My Dad has suggested I get a cultivator for my plot. Says it is different to a rotovator, as it goes deeper whereas a rotovator just skims over the top.
I thought they were the same thing, and that you would need to dig clay soil first before using anything mechanical? I know that whatever I use I need to get the weed roots out first!
Quote from: lewic on December 29, 2008, 21:37:55
My Dad has suggested I get a cultivator for my plot. Says it is different to a rotovator, as it goes deeper whereas a rotovator just skims over the top.
I thought they were the same thing, and that you would need to dig clay soil first before using anything mechanical? I know that whatever I use I need to get the weed roots out first!
I think it's the other way round. A cultivator like the Mantis Tiller works the surface, whereas a rotovator typically can dig 20cm deep (or more depending on the size and how you use it).
If you're going to dig manually and weed the plot thoroughly, which is highly recommended, you may not need anything more than a cultivator thereafter.
Hi Lewic, a few things, this is only my view, i think you need to look where the blade are first and if the machine has fixed wheels or not,
if it was me, with clay soil i would dig you plot with a spade and fork, this will help with drainage, i would add loads of manure to help with soil structure, and try very hard to stay away from using a rotovator or cultivator in winter time as they will cause a pan (hard surface ) under the topsoil stopping the water to drain through and any roots to grow any depth, summer or aultumn time may differ, but if you must use a machine use this type below,
as for cultivators - rotovators, they are differences, this is what i have and use on my allotment,
p1/ (http://img201.imageshack.us/img201/8391/ak3504cultimainwd7.th.jpg) (http://img201.imageshack.us/my.php?image=ak3504cultimainwd7.jpg) depending where the rotor / blade are located, will give you a different depth, this one has a depth bar on the back of the machine, and a removeable wheel on the front, when i remove the wheel, turn around the depth so that it digs into the soil, the blade cut into the soil about 8--12 " deep with two passes,
P2/ (http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/5508/rarallyrt5oo6.th.jpg) (http://img227.imageshack.us/my.php?image=rarallyrt5oo6.jpg)
this machine has fixed wheels on the front, and a depth bar on the back and will cut to the depth of the blades,
hope this helps, others will have different views ;D ;D
windy ;)
I'm with Windygale on this one!
This is how I prepare my beds; http://www.thegardenersalmanac.co.uk/Data/Soil%20prep/soil%20prep.html (http://www.thegardenersalmanac.co.uk/Data/Soil%20prep/soil%20prep.html)
Wow that looks like hard work, but it looks like its definitely improved the soil! I live on my own so there is a limited amount of veg I can eat and would be hiring equipment so probably won't go for mechanical assistance (unless my Dad is going to stump up!!) as I think it would work out at about £1 per carrot!
Thanks for the pics x