Remove grass layer with bucket for planting bed

[Bill R 4]

I'm looking to create long but thin planting beds for herbs (75' long by 4' wide) on unbroken ground. I have a 32 hp Kubota with a bucket, but no plow. Understanding it will take quite a bit of time, would it work if I scraped the sod off and then used a rototiller to create the bed? I don't have a plow or discs, and would rather not buy anything new at this time.

Thank you in advance.

Bill

 

[oosik]

I've tried scraping up grass sod with the bucket on my 64 hp Kubota. It was a dismal failure. The bucket simply is not the implement to do this type of work. Control is not tight enough - you are either digging too deep or skimming across the top of the grass.

However - since you have the implement and tool - give it a try. The worst that can happen - it won't work for you either.

BTW - welcome to TBN and this forum.

 

[CalG]

I'm looking to create long but thin planting beds for herbs (75' long by 4' wide) on unbroken ground. I have a 32 hp Kubota with a bucket, but no plow. Understanding it will take quite a bit of time, would it work if I scraped the sod off and then used a rototiller to create the bed? I don't have a plow or discs, and would rather not buy anything new at this time.

Thank you in advance.

Bill

Weld a couple of "lawn guides" much like "bucket tusks" to the outside of the bucket side plates .
Set for 2 inch depth of the bucket blade, the sod should roll right into the bucket for easy carrying.

drill and bolt would work as well. 1 1/2 inch heavy wall square tube perhaps.

 

[3Ts]

It can be done. As previously posted, the problem is controlling the bucket depth and angle of attack. Also, as you roll the grass into the bucket, the bucket will fill up faster than you expect. It will take a while to do the 75'. Don't plan on much more than 2 or 3 feet per bucket full.

 

[/pine]

you can rent a sod cutter for a clean removal...then till etc...
Good Luck...

 

[mapper]

Till the grass under and cover it with black plastic for a week or two to kill the grass. The dead sod will add nutrients to the soil. Avoid stripping off your top soil, it's valuable stuff!

 

[jeff9366]

Till the grass under and cover it with black plastic for a week or two to kill the grass. The dead sod will add nutrients to the soil. Avoid stripping off your top soil, it's valuable stuff!

Excellent suggestion.

If you have the ability to mow existing ground cover very short, you should be fine roto-tilling. Let the ground and ground cover dry out, then roto-till a second time.

If you are seeking an excuse to purchase a new attachment, a Ratchet Rake bucket attachment is excellent at removing sod and smoothing small gardens.

You can purchase a Ratchet Rake through the tractorbynet.com STORE, button at top of this page.

Kubota B3300SU tractor-loader package in photos is almost identical to your L3000.

 

[CalG]

Fertile soil is not always wanted for herb gardens.

Go figure,,,, ;-)

 

[Bill R 4]

Thank you all for a good range of suggestions and tips. I appreciate the help!

 

[Luke'sScreenName]

I might suggest a boxblade with rippers as my first choice for this task. Seems ideally suited. :2cents:

My second choice would be a bucket BUT only one with teeth (like a real cutting bar or possibly a piranha thingy). I have found that manipulating sod with an un-toothed bucket is a frustrating experience.

 

[mapper]

Fertile soil is not always wanted for herb gardens.

Go figure,,,, ;-)

I grow basil, Thai basil, tarragon, sage, oregano and mint. Oregano and mint spread every where and really go to town in fertile soil. The others thrive with regular watering and feeding, their aromas are very intense and when dried are very potent.
Which herbs prefer less fertile conditions?
I think oregano will grow anywhere, I have patches of it in my lawn that get bigger every year, smells like pizza when you mow:licking:

 

[Egon]

If you really want to remove the sod with your bucket?? Start out at a depth just below the main root mass. Keep the cut level and smooth and do spend time doing so. If you let it get rough it becomes much more difficult.
Stockpile the sod and cover with a black tarp. It will turn into nice soil to put back.

Alternative: As you have a rotatiller till your strips four inches deep and three times as wide as needed. Remove and stockpile the loose dirt. It'll come come out real easy to the tilled depth. Cover it with a tarp and wait till it's decomposed. Then spread it down the middle of your tilled strip. Give you a raised bed of nice material with sides that can be tilled to keep unwanted growth away.
Tarp covered in hot sun may kill any plant seeds in the dirt.

 

[thatguy]

I have done it a few times with my tractor and FEL w/ tooth bar.. i used to get down on my hands and knees using a landscape shovel to 'dig' under the sod to remove it.. But if the conditions are right, (not too wet, not too dry)

here is a pic of me putting in one of our flower bed.. The toothbar is a necessity for this it seems though and as mentioned the bucket fill up quickly

Brian

 

[LD1]

You have a tiller.

If you really insist on removing the sod, till first to whatever depth you want removed.

The remove all the loose sod you just fluffed.

It will be easy to know when you get too aggressive and get into virgin ground underneath. It will be alot harder to dig.

I've put in several driveways like this. Til to the depth you want, and scoop nice loose dirt. Whole lot faster, easier, and easier on the machine than trying to dig virgin sod and ground. And a whole lot more precise at controlling depth