Cultivating versus Tilling

Cultivating as a practice is really two things: removing weeds from the garden and loosening the soil to optimize the retention and penetration of air, water and nutrients. How Does Cultivating Differ From Tilling? Soil must only be loosened a couple of inches deep when you cultivate. If you cultivate too deeply you will only … Read more

Mantis Tiller Spring Maintenance

A few minutes of maintenance can prevent hours of frustration. Use this checklist to get started! Spring Maintenance Checklist Check The Tines If your Mantis Tiller tines were dirty or wet when you last used your tiller, you may need to clean and lubricate them. If you can easily remove the tines from the transmission … Read more

Lawn Aeration With A Mantis Tiller

Aeration is the process of mechanically removing small plugs of thatch and soil from the lawn to improve air exchange. Aeration Benefits Soil cultivation, or aeration, can help make your lawn healthier and reduce its maintenance requirements through these means: Aeration Timing Your geography and grass type impact aeration timing. If you have cool season … Read more

Composting 101

For soil building, garden fertilizing, and environmental responsibility. What is Compost? Backyard composting is the intentional and managed decomposition of organic materials for the production of compost, that magical soil enhancer that is fundamental to good gardening. Compost is decomposed organic material. The organic material can be plant material or animal matter. While composting may … Read more

Prevent Ethanol Fuel Damage

Learn about problems associated with ethanol in pump gasoline and how to prevent difficult engine starts. Preventing Ethanol Damage to Mantis Tiller Engines Q. Why is ethanol bad for small engines? A. The ethanol added to gasoline attracts water. Humidity and poor storage can accelerate this problem. Over time this water can separate from the gasoline; this … Read more