Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
When choosing a rake, make sure it fits your body. You want to be
able to stand upright while raking so you don't injure or strain your
back. If the rake is too long or too short, it will be difficult to work
with.
Hoe
The hoe is used to dig up persistent and stubborn weeds. There are
several different types of hoes you can purchase depending on your
needs. The basic one is a gooseneck hoe, which has a flat edge that
is used for digging and chopping weeds. The stirrup hoe is easier to
use when weeding your garden beds because it slices the top inch or
so of the soil, cutting the weeds off just below the soil surface. This
motion is easier on your back and shoulders than the digging motion
you make with the gooseneck hoe.
The handle of the hoe should be forty-eight to fifty-four inches
long. This is a good length for working standing upright. Keep the
blade sharp and slide it parallel to the soil to loosen the weeds and
sever the roots. Hoe in the evening just before the sun goes down to
discourage the weeds from germinating. It is easier to hoe when the
soil is moist, but if it has been dry, hoeing hard soil will help it to
absorb the moisture better when it does rain.
Trowel
The hand trowel is handy for digging a hole when setting out your
transplants or planting garlic bulbs or seed potatoes. A hoe will do a
similar job, but a trowel is easier to work with because you are gen-
erally close to the ground when you are planting your vegetables.
You can also use the trowel as a measuring stick. You can purchase
some trowels with the depth measurements written on the blade or
