How to make rows in a garden with a tractor

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Forget the old fashioned hoe or other tiring methods…

Nowadays there are plenty of tools you can use to make straight accurate rows in your garden with a tractor.

This article teaches you how to make rows in a garden with a tractor.

You’ll learn about all the attachments that work so that you don’t spend more than necessary when making the investment.

Also, we have added a couple of handy tips to help you get the garden ready for a record-breaking harvest.

Read on.

How to make rows in a garden with a tractor

Here are some of the attachments you can put behind your tractor to make nice garden rows.

1.     Hiller attachment / Garden bedder / Row Hipper

One of the best ways to make garden rows is with a hiller attachment if you’re planting on top of hills.

This versatile attachment cultivates rows for gardens or farms and features adjustable wings (or separate adjusting shoes) to allow you make different row widths in your seedbed.

The amazing machine comes with evenly spaced disks with an angular shape so it runs through the soil making rows with great, even trenches on either side.

Some have a lot of advanced settings that make the job quite easy- you could even go for one that makes three rows- instead of one- at once. 

Here is one that attaches to a 3-hitch pin (comes with an optional row maker for tractor insert).

It’s worth noting that your needs, soil types, and planting conditions are major factors when it comes to the performance of tractor garden bedders.

Note: if you’re at home with DIY stuff, you could come up with a homemade garden hiller. Check out this video for the steps and materials to use.

2.     Middlebuster attachment

Another option for making garden rows -after tilling the garden soil- is the middle buster.

Stay with me to learn how it works.

Now, the equipment comes with double-wing cutting blades and digs pleasant, straight furrows for whatever you’re planting.

Of course, the 3 point attachment in most models fits right onto the back of nearly all tractors meaning that it makes rows precisely in the middle of the tire tracks.

Another advantage is that it’s pretty simple to operate…

Just follow your tire tracks when making your next row.

Again, the rows can go as deep as you might want (depending on what you’re planning to plant).

What’s more, you can use it for harvesting crops like potato when it’s time.

All you have to do is drive slowly over the vegetation, running the piece of machinery through the bottom of your hill to make the potatoes pop up easily to the surface.

The same process can be duplicated for most root vegetables (think of carrots, beets, and onions).

You can buy a new one or order a used model. The latter is much cheaper.

The only downside is that it’s not as good as a hiller in some situations.

We especially feel that a hiller attachment makes neater beds.

Nevertheless, it surely beats alternatives such as a shovel or a rake.

3.     Garden attachment Combos

Setting up rows for your gardening project will also take less work and minimal time with garden combos.

For starters, these are nothing else but a many-in-one attachment specially made to help you complete several gardening tasks with one tool.

Think of it as a cultivator-cum-plow-cum-buster-cum-hiller etc., all made in one.

You can, therefore, use this multi-capable tool for tasks such as

  • “Hilling” out or laying long, straight rows.
  • Cultivating crops.
  • Digging crops like potatoes.
  • Pulling dirt to crops and more.

Is there a better way of saving bucks really?

To understand what I’m talking about, take a look at this example.

Sadly, these tools don’t come cheap.

Best ride on mower for slopes

How to choose a row maker for tractor

This section discloses a couple of variables to help you decide the best route to go.

·         Your needs

So, what exact exactly are you looking for?

For example, some people won’t use a mold buster because they dislike its potentially damaging effect on the soil.

On a related note, you could want to use a hiller/garden bedder if you’re more into raised bed gardening because it largely triumphs over a buster when it comes to building up those mounded up hills.

And so forth.

·         Your Budget

The second question is about the amount of money you’ve set aside for this.

Like with other farm implements, you pay different prices for the highlighted solutions. 

Don’t worry a lot if your money is insufficient- you can always go for pre-owned equipment or opt for a DIY invention.

Plenty of resources have been published online surrounding self-made garden attachments and a simple Google search will get you going.

The other inexpensive avenue is renting the tool from your nearby rental center as you save up for the purchase.

·         Compatibility with your tractor

This is yet another vital question.

The thing is, these attachments do not have universal compatibility and there are those that could be unsafe to pull with small tractors.

Overall, you want to be sure that your tractor has adequate engine horsepower (check the description).

For the hitch, some might work with modifications though.

Large rock removal from yard

How to make rows in a garden with a tractor: Useful tips

  1. You see, you could be tilling between the rows later and it’s important to leave some access path for the tiller unless you want to till the crops (or keep the weeds!).  The space in between rows also gives room for the plants to develop well.

Hint: The recommended spacing is at the back of your seed packet.

  • The faster you pull your row builder, the more dirt you will mound up. Also determining the hill height are factors such as the tilling depth and type of soil.
  • Try to maintain the correct depth consistently for proper planting and germination.

Final thoughts

So, that’s how to make rows in a garden with a tractor and watch your garden blossom.

As always, remember to read your operator’s manual before using your chosen piece of garden equipment. You want to follow all the indicated operational and safety instructions.

Notched discs or smooth discs blades 

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