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Dillsburg, PA

I have a 600 square ft patch that is elevated about 10 inches with wood boarders. I am looking to purchase a good tiller that will really rip the soil. I have read that a front end tiller might be better in a patch such as mine. I guess it is easier to manuever in tight spaces with boarders? Is this true or would I be better off with a back end tiller. Any suggestions? Thanks, Jeff

9/2/2004 7:51:16 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

I'm a rear tine person myself. But in your situation a front tine might make sense.

But then again, wood in direct contact with the ground is an open invitation for Termites. I've taken 30 year warranty CCA pressure treated lumber out of the ground after just 3 years that had Termites in it. Since this house had Termites once, I won't leave ANY wood in direct contact with the ground. Why not just take the boards out?

9/2/2004 8:39:03 PM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

Save your money for a 600SQF patch and rent one twice a year.

9/2/2004 8:40:23 PM

Www.extremepumpkinstore.com

I rented one from home depot for my 1000 sq foot patch

9/2/2004 9:12:32 PM

Omaha, NE (N41-15-42 )

Last fall I got a Sears Craftsman 5HP Front tine tiller for about $300 for my 600 Sq ft patch. I've been very happy with it.

9/2/2004 11:44:23 PM

Denver, Co.

Chances are your patch will grow in the future as you get hooked farther into gardening. I know mine did:) I have had both types & my vote is for the rear tine models. They are self propelled & will do alot of the work for you. They are much bigger & heavier, but will "steer" under power.
If you really want wooden borders, stick with regular framing lumber & replace them every few years, you don't want those chemicals in your food!

9/2/2004 11:58:36 PM

Aldie, VA

What about using brick borders? My future pumpkin patch is on a slope and I want to raise the end up so that it's more level. I was thinking of using railway ties -- the pumpkins are not to be eaten, I'm a carver -- but they aren't available down here (USA) and it looks like use in Canada has been banned. Heh.

Anyhow, since we're more southern the danger of termites is very real and I don't want to hand them an invitation. So, brick? Any suggestions? I don't want all my good soil running off into the pine trees at the end of the property.

I'm sure the trees wouldn't mind so much :)

Thanks,
Roan

9/3/2004 10:00:58 AM

In the shade - PDX, OR

Boily has used brick pavers for his raised bed.

Check his diary - I think it looks great.

9/3/2004 12:12:07 PM

Indiana

If you can afford it get a bcs tiller I got a broken one on ebay and did some repairs it blows a troybuilt away and i really like troybuilts it is a rear tine but it has reverse so you can get it to go where you want it to.
Steve

9/3/2004 1:16:49 PM

Dillsburg, PA

Thanks for the advice guys. My wood is from lowes that they sell in the gardening department. Brick would be cool but would be very expensive I imagine.

9/3/2004 2:30:58 PM

Aldie, VA

CEIS,

Oh my gosh Boily has an awesome diary! I've almost read the whole thing, starting from 2003. Very detailed, great pictures and he's a good writer. Thanks a bunch for pointing me to that one.

The pictures of the bricked walls are in his 2003 diary. Very nicely done. I'm going to do some cost comparison against the two and see what comes out on top.

Thanks again!
Roan

9/3/2004 7:18:40 PM