Hoes for Weeding Beds, Loosening Soil and Earthing Up

A wide rectangular hoe weeds and earths up quickly, while narrow and triangular hoes suit dense plantings and the spaces between rows. A combination hoe-fork cuts weeds with one side and loosens soil with the other.

A hardened steel blade stays sharp longer and does not bend in dry soil. A sharp edge cuts weed roots rather than tearing them out, which reduces effort. About materials: hand tool materials, hardness, coatings and ergonomics.

The angle between blade and handle determines how much you need to bend. A hoe with a sharp angle suits chopping and loosening, while a wider angle is better for shallow weeding with a pulling motion.

A long handle lets you work standing with a straight back, while a short handle suits greenhouses and raised beds. Fibreglass and aluminium handles are light, and a wooden one is easy to replace.

A heavy hoe breaks up clods well, but a lighter model is more comfortable for long weeding sessions. The blade must sit firmly on the handle without play and not work loose from impacts.

Wear gloves and keep your feet away from the blade. After work, clean and sharpen the blade, oil the metal and store the hoe in a dry place: how to maintain, store and organize hand tools.