Mantis Awards

Author: Sarah Lineberger

Ask any experienced gardener to name the most important element of successful garden, and the reply will be "healthy soil." Although plant selection and design are important, proper soil preparation provides a strong foundation and eases the installation and maintenance of any garden.

Soil cultivation is a challenge for many youth gardeners, especially those who are creating gardens on hard or weed-infested land. Although all you need to turn the soil is a shovel (and hand cultivation is a great activity for youth needing to channel excess energy), it can be backbreaking work that can damper student enthusiasm. A tiller makes a handy alternative to hand cultivation, and the Mantis Awards offer schools and community gardeners a chance to acquire one of these helpful tools.

The National Gardening Association and Mantis partner annually to select dedicated youth and community gardens for the Mantis Award. Applications are welcomed from all nonprofit groups. Award recipients receive their own Mantis tiller/cultivator.

In most years, ten to twelve tillers are awarded, but in 2005, in celebration of their 25th Anniversary, Mantis tiller generously increased this number to 25, including one special Silver Anniversary tiller. Click here to view a full list of the 2005 Award Recipients.

Learn more about the Mantis Award. The deadline for applications March 31, 2006.

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