Not A Shovel: Prepare Garden Beds With A Ryobi Tool That Attaches To Your String Trimmer

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If you have ever tried preparing garden beds for planting with just a shovel, you probably already know how tedious it can be. This is especially true when the soil is compacted. Working with compacted soil makes the whole process feel like a workout and takes a lot of time. That is where a soil tiller can help. The problem is, however, that buying a dedicated soil tiller can be expensive, especially if you only need to use it occasionally. Luckily, you do not need to buy a separate tiller if you own a string trimmer fitted with a Ryobi Expand-It Cultivator Attachment.

Currently priced at $149 at Home Depot, this tiller has four heavy-duty steel tines that rotate when attached to a string trimmer and help prep your soil for successful planting. You can choose a 7- or 10-inch tilling width. The tiller attachment also has its own wheels and a debris guard. According to Ryobi, it works with most gas-powered and cordless string trimmers that accept attachments. This attachment will not work with every string trimmer, though, so make sure it is compatible with your model before you make the purchase.

According to customer reviews on Home Depot, Ryobi's Expand-It tiller attachment is easy to use and does a good job of breaking up soil in garden beds. One buyer even reported tilling a 4-by-8-foot raised bed in less than 10 minutes. However, not all customers have been satisfied with the tiller attachment's performance. For instance, some reviewers noted that the tiller struggled with hard, compacted soil, while others found it awkward to handle.

It turns out that this small garden tiller is the weeding tool you didn't know you needed! So, how exactly do you use the Ryobi Expand-It tiller attachment to prepare garden beds for planting? Well, you start by removing rocks, sticks, and any other debris from the soil, as they can get stuck in the tilling tines. Then moisten the ground to soften it and make it easier for the tiller attachment to dig into the dirt. Do not soak the soil because it will become cloddy, making it harder to work with later on.

Once the soil is ready for tilling, you can start running the Ryobi Expand-It tiller attachment through your garden beds. Do not try to dig deep into the soil all at once, and do not force the attachment through the ground. Instead, make several light passes over the same spot in opposite directions. This helps to avoid putting unnecessary strain on your string trimmer. You can even use the Ryobi Expand-It tiller attachment to get rid of weeds in your garden. The tilling action can help uproot small weeds before they get established. Just do not use it if you are dealing with perennial weeds. If you break the roots of some unwanted plants apart when tilling, they could spread.

Lastly, keep in mind that the Ryobi Expand-It tiller attachment is not a fully fledged soil tiller. It won't be of much help if you are dealing with heavily compacted soil or trying to get thick, well-established roots out of the ground. Also, be careful when using this tiller attachment close to desired plants in the garden, as the fast-rotating tines can wound their roots and stems.