<![CDATA[Mantis Owners forum discussion]]> http://mantisowners.com en Wed, 16 May 2012 17:17:57 GMTMantis Owners forum discussionhttp://mantisowners.com<![CDATA[RE:What new things will you grow in your garden in 2012?]]> My arugula is thriving!  Can't wait to pick some when it is ready.

]]>Thu, 10 May 2012 13:00:33 GMT<![CDATA[RE:Tilled 5000 sq ft Septic Tank Leach Fiel Berm]]> It certainly is one amazing little tiller!  I love mine too.

]]>Thu, 10 May 2012 12:59:28 GMT<![CDATA[RE:Tilled 5000 sq ft Septic Tank Leach Fiel Berm]]> I probably should have used the black plastic to smother the weeds as you have done.  I just killed everything with mutiple doses of Roundup over a span of a moth or so.  I pre-soaked the entire berm which made the tilling much easier.  I waited about  two days and tilled it a second time.  The second pass pulverized the soil very well.  I then raked out the debris a second time.  I just seeded the mound a couple of days ago.  I am concerned that the thistle may make a comeback, especially the Bull Thistle.  I was not able to completely remove all of the bull thistle roots as they ran deeper than the leach line pipes and I did not want to damage the lines.  The best I could do was to cut them off about six inches below grade.  My plan now is to selectively kill any weeds with Roundup as they sprout.  I'm fairly sure that it will be a long battle.  The Bull Thistle, as the name implies, is a formidable enemy, but I am determined to wipe it out.  I think my next purchase will be the aerater & de-thatching attachment combo to use on the lawn.  Regarding the  2-cycle engines, if you follow the maintenance suggestons in the manual, you should have many years of trouble free performance.  Probably the most important thing is to empty the full tank and run the engine until all remaining fuel is used up prior to long term storage.  I only mix one gallon of fuel at at a time as it's difficult to dispose of large quantities of stale fuel.  I dispose of fuel that's more than about one month old and mix up a fresh batch.  I also highly recommend using one of the fuel stabilizing products.  They are well worth the expense and it's cheap insurance IMO.

]]>Mon, 23 Apr 2012 03:45:09 GMT<![CDATA[RE:Tilled 5000 sq ft Septic Tank Leach Fiel Berm]]> Thanks for sharing that - I recently moved and decided to make my garden bed in an area that was full of thistle, dandelions and other assorted field plants.  In the past I always rented a tiller, but chose to purchase the 2 cycle Mantis as well.  It has done a great job so far.  I did opt to cover sections with black plastic just to kill whatever might be lurking. In a week or so, I'll go out and uncover and till.  I don't know a thing about engines and such, but with some help from the local Mantis dealer, was able to get the tiller going. I'm with you 100% on it being a great purchase - don't know why I ever waited this long. 

]]>Sun, 22 Apr 2012 17:15:23 GMT<![CDATA[Tilled 5000 sq ft Septic Tank Leach Fiel Berm]]> I recently moved into a house which is on a septic tank system.  The ground is mostly clay and the lot has poor drainage.  The septic system was revamped abnout 10 years ago and the leach field was built into a 200 ft X 25 ft earthen berm.  The berm was planted with native grasses etc and left to grow as a natural habitat for the local critters.  When I moved in, the berm was pretty much taken over by bull thistle, canadian thistle and johnson grass.  I wanted to start over and plant some creeping red fescue and wildflowers.  I scalped the mound with a mower and weed eater then killed what remained with roundup.  I considered renting a tiller to loosen up the seed bed before planting.  I quickly realized that this would be a mutiple day project so I decied to just buy a small tiller.  I did not want a large tiller that would occupy too much floor space when not in use and a large tiller would not be able to work the flower beds and raised vegetable beds.  I had seen the Mantis in commercials and for sale at the local mower shops.  I was impressed with the design and it seemed to be the ideal choice for my purposes.  I bought the 2-cycle original model direct from Mantis.  I'm an experienced mechanic and confident that I would have no problems using and maintaining the 2-cycle engine.  I am aware that 2 stroke engines can be temperamental if not well maintained.  They can also be frustrating to get started if you are not familiar with their operation.  Well, the little Mantis has performed beyond my best expectations.  The 5,000 sq ft berm was challenging as it was compacted clay rife with roots and such.  The Mantis chewed right through all but the very thick bull thistle roots ball.  Those I sawed off below grade or dug up with a shovel.  Bottom line is I am very happy with the Mantis  It's definitely a workhorse and one of the best tool purchases I've ever made.  Pretty much unstoppable IMO.

