Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
In any of the three trenching methods, you will be using hand
tools to move, literally, thousands of pounds of soil for each
bed. This can be grueling work, and you should always use
spades and digging forks that have been either bought or
modified to accommodate your height. The correct height of a
spade or fork (plus handle) can be judged by standing the tool
vertically next to you, then seeing how high it reaches on your
body. The top of the handle should fall somewhere between
your elbow and the middle of your breastbone.
Digging forks and spades can be purchased with either
straight or “D” handles. You should get the “D”-handled
versions, as they will lessen the amount of required back
twisting. When using the tools, keep your back straight, and
avoid both twisting and jerky movements. Work at a
comfortable pace, and take breaks when needed. This way
you get an excellent and safe aerobic workout that improves
your strength and flexibility while improving the soil.
Illustrated Double-Dig
Every year I expand my mini-farm a little by adding a few
raised beds. The beds in my farm vary in size depending on
the materials I had available at the time of construction, but
most of them are 3-1/2 feet wide and 8 feet long. In the spring
of 2006, I added a few beds and had my wife take pictures of
the process so I could include them for your reference.
1 Mark off the area to be dug. In my case, I just laid out the
boards where I would be digging. Notice a completed bed in
the foreground and boards marking where the new bed will be
in the background.
