The more intensively a garden area is used, the more it changes. For example, the earth can become very compact. In order for the soil to become usable again, it must be loosened. The easiest, quickest and most effective way to do this is with a milling machine.
What is the purpose of milling the garden soil and when should it be done?
Milling the garden soil serves to loosen and improve the soil. Hand, electric or petrol milling machines can be used. The ideal time is in spring or autumn, depending on the type of garden area and the planned planting.
Various models
The classic garden tiller for the hobby garden is equipped with rotating hoeing stars. This breaks the soil into coarse clods. It is operated by hand, which can be strenuous and time-consuming depending on the size of the area being milled. It is one of the smallest and most affordable milling machines (€668.00 on Amazon).
If you have to mill a larger area or do this work regularly, you can look for an electric or gasoline-powered milling machine on the market.
Tip
If the high purchase price of a milling machine puts you off, renting is a cheap alternative. Ask for it at your hardware store.
Optimal timing
The availability of the milling machine and your own free time potential are two factors that can determine the timing of milling. But whenever possible, you should follow the course of nature and integrate the loosening of the soil into a reasonable time.
- future lawns will be milled before sowing
- in spring or alternatively in late summer
- Vegetable beds are tilled in autumn after harvesting
- alternatively also in spring before planting
Procedure
Milling with a hand milling machine is easy. The entire area is covered lane by lane. Light pressure may be applied so that the tiller's teeth penetrate deep enough into the ground.
For large, motorized milling machines, you should definitely study the operating instructions carefully, 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, annoying plant residues or other garden equipment.
Refinishing
If you have completely processed the entire area with the milling machine, the work may not be finished yet:
- for finer soil crumbs, mill a second time if necessary
- collect and remove exposed root residues
- collect large, unearthed stones
Sanding garden soil
If you want to improve clayey garden soil, you can also do that with the help of the tiller. Sprinkle sand generously before milling. It is automatically mixed with the upper layer of soil during milling.