 

]]>Thu, 19 Apr 2012 20:45:29 GMT<![CDATA[Has anyone tried those Garden Mats?]]> I just saw these advertised on tv. They are Garden Mats. Supposed to cut down on weeding, and increase your yield. Has anyone seen them, or tried them?  http://gardenmats.com/

]]>Mon, 16 Apr 2012 17:51:11 GMT<![CDATA[RE:Deer in the garden]]> Sherri, I use a product called Milorganite.  It is completely organic. It not only deters deer, but it also feeds your plants.  I have been using it for years. I got it at a garden center the first time, then at Home Depot.  But here is a link with more info.  Try it. It works. http://www.milorganite.com/

 

]]>Mon, 16 Apr 2012 17:48:26 GMT<![CDATA[RE:Which is your favorite zinnia to grow?]]> I like growing the Burpee Cut and Come Again. It's a nice mix. A tried and true favorite.

]]>Mon, 16 Apr 2012 17:44:27 GMT<![CDATA[RE:Starting your Mantis]]> I was on the mantis.com site looking for some info. I see they have added a video showing how to start the tiller.

Here is a link in case you want to view it for yourself. Scroll down the page and look under Starting Your Mantis Tiller.

http://mantis.com/tips.asp

 

]]>Mon, 16 Apr 2012 17:41:23 GMT<![CDATA[RE:Which variety of tomato is your favorite to grow?]]> I love growing an old favorite called Sweet 100. Its a cherry tomato. Sweet as sugar. And they grow like crazy. And for slicing tomatoes, nothing beats a Burpee Big Boy!

]]>Mon, 16 Apr 2012 17:38:50 GMT<![CDATA[Which is your favorite zinnia to grow?]]>Mon, 16 Apr 2012 17:24:36 GMT<![CDATA[Which variety of tomato is your favorite to grow]]>Mon, 16 Apr 2012 17:23:42 GMT<![CDATA[RE:Deer in the garden]]>Thu, 29 Mar 2012 17:18:44 GMT<![CDATA[RE:Deer in the garden]]> Just joined the forum and saw your post with no replies so I thought I would try to help.

I have been dealing with deer in the garden for over 30 years and have tried everything from electric fence to

hair. The problem is what ever you try they will get use to it and your remedy won't stop them. That being said,

just keep changing your approach. I keep my dog next to the garden in the summer which seems to work really well.

Good luck and please don't let the deer chase you out of the garden.

 

 

]]>Thu, 29 Mar 2012 16:58:43 GMT<![CDATA[RE:What do you do with your green tomatoes?]]> Slice about a quarter inch thick, bread with bread crumbs(or flour or corn meal) and fry in oil.

]]>Sat, 24 Mar 2012 04:57:57 GMT<![CDATA[RE:What new things will you grow in your garden in 2012?]]> Same here SandiT.  I have not had a lot of success with my gardens the past several years.  Finally took some soil and sent it for analysis.  They have recommended all kinds of things my soil was lacking in.  Hopefully my garden will produce better this year with the Mantis tiller.  As for the arugula's, I am growing sunflower sprouts/greens indoors this winter and that works great.  

]]>Fri, 17 Feb 2012 13:40:12 GMT<![CDATA[RE:What new things will you grow in your garden in 2012?]]> I grew it several years ago, in my last garden. It's very good in salads or on sandwiches. I liked the baby greens a lot better than the older ones; they were a little bitter for my taste. 

I just got my Mantis electric tiller yesterday and used it to till up the garden today.   It'll be my second try with this garden. First try wasn't very productive but I am adding several lettuces, including arugula. I think you'll like it! 

]]>Sat, 28 Jan 2012 00:49:08 GMT<![CDATA[What new things will you grow in your garden in 2012?]]> Was pouring over my Burpee catalog and thinking about growing Arugula. Have any of  you grown it?

]]>Fri, 20 Jan 2012 13:33:04 GMT<![CDATA[RE:Prepped area for bluebonnets and indian blankets]]>
Both planting areas done and seeded!  Come Spring we're hoping to have lots of wild flowers for Easter pictures with the grandkids.

Ended up planing Blue Bonnets in one of the areas and Poppies in the other.  Went over each area once more with the mantis to break up the ground before seeding.


