How to Use a Mini Rototiller to Kill Thistles

Overview

Thistles are an invasive plant common in home gardens. These weeds spread through their root systems. They thrive in home gardens--areas characterized by sunny locations and moist soil. Thistles choke out garden plants, taking up valuable space and nutrients. Mini rototillers are a smaller version of the full-size tillers. They are less expensive and lighter than full-size tillers. Mini rototillers are suited for tilling and weeding garden areas less than 300 square feet. Mini rototillers are a chemical-free, effective approach to removing thistles.

Step 1

Cut off bloomed thistle flower heads to contain the seeds and prevent them from spreading. Use a clean pair of garden shears to cut the flower heads off below the blossom. Place the flower heads in a trash bag.

Step 2

Dig into the soil, using the tines of the mini rototiller, to dig to a depth of 10 inches. Work until the soil loosens, proceeding in a straight line down each row. At the end of each row, turn and proceed to the opposite end.

Step 3

Pull the thistles from the soil by hand once they are loosened from the soil.

Step 4

Rake the thistles together. Place the thistle remains in a trash bag.