Tilling a plot of sod for a garden?

[Bishop1971]

Thanks for the discussion.

So I actually have two areas; the 20x20 front yard patch (basically the badly sloped area) that I want to turn into a wild-flower patch. I tried last year without nuking the grass and it didn't work.

And then a smaller backyard plot for a garden with herbs and a few veggies, sunflowers, etc...

It sounds like the roundup approach will work for me, for favoring that, for now. Am I going to have to tarp the grass after putting down roundup if it rains? (suppose to be a decent amount of rain here in E IA this weekend)

Where in eastern Iowa are you? I'd be happy to help. I could remove the sod in a couple hours.

 

[SI_NYC]

Removing the sod for that size of plot is what I would consider right in the awkward spot between 'it's a lot to do by hand' vs 'not quite enough to justify lugging a sod cutter'.

I'd probably end up taking up the sod by hand and then renting a tiller to turn the soil. While you have the tiller you should amend the soil with some compost.

All good points. I’d tend to lean to also renting a sod cutter or hire a company to cut the sod for you. If you go the hand method, sharpen your garden spade beforehand with a file or grinder. It will save you a lot of time and effort. 20’x20’ by hand is a lot for someone not used to doing such a job.

 

[Mayland]

Thanks for the discussion.

So I actually have two areas; the 20x20 front yard patch (basically the badly sloped area) that I want to turn into a wild-flower patch. I tried last year without nuking the grass and it didn't work.

And then a smaller backyard plot for a garden with herbs and a few veggies, sunflowers, etc...

It sounds like the roundup approach will work for me, for favoring that, for now. Am I going to have to tarp the grass after putting down roundup if it rains? (suppose to be a decent amount of rain here in E IA this weekend)

Most glyphosates should be rain fast after 4 hours according to the label.

 

[kwik44]

I would just till up the area 3 times, then use a harrow twice to feather out the remaining chunks.

The roundup thing may or may not work. I probably wouldn't take the chance with developing vegetable roots having roundup in the area.

The little grass clumps won't hurt for this season.

If you have a pull behind harrow with a lawn tractor, you'll be set.

 

[Whiskeydeltadeltatango]

Round up. Till. Wait 2 weeks round up again... wait 2 weeks plant.

 

[General Tso]

$10B is the last figure I saw that will be paid out due to the link between Roundup and cancer.

Google roundup lawsuits and get about 10 law firm ads specific to the RoundUp cases

 

[OutbackBowl2017]

Dude, do it the easiest way possible, rent a sod cutter and a tiller and you will be done in about two hours or so. Save your hands, back, and body by not being worn out from all the manual labor of using a shovel or spade. I’m sure you or a neighbor can use the sod in an area in need of new grass.

 

[AlisonNorth80y]

For tilling a sod plot, renting a powerful tiller like the 9HP one is a solid choice. It'll save time and effort compared to removing the sod manually. However, if you're feeling adventurous, you could try a combination approach: remove some of the sod yourself and then use the tiller for the rest. I've already done it this spring, as I love gardening. I have some flowers and a beautiful bonsai tree growing. Do you guys like bonsai trees? If so, check out this helpful guide at https://bonsaiforbeginners.com/guide, it's great for beginners. Give it a look!