I'm looking to replace a big patch of Bermuda grass with a native prairie garden, but I'd prefer to avoid using any motorized tools. As a smaller woman, I'm wondering what would be the most manageable tool for this job. Is a broad fork the right choice, or should I consider a rotary tiller, or maybe something else altogether?
3 Answers
Instead of tilling, which can really disrupt the soil, it’s better to fully remove the grass. I found a large square mouth shovel really effective for this; it's like a giant snow shovel. Just dig under the grass, and it helps to stomp on the shovel to get it in there. Once the grass is out, you can till the soil to prep it for planting.
If you're tackling a larger area, renting a sod cutter might be your best bet. It's designed specifically for cutting out grass and can save you a ton of time and effort compared to doing it manually. Just keep in mind that it still might take some time and effort to establish your native garden afterwards!
If you want an easier way without heavy lifting, consider using a method called sheet mulching. You can layer brown cardboard over the area and top it with wood chips. You might find free wood chips through local arborists or services like chipdrop. Just make sure to use cardboard without any glossy finishes or plastic. Over time, this will smother the grass and turn that hard packed clay into nice, workable soil! I've had great success with this, and it's pretty eco-friendly too!
Thanks for the suggestion! Renting sounds like a smart idea for a big patch. I'm ready to start this project!