Tilling Your Plot

Tilling is not necessary for a successful garden, but might be useful.

Why might you till?

• If your soil is compacted
• If you have a cover crop or mulch cover to turn in
• If you have spaded your soil and you need to reduce the clods
• If you require a very fine seedbed

• Rototilling is available for a $15 fee per tilling.
• There can be a substantial wait at the beginning of the season but please note that there is no need to rototill a plot to begin gardening.
• Rototilling is NOT a substitute for weeding your plot. In fact, tilling will spread weeds and quack grass.
• Garden workers may refuse to rototill a weedy plot. Quack grass will not be tilled.

Before you till:

• Remove tomato cages
• Remove sticks and rocks
• Remove corn stalks
• Remove standing weeds
• Level out raised beds (less than a six inch difference in height is okay)
• Mark existing plant areas
• Remove heavy mulch to a part of the plot that isn’t being tilled
• Rake the plot so the ground is fairly visible

How to Set Up An Appointment:

• Email: ehgardens@rso.wisc.edu or walleriii@wisc.edu and request a rototilling of your plot.
• The garden worker will email you to set up a time to confer.
• At the appointed time, be at your plot and ready to till.
• The appointment may need to be changed if there is a lot of rain or the tilling may wait until the ground has dried somewhat.

Cost:

• Tilling is $15 per tilling session regardless of how much of the plot is tilled.
• The best method is to deposit the $15 fee (checks only) in an envelope marked GARDENS in the Community Center Drop Box, include your name and plot number.
• Or... pay at the plot, when the tilling is performed.
• Tilling must be paid for before it is done.

After the plot is tilled:

• To prevent weeds from reclaiming the area, you need to cover the ground
• Cover the tilled area with leaves or newspapers or mulch immediately
• Plant the vegetables or flowers or herbs and enjoy!

Restrictions:

• Only the garden worker will use the rototiller
• You must be present and in your prepared plot at the time of the appointment to confer with the garden worker. Tilling may occur later once you have met with the garden worker.
• Quack grass will not be tilled (it makes the problem worse)
• The plot must be cleaned for the tiller before an appointment is set up.