An "L"-shaped tool with a longer side, the handle, and a short side that moves the earth, acting as a wedge and lever.
Born together with agriculture itself and spread throughout the globe, the hoe is without a doubt the oldest tool for working the land and an emblem of the peasant world.
Despite being a very dated instrument, it still seems to remain immune to the passage of time.
In fact, despite technological innovation having affected all fields and all activities, the classic hoe for the vegetable garden continues to be an indispensable tool for those who cultivate the land .
As we will see, we are talking about a multifunctional tool capable of carrying out, thanks to its effort, many essential operations for working the land.
If you have a vegetable garden or even some pots on the balcony you already know that you can't do without it . What changes, in this case, is the size of the tool.
While it is true that the hoe has basically remained the same as the one our great-grandparents used, it is also true that today there are different types and shapes .
How then to orient yourself in the choice? Surely you must take into consideration the maneuverability of the tool, based on your skills and your strength but also the type of terrain and work to be done.
In this article we will see:
- What is the purpose of hoeing the earth?
- How to use a hoe for the garden
- How many types of garden hoes are there?
- How to choose a hoe for the garden quickly and easily
What is the purpose of hoeing the earth?
Although there are several tools needed to work the land , the hoe is a multifunctional tool that is essential for many operations necessary for the success of your garden.
Distinguishing between the different activities for which you will use it will also be useful in understanding how to choose it.
Let's look at them together.
- Preparing the soil for sowing is one of the main functions of the hoe which, in this case, will be used to break up clods and turn over the most superficial layer of soil (about 5-15 cm from the surface)
- Create furrows , about ten centimetres deep, where you will place the seeds
- Facilitate germination by eliminating weeds . With the help of the garden hoe you can in fact break the roots. Without this operation, the weeds would threaten to suffocate your newly born seedlings. The removal of weeds must be done constantly (even when the plants have grown) and taking up the hoe will be the first thing you will have to do
- Earthing up the plants, that is, moving a little soil around the base of the plant, creating a small mound. This operation will help you protect your crops from the cold, to keep the soil moist longer during the summer months, to encourage greater root development and to avoid water stagnation
- Digging rainwater drainage channels
- Mark and then cover furrows in which to sow or plant tubers and roots such as potatoes and carrots
- Aerate the soil when it becomes too dry and compact to ensure the surface roots have the right level of water and necessary nutrients
- Incorporate the fertilizer
As you can see, the hoe concentrates in a single tool most of the functions necessary for cultivating your land.
How do you use a garden hoe?
Using the hoe is not difficult although, without a doubt, rather tiring.
All you have to do is lift the blade and use it to hit the ground . The length of the handle will amplify the impact.
The angle you will have to give to the blow will depend on the type of operation you are carrying out (if you are moving the earth, turning the clod, breaking the roots, etc.).
If you are a beginner, you may have a little difficulty at first, but with time and practice you will learn to hoe regularly .
Since it is a physically demanding activity, you will have to pay attention to not overloading your shot and your back , but you will have to use the weight of the tool and the movement of your arms, accompanied by that of your whole body, to deliver blows to the ground.
How many types of garden hoes are there?
As we have said, even if we are talking about an ancient and simple tool, in choosing the best hoe for the garden suited to your needs, you will have to take into account some variables related to the size of the tool and its intended use .
Hoe or small hoe
Regardless of the different shapes of the blade that we will see shortly, a first distinction is linked to the size of the hoe for the garden.
In general, while the hoe is used with two hands to work the soil standing up and has a handle of 70/80 cm, the hoe is used with one hand for work to be done near the plants. Its handle usually measures between 20 and 35 cm .
So, if you grow in a pot on the balcony you will use the smallest tool.
However, the hoe will also be useful for precision work in a "classic" vegetable garden , for example to remove weeds near the plant without risking damaging it.
Blade shape: how to choose it
The type of work to be done and the characteristics of your soil will be fundamental discriminants in choosing the right hoe for the vegetable garden.
The heart hoe , thanks to the pointed shape of the blade, is suitable if you have to deal with particularly heavy terrain or for digging furrows.
An oval eye hoe , being without a tip, is less suitable for difficult terrain because it penetrates with more difficulty, while it is perfect for working the most superficial layer of the earth. You can therefore use it, as well as the round eye hoe or the square one, to break the roots of weeds and to turn over clods.
Regardless of the size of the tool and the shape of the blade, the hoe for the garden can be double-pronged.
The two-pronged hoe is characterised by having, on one side, a blade (square, heart-shaped, etc.) and on the other a fork with two claws .
Compared to the traditional hoe, the double-pronged hoe is even more multifunctional because it allows you to create furrows, aerate the soil, scratch and weed . It is also suitable for breaking the crust of compact, very dry and clayey soils.
Depending on what you are doing, you can choose whether to use the blade part or the double-pronged part.
For the sake of completeness, we cannot fail to mention the motor hoe among the essential tools for cultivating vegetable gardens and gardens .
The motor hoe , of which you can find various models in the Millstore shop, is a motorised tool capable of replacing a large part of manual work .
It is therefore recommended when the size of your land is such that hoeing is impossible or excessively tiring.
However, even in this case, you will not be able to do without the traditional hoe as it will be indispensable for work very close to the plants that would risk being damaged with the motorized vehicle.
How to choose a hoe for the garden quickly and easily
We have seen how the first criterion for choosing the best hoe is linked to the type of operation to be carried out which will influence the choice of the shape of the blade.
Let's now see what other features to take into consideration.
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The handle material : the handle of the hoe is generally and preferably made of wood . This material, thanks to its elasticity, is able to absorb shocks and is therefore recommended to protect the joints.
Furthermore, the wood allows you to always have a firm grip even if your hands are sweaty, as can happen especially when working under the summer sun.
Choose a good quality product because the handle must be sturdy to withstand the shocks when working the soil. - Blade material : prefer a steel blade to a traditional iron one as it is more durable and able to hold its edge as well as requiring less maintenance.
- The length of the handle must be proportionate to your height. Usually the hoe when standing has, as already mentioned, a height of 70-80 cm. However, since you can also buy it separately, choose the size that is most comfortable for you , avoiding handles that are too long that would hinder your movements.
- The weight of the equipment should be suitable for your physical structure and strength.
To make your hoe last longer you will have to pay attention to its maintenance. All you need is water and simple sandpaper to clean the metal parts and remove any rust .
A recommendation: when working your land, don't forget to protect yourself with the right garden and vegetable garden clothing .
Contact the experts
Growing a vegetable garden is an activity that is as beautiful and beneficial for the body and mind as it is physically demanding.
It is therefore essential when choosing a hoe, as with all other useful tools, to pay attention to their functionality but also to their safety for your health.
Since these are strenuous jobs, the possibility of injuring yourself by putting too much strain on your back and joints is just around the corner.
That's why, in addition to the shape of the blade based on the type of work to be done, you will have to take into account the type and quality of the material, the height of the handle and the weight of the tool.
Therefore, turning to an expert and competent dealer can make the difference.
If you are looking for the best hoe for the garden , contact Millstore professionals and you will receive all the information, advice and support you need.
At Millstore you can also find everything you need to successfully grow your vegetable garden : in addition to tools of all kinds, you can choose from a wide range of seeds and seedlings, clothing, irrigation systems and many other items from the best brands.