 

]]>Tue, 13 Dec 2011 20:29:13 GMT<![CDATA[RE:What do you do with your green tomatoes?]]>
Sorry for the delay.  Out of state working.  You can use one apple for a few tomatoes, but it will be best NOT to use a clear plastic bag.  A grocery store paper bags seems to work best for me.

]]>Tue, 15 Nov 2011 19:30:28 GMT<![CDATA[RE:What do you do with your green tomatoes?]]>Mon, 14 Nov 2011 04:19:12 GMT<![CDATA[RE:What do you do with your green tomatoes?]]>
can you put 1 tomato and one apple in several bags and then enclose them in on big store type plastic bag?
 

]]>Sat, 12 Nov 2011 15:20:29 GMT<![CDATA[RE:What do you do with your green tomatoes?]]> If you want you tomatoes to ripen to red, you can go to your local grocery store and get them to give you an apple box with the separators. The average apple box will hold 4 levels of tomatoes 

Build from the bottom of the box making sure you place one red apple on each level.  Bruise the apple (drop it on the ground a few times)  Bruised apples give off ethanol gas which turn tomatoes red and helps with ripening.  Make sure the box is sealed of all holes.  Check your box about every 4-6 days.  Depending on what stage you picked your green tomatoes (dark green, light green or near white in color) the process of ripening your tomatoes may take as long a 2 + weeks.  Ethanol gas is approximately the same atomic weight as oxygen.  The middle two levels in your box will most likely ripen faster than the bottom level or top level.

You can follow the same above procedure but use a paper shopping bag.  Just remember the apple.  Close the bag tightly.

But having said all this, I love fried green tomatoes too!

 

 



 

]]>Thu, 10 Nov 2011 00:05:29 GMT<![CDATA[What do you do with your green tomatoes?]]> ]]>Tue, 8 Nov 2011 22:34:18 GMT<![CDATA[Prepped area for bluebonnets and indian blankets]]> I might have bitten off more than I can chew on this project with the Mantis.  We flagged off two areas on our property for planting Bluebonnets and Indian Blankets for Spring bloom.  Each area is a circle of 60 feet.  I started by applying roundup to the areas, waited a couple of weeks then mowed it down to the lowest setting on my tractors mowing deck.  Then used the lawn sweeper to pick up all the clippings. Then I went over one of the areas with the Mantis cultivator blades to loosen up the thatch.  A dethatcher would have been helpful but without one I used the cultivator.  I was only digging a couple of inches down in soil that was softened by a recent rain and the Mantis made relatively quick work of it.  Then I went over the area again with the mowing deck and sweeper.  The goal is to open the area up enough for the flower seeds to contact the soil and not get caught up in the range grass or thatch.  So one area took me most of the day.  As I was going over the area with the Mantis, cultivating a 10 inch wide path, I has visions of a tow behind dethatching tool for the tractor, or even the Mantis attachment.  But one planting area is done!  Onward with what I've got on hand!
 

]]>Tue, 25 Oct 2011 23:07:42 GMT<![CDATA[used the edger attachment to dig pipeline trenches]]> This past weekend I set the Mantis up with the edging attachment and dug shallow trenches between shrubs along our property lines.  The shrubs are each 8 feet apart. There are 14 on each side of the property. And they should grow to 8-10 feet width and height each.   They've been in the ground for a couple of years but the watering system we've been using isn't getting water to the plants very well and allowing water to run downhill away from the roots and plant stems.  So this past weekend  I pulled the PVC sprinkler lines up, which were installed above ground along the length of the shrub lines, and dug a shallow trench to lay the pvc lines into...about 4 inches deep...between each of the shrubs.  Once the PVC is laid into the trenches the sprinkler heads will be located at the base of each shrub on the ground.  I also cultivated the area below each shrub to allow for a new bed of peat and mulch to help direct the water downward into the root system.   For shallow trenches...the edger works very well.  Come winter we just unscrew the end cap at the end of the line and drain it.

]]>Mon, 22 Aug 2011 23:51:39 GMT<![CDATA[RE:prepared 5 sites for planting berries]]> yes, I reversed the tines for digging in hard dirt...(tilling /cultivating, whichever)...the tines had the claws facing down.   I dug down about 4 inches around each planting site, circled the area with just the width of the mantis footprint, raked out all the grass and roots, then added a couple of inches of peat moss around the plants, topped that with weed cloth ( cut to a circle to fit in the planting bed) and topped that with pine bark mulch. 

