Re: tillers for gardens

From: canbya <canbya at snet.net> on 1997.05.06 at 14:11:04(722) Les: I too have a Mantis which I "need" every spring. It is the best tool for incorportating additions into the soil. It also is great for fluffing up mounds-essential in my heavy, wet CT soil. In this area the soil is also full of stones which embed themselves in the tines. (The tines are guaranteed for life-I am on my second pair.) Vines too will clog the works. I keep a fish-tailed weeding tool nearby and declog as necessary. Unfortunately the Mantis is useless for starting new beds in my soil, even in grass. The vegetation, combined with the muck, is just too much for it. After I gave away my old standard tiller (my back demanded it), I started covering proposed new beds with black pastic for a season. Then the Mantis could sink in its teeth. I don't know if your sandy soil would present the same problems. Weight was an important factor in my choice. For sources other than Sears, look at Gardener's Supply Co in Burlington VT 800-863-1700. I purchased my Mantis from them, but noticed they now carry one of their own. Elisabeth Harmon

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