeds or seedlings. The size of the plot that you plan to till is a factor in determining what type of equipment you use. You can till a small plot with a shovel and rake, but for larger plots, a rototiller makes the job easier and gets it done more quickly.

Spray paint
Rototiller
Garden rake
Shovel

Instructions

- 1
  Mark off the area you want to till by spray painting around its perimeter.
- 2
  If using a rototiller, set the depth adjustment bar to its highest setting. This usually is located on the back of the rototiller, and sets the machine high enough to cut through the grass, making it easier to remove. A rototiller uses rotating blades to break up the soil.
- 3
  Start the rototiller and run it through the marked-off area. Walk behind the rototiller and guide it; let the machine do the work.
- 4
  Remove the turned up grass from the plot with a garden rake. Use a shovel to remove or break up any clumps that are sticking to the soil.
- 5
  Lower the depth adjustment bar a few notches, then make two more passes through the plot. Lowering the adjustment bar allows you to dig deeper into the soil.

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