]]>Mon, 22 Aug 2011 23:42:52 GMT<![CDATA[RE:prepared 5 sites for planting berries]]> Did you add any compost to each site?   I thought if ya revered the tines, it would be cultivating.

]]>Wed, 17 Aug 2011 02:52:44 GMT<![CDATA[prepared 5 sites for planting berries]]> This past weekend, early while the weather was cool, I used the Mantis to prep 5 sites for planting berries.  The sites were all hard packed and covered with range grass, typical of what grows in rural Texas.  I reversed the tines for tilling so I could dig thru the top layer and rip up the dense grass.  A couple of passes in a circular pattern, reversing direction and another couple of passes, and just a couple of minutes per site is all it took to create nice beds ready for planting.  We planted and covered the beds with weed cloth and a layer of mulch. 

]]>Mon, 15 Aug 2011 23:10:08 GMT<![CDATA[RE:Healthy garden not producing fruit...is it the heat?]]> Yes, the heat is not doing your garden any good and mine neither.  It's been so hot.  I too have watered and fertilized and nothing seems to work.  I am just hoping for a good fall crop at this point and time.

]]>Fri, 12 Aug 2011 19:52:22 GMT<![CDATA[Healthy garden not producing fruit...is it the heat?]]> This year, my veggie garden is very healthy and looking like it should be loaded with fruit.  But haven't had any  tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, or peppers of any type...other than a few very small bell peppers that wither on the vine before they mature, since the heat wave began 6 weeks ago.   Our nights here in N Tx are staying around 88-92 F with days in the 105-108 range.  I'm watering and fertilizing, hoping to keep everything alive and healthy until the heat wave ends in anticipation of a good fall crop.  So is it the excessive heat that is preventing fruit development? 

]]>Thu, 11 Aug 2011 19:31:47 GMT<![CDATA[Deer in the garden]]>
Does anyone have a tried and true way of keeping deer out of the garden?

]]>Thu, 11 Aug 2011 17:35:22 GMT<![CDATA[RE:Mixing Potting Soil]]> Great idea..... You probably add some new soil too, right? 


 

]]>Sun, 24 Jul 2011 23:15:32 GMT<![CDATA[RE:Does anyone out there do a second season garden?]]> When the first garden is done, we always plant purple hull crowder peas and reap the harvest as much as we want or need, then plow under the rest for green fertilizer to help next year's garden.  Of course, there is always turnip/mustard greens too.  (we always mix them)

If you don't want or need the second garden, plant something to plow into the earth for making the soil rich for next year.


 

]]>Sun, 24 Jul 2011 23:13:03 GMT<![CDATA[Does anyone out there do a second season garden?]]> ]]>Fri, 15 Jul 2011 14:15:45 GMT<![CDATA[Mixing Potting Soil]]> I live in Pennsylvania  so I have to replant my containers every year.  I reuse the soil instead of buying new every year. I must have 25+ containers, some are very large, which I use for flowers, herbs and tomatoes. Before I owned a tiller I had to clean them out by hand and it took hours and my back and knees would be sore from all the bending over.

I dump all the containers in the corner of my yard, where the fence meets, and I use the tiller to do all the work! I add fertilizer and compost and let the tiller do all the mixing. Best part is it tears up the small dead matter - the stuff I used to pull out every year by hand. I have to say I'm done in half the time and I am not sore anymore. The tiller really makes mixing the soil fun and fast!

]]>Thu, 30 Jun 2011 22:11:43 GMT<![CDATA[RE:What have I NOT done with my Three mantis tillers? ]]> I have to agree, there is not much I haven't done with the tiller! It is the first tool I reach for when there is a big job to do. I might be crazy but I always think hard to see how I can make the job easy by using the tiller. If I have to dig, move soil or mix things I reach for the tiller first!

]]>Thu, 30 Jun 2011 21:54:27 GMT<![CDATA[Starting your Mantis]]>
I am sorry to hear that some of you are having trouble getting your new Mantis started for the first time--

It does seem to be confined to the 2-cycle engine---

I just received my XP-Mantis the other day-- it comes with the Honda 4-cycle engine--- and after filling the tank w/ fresh

fuel, I pumped the primer bubble until I could see fuel inside-- opened the choke all-the-way-- and gave a pull-- started immediately---

I borrowed a 2-cycle machine before I ordered my own-- I was very satisfied with the borrowed machine and I am ecstatic so far with my new XP--  I'm off to my garden to plant sweet potatoes

ORG

]]>Sun, 5 Jun 2011 12:37:50 GMT<![CDATA[Sweet Potatoes–– ]]> trying to locate source for  sweet potatoes called "New Jersey Reds"??   They are grown in Southern N.J. but as of this date I have been unable to locate a supplier.  Can anyone help??

