How to Rototill a New Spot
- 1). Cut and remove a small section of sod to test the soil for moisture content. Tilling the dirt while it is too wet can compact the soil. Pick up a clump of soil and compress it in your hand. If it sticks together, it is too wet. If it crumbles in your hand, the soil is dry enough to till.
- 2). Measure the dimensions for the new spot. Mark each corner with a wooden stake, relative to your calculations. Use the stakes as a line-of-reference to maintain straight lines as you till the perimeter. Clear the area of any rocks or debris. Pull weeds by hand and remove them from the area.
- 3). Remove the sod. Push the sod shovel straight into the earth about 3 to 4 inches deep. Work in small sections, cutting a line along the sides of the sod, you are removing. Place the shovel edge under the sod, push forward and lift it out.
- 4). Start the rototiller according to the manufacturer's guide. Adjust the tines to turn the earth about 6 to 8 inches deep. Push the machine slowly and make one pass over the entire area. Apply any proposed fertilizers, compost or nutrients to the soil. Run the tiller over the area once more to mix the additions into the dirt.
- 5). Lightly level the area with a garden rake. Remove any uprooted weeds along with rocks and roots brought to the surface by the rototiller's tines.