These versatile tools are a must-have for every gardener – here’s how to use them for the best results
A garden hoe might seem old-fashioned and require some effort to use, it’s still a must-have for taking care of your garden.
A garden hoe consists of a handle and a blade. The blade is mainly used to cut through weeds. But you can also use it to plant seeds. So, a garden hoe is really handy for spring gardening and more, as long as you know how to use it right.
HOW TO USE A GARDEN HOE
Using a garden hoe for weeding:
“To keep weeds under control, I do a little bit every week,” says Ruth Hayes, a gardening expert. “Instead of digging, I use a sharpened hoe blade to cut the weeds. This way, I don’t disturb the buried weed seeds. I let the cut weeds break down and enrich the soil.”
“I do make an exception for weeds like dandelions, though. They need to be dug up completely,” Ruth adds. Using either method is better for the environment and wildlife than using pesticides.
Hoes are great for tending to plants in rows. How you use them depends on the type of hoe you have (we’ll talk more about that below). You can either pull the blade or sweep it back and forth over the top of the soil.
(Image credit: Dorling Kindersley ltd / Alamy Stock Photo)
Using a garden hoe for sowing seeds:
Different types of garden hoes can help with planting seeds easily. You can use the side of the blade to make a shallow trench. After planting the seeds, you can use the flat part of the blade to cover them with soil.
Using a garden hoe for breaking up soil:
Nancy Trautz Awot, who knows a lot about gardening at Burpee, says a garden hoe can help turn soil and break up clumps of dirt. and handy when getting ready to plant new flowers or veggies.
THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF GARDEN HOE EXPLAINED
There are different kinds of garden hoes, and each one is better for certain jobs. People typically use them at a slightly different angle to ensure effectiveness and ease of handling.
Most garden hoes have long handles to help your back as you work. Short-handled “onion hoes” work well in tightly packed flower beds as they provide greater control. Use them with a kneeling pad for extra comfort.
Other types of garden hoe include the Dutch hoe, the draw hoe, and the stirrup hoe. The Dutch hoe moves back and forth to cut through weeds. The stirrup hoe effectively tackles stubborn weeds and allows users to push or pull it through the soil.
The draw hoe is a bit simpler. Its blade is at a right angle to the handle and is used with a chopping motion. It’s great for breaking up soil and getting rid of big clumps of weeds, says Nancy.
(Image credit: Evgenii Parilov / Alamy Stock Photo)
Using a garden hoe makes one realize how handy it is. Remember to clean and sharpen it with a sharpening stone or a metal file.