Thanks

ORG
 

]]>Fri, 3 Jun 2011 22:20:36 GMT<![CDATA[RE:Using Egg Shells in the Garden]]> Each January I start saving egg shells for my tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants. I wash them and store the crushed shells in a little bucket. When I transplant my seedlings, I add a handfull of crushed shells to the planting hole - it virtually eliminates blossem end rot on tomatoes. During the rest of the year, our egg shells go directly into the compost pile.
 

]]>Sat, 2 Apr 2011 14:11:32 GMT<![CDATA[RE:New Garden Plot and lawn repair]]> Sadie Barker - I'm in the same position, ready at the back door and can't wait to get out into the garden.  I've been taking care of a 15 x 25 garden for the last three years with just a garden claw.  Can't wait to get the tiller out to see what it does!

]]>Mon, 21 Mar 2011 17:35:59 GMT<![CDATA[RE:Using Egg Shells in the Garden]]> I don't wash the shells, but break them up when dried and put them in the compost pile. 
 

]]>Mon, 21 Mar 2011 17:06:32 GMT<![CDATA[Using Egg Shells in the Garden]]> I heard that using washed, crushed egg shells in the garden helps add calcium to the soil.  It's also a great way to 'recycle' egg shells.
 

]]>Mon, 21 Mar 2011 16:19:25 GMT<![CDATA[RE:New Garden Plot and lawn repair]]> becareful you'll want to till everything once you get started they are fun to use
sadiebarker - Posted Oct 24th

 

I just finished putting mine together and cant wait til I can try it out!

 


]]>Tue, 15 Mar 2011 22:29:02 GMT<![CDATA[RE:numerous projects]]> Hi, I happened to be on the site and thought I would jump in your conversation.  The plow is a good choice for creating uniform rows in tilled soil.  I would recommend the Planter/Furrower tines if the ground around your tree has not yet been tilled.  Recently, we have packaged the two attachments, so if you purchase them together you will be saving money.  I think you will find that the Planter/Furrower tines are very versatile.  Good luck with the bulbs, and post a picture next spring when they start to bloom.   
 

]]>Fri, 1 Oct 2010 22:04:24 GMT<![CDATA[RE:numerous projects]]> You’re right; it’s called a border attachment. 

Sorry, but other than a planter box of lettuce, and separating some of my many bulbs, I don’t do any fall planting.   


 

]]>Thu, 30 Sep 2010 22:32:27 GMT<![CDATA[RE:numerous projects]]> Oh, you must be talking about the Border Edger attachment.  Gotcha.  Another question.  Do you do much planting in the Fall? 
 

]]>Thu, 30 Sep 2010 19:19:22 GMT<![CDATA[RE:numerous projects]]>
 

Sorry, but I haven’t.  The only attachment I have is an edger.  But my electric lawnmower does such a nice job edging that I’ve never used it. 

]]>Wed, 29 Sep 2010 20:50:11 GMT<![CDATA[RE:numerous projects]]> Have you ever tried the Plow attachment?  I'm thinking of putting in a bed around an oak tree, to put in daffodil bulbs and some azaleas.  Seems like it would help hill up the soil nicely.
 

]]>Wed, 29 Sep 2010 19:18:50 GMT<![CDATA[numerous projects]]> Here’s one I doubt any one else has done... I used my Mantis to dig a septic tank and a leach field.  Since I couldn’t get aback-hoe into my back yard, I used my Mantis.  It took me just 1 day to dig the 6-foot pit for the tank using the Mantis where it would have taken me several to do it with only a pick and shovel.  It also took just one day to dig the leach field. 

I also used my Mantis to dig ditches so I could install underground sprinklers in my entire yard.  It made the perfect sized ditches.

I use it every year to till the edges of my 2 large gardens where my tractor-tiller can’t reach.  I then use it to dig holes for my tomato and pepper plants (the fine soil the Mantis makes helps the plants to thrive better in my hard clay soil). I also use it to create furrows for planting seeds.

