Best implement to turn grassy field into garden

[spruce Deere]

Got a large area I was thinking about turning into gardens for various vegetable crops. Was wondering what the easiest way of doing this as it is all currently grassy fields. I understand it's not as simple as just turning the soil and planting stuff, but more of a question of what implements would be needed. Is it as simple as getting a tiller?

I have installed new gardens in various ground conditions. From plucking rocks and removing brush and stumps on one site to expanding one garden farther into a lawn, all have turned out real good as in happy campers for customers.

If the garden is a pre-existing its a no brainer.... tiller. Till in a north-south direction first and if room permits, till cross ways east-west, or vice versa. Makes very fluffy, easy to work and shape soil

If its a new garden or sizable expansion, rip the ground first with a subsoiler, box blade, middle buster, cultivator or something that will help break the surface tension of sod, roots, settled soil then use the tiller.

Also, If you rip first it helps you find items buried that will test the slip-clutch and tine integrity of your tiller and really don't have much use in a garden such as cinder blocks, large rocks, buried vehicle parts and such.

It could be as simple as just getting a tiller and just till the heck out of the ground, but it will turn out better if "ripped" first in grassy or 'unknown' conditions.

 

[zmjc]

I would go for a good used 20-25 hp tractor and a used subsoiler and a new 48 inch forward rotation tiller. This should be done for around 5K. Ken Sweet

Why not a reverse rotation tiller? Cost?

I'm mulling the same how-to-make-a-garden issues as the original poster...

 

[sweettractors]

Why not a reverse rotation tiller? Cost?

I'm mulling the same how-to-make-a-garden issues as the original poster...

Cost and if there is rock or roots it will suck into the ground and excessively slip the clutch or stall the tractor. Ken Sweet

 

[radioman]

I really think all this is a overkill. how big are you going to make it? a tiller behind a tractor is really all you need. If you are going to make it 20 by 100 or smaller, then just cover up the grass area with tarp or plastic or what have you to kill grass NOW till its dry enough to till. I see you are in NH so I guess sometime in may is ideal to start tilling.

Doesnt matter how big or small you are going to make it, tilling it every 2 days for a week will give you the results you want esp. for first year to get started.Tilling it alot in a week helps it to dry out and warm up faster. You really want to till it alot the first year to prevent more then half of vegetation from growing back.

a middle buster or potatoe plow is a good way to get started to turn over the grassy area now is a good way to get it to decompose now, but if you are short on funds, get a tiller to get started.

 

[Agrantina]

Tiller-tiller... If grass is really thick-spray with round up- till. Tiller is an awesome tool to have and after buying one I doubt that I will use the disc much this year. Granted if I was doing a 2-10 acres then I would use the disc. But with small areas the tiller is the only way to go..

AndyG

 

[leonz]

Got a large area I was thinking about turning into gardens for various vegetable crops. Was wondering what the easiest way of doing this as it is all currently grassy fields. I understand it's not as simple as just turning the soil and planting stuff, but more of a question of what implements would be needed. Is it as simple as getting a tiller?

Not knowing what your budget is or if you have a mule, toy, plaything to use for rediculous uses like beer runs, orange or green iron etc.

The quick and the dead answer would be an

1.BCS 2 wheel tractor from earthtools

2. a 2 way rotary plow for the BCS 2 wheel tractor

3. the smallest rototiller for the 2 wheel tractor
for cultivation if you intend to make a flat land
garden.

You may not want to bother with the rototiller
when you see how a rotary plow will dig
14 inches deep.

If you dont want a 2 wheel tractor contact Ken Sweet
here on the forum and tell him about the tractor you own
and he will sell you the right equipment.

 

[newbury]

I would go for a good used 20-25 hp tractor and a used subsoiler and a new 48 inch forward rotation tiller. This should be done for around 5K. Ken Sweet

A few questions -
Are you implying my B7610 (24HP, 18PTO HP) is to small?

If I only need 2 more PTO HP couldn't I just go a little slower?

From Everything Attachments website a Phoenix T4-48 requires 15-24PTO HP.

 

[bonefish101]

Im not sure its quite that simple, you may be right, I'm still learning but I thought that you need a certain amount of pto hp to run an attachment effectively without bogging down the engine. Like I say, I could be way off base but that was my take on it.

 

[ayelvington]

Pay someone to till and disk it for you, then use your new tiller to maintain it.

I did the cutting, used a neighbor's tractor to break the ground, I tilled it, and used another neighbor's tiller. We share a lot around here... I wish I had a tiller instead of the disks now, but Landpride makes great discs!

 

[sweettractors]

A few questions -
Are you implying my B7610 (24HP, 18PTO HP) is to small?

If I only need 2 more PTO HP couldn't I just go a little slower?

From Everything Attachments website a Phoenix T4-48 requires 15-24PTO HP.

What is your lift capacity? I have a T10-35 Phoenix that weighs about 450. Pulling wont be a problem. We also sell the T4-48 for less and it would work fine on your tractor. Ken Sweet