Tilling is the mechanical process of breaking up, turning, or loosening soil to prepare it for planting. Whether done with a hand tool in a backyard garden or a large plow across hundreds of acres, the core idea is the same: disturb the soil so seeds have a better environment to germinate and roots can grow more easily.
Tilling was first performed via human labor, sometimes involving slaves. Hoofed animals could also be used to till soil by trampling, in addition to pigs, whose natural instincts are to root the ground regularly if allowed to.
Tilling the wrong way can damage the soil, making it more difficult for your plants to grow. Use the answers to these common tilling questions to prepare your garden the right way.
Tillage, in agriculture, the preparation of soil for planting and the cultivation of soil after planting. Tillage is the manipulation of the soil into a desired condition by mechanical means. Tilling changes soil structure, kills weeds, and manages crop residues.
Tilling is the practice of physically turning soil to prepare it for planting or to cultivate between rows to reduce weed pressure. In a garden, rototillers are commonly used to turn the soil and to incorporate any amendments to a depth of about 4 to 6 inches.
Tilling involves turning over the soil and adding amendments to get it ready for planting. Learn when it's most beneficial to your garden and how to do it properly.
“By tilling, you’ll mix in more air and help the soil warm sooner and your plants will grow more quickly,” Dubow says. Avoid tilling wet soil; you’ll just compact the ground, and it will be harder for roots to penetrate when it dries out.