I use it to aerate my raised flower beds each spring.

I’ve also used it in sad times – such as digging graves for pets (even for other people).

In the 8 years I’ve had my Mantis; I’ve really used and abused it.  Although I’ve broken a tine (which was quickly replaced) and it’s a bit bent out of shape, and I had to replace the starter cord…it still runs great.  Money well spent!!! 


 

]]>Mon, 13 Sep 2010 17:20:06 GMT<![CDATA[RE:The accelerator release button ]]> I've I had my Mantis for about a month and I just discovered the use for this button yesterday afternoon.  I misunderstood the manuals description of its use.  I thought it was just a lock to keep it from taking off by itself...

I was tilling yesterday and the motor sounded a little choppy- I decided to fiddle with this little button and pulled the throttle trigger at the same time---WOW!

The tiller hauled heiney!!!  I've been using the darn thing just pulling the trigger to get it to move forward.  DUH

Needless to say I finished tilling the area WAY faster then I had expected!!!   WOO HOO!


 

]]>Sat, 31 Jul 2010 19:12:16 GMT<![CDATA[RE:What have I NOT done with my Three mantis tillers? ]]> You have really put your tiller through its paces!  Having seen that you dug deep to put in water lines, then my idea of digging down to lay electric lines for a post lamp should be a breeze!
 

]]>Tue, 6 Jul 2010 20:55:31 GMT<![CDATA[RE:The accelerator release button ]]> I did not try to tape the button down it might work for a while. If you do take it off it would very simple to put back on. I threw mine away.

]]>Wed, 16 Jun 2010 04:27:43 GMT<![CDATA[RE:New Garden Plot and lawn repair]]> It really is a fun little machine, isn't it!
 

]]>Fri, 28 May 2010 13:52:38 GMT<![CDATA[RE:Mantis Aerator attachment ]]> I had the same problem, you are correct the ground needs to be dry, not bone dry, but certainly not damp. I don't think you were doig anything wrong, wait for your lawn to dry and try it again.

]]>Thu, 27 May 2010 14:48:25 GMT<![CDATA[RE:The accelerator release button ]]> Chris is correct. I am referring to the lock-out button on the throttle. It is only on the newer models my older Mantis is about 10 years old and it does not have this feature. I have two Mantis tillers one I purchased from a man who was not happy with the  tiller because he could never get it started and one I purchased from Mantis three years ago. My first Mantis was stolen from a friends yard. Be sure to use your Mantis for cultivating as well as tilling. I use mine in between plants to control weeds. 

 

Chris It is very easy to remove just slowly open the handle and you can pull the button off the tube inside. 

]]>Fri, 21 May 2010 18:35:32 GMT<![CDATA[The accelerator release button ]]> Because this button caused a problem starting the tiller I have removed it. Just take the handle apart and tear the damn thing out you don't need it. I now have no problem using the tiller. This is my third Mantis.  I can't garden without my Mantis. 

]]>Thu, 20 May 2010 23:21:36 GMT<![CDATA[Digging Holes for Planting Shrubs and More]]>  Did you know the Mantis Tiller is the perfect tool for digging holes to plant trees and shrubs?  I use my tiller, instead of asking my husband to dig with a shovel.  You just hold the tiller and move around in a circle.  In no time flat you have a hole.  Fast, and easier on your back.  Give it a try!

]]>Fri, 23 Apr 2010 13:46:10 GMT<![CDATA[RE:Lawn seeding and overseeding]]>  Maybe I should try the Aerator in my backyard.  We have some shady spots that start out with grass, then by the following spring are back to bare spots.  Perhaps the Aerator Attachment would help.  Now is the time.  Guess I'd better check that out.  Thanks for sharing the tip!

]]>Fri, 23 Apr 2010 13:43:07 GMT<![CDATA[Lawn seeding and overseeding]]>  I have a couple of trouble spots in my lawn, primarily under two big maple trees in the front of my property. Each spring, and most falls, I use my Mantis Aerator attachment to cut shallow slits in the thin areas of my lawn prior to adding grass seed. The slits "capture" the seeds and seem to help them germinate better. Initially, I have little rows of new grass plants, but they fill in rather quickly. This is much easier and quicker than tilling or raking the soil, as it really doesn't seem to disturb the established grass too much.And, this method is much more effective than simply tossing seed on the thin or bare spots in my lawn.

]]>Tue, 20 Apr 2010 01:48:43 GMT