Mattock

[chuffa]

I saw in this months GYO mag a article about a Mattock and i am thinking of buying one. Has anyone used one of these, how easy/hard are they to use and are they worth the money.

[HeyWayne]

I saw in this months GYO mag a article about a Mattock and i am thinking of buying one. Has anyone used one of these, how easy/hard are they to use and are they worth the money.

Hi chuffa

I use an Azada - similar to a mattock because I find it easier to use than a fork. I use a long handled spade to lift the edges, then use the azada to break up and turn the rest of the soil.

Bought mine here - Get Digging with Alternative Tools for the Allotment and Garden and I have to say it's pretty good quality.

Several people prefer the fork, but I find it hard work. Being my height I get a pretty good swing with the azada, the rest is easy.

[Polly Fouracre]

I found mine very useful for breaking up grassy land.Also for potato trenches,digging holes for fruit bushes etc. I think that at a pinch you wouldn't need another tool.
The secret,I think,in using them for heavy work is to use the weight of the mattock to do the work,rather than putting all your weight behind it.(A bit like chopping logs)
You won't regret getting one!

[carlseawolf]

one of the best tools i ever bought and it's brilliant for rough ground work and extracting bramble roots.

[number 1 suspect]

Mine came from Italy. No more digging and lifting for me. Used as a hoe, spade, trenching tool etc,etc,etc Brilliant tool

[chuffa]

thanks for the info buddy

[chuffa]

many thanks for that polly

[chuffa]

carlseawolf i am nearly convinced, may thanks

[rustylady]

Really good for clearing an overgrown plot, also for digging trenches for beans, spuds, etc. One of those things you may not need to use very often, but you could be really stuck if you don't have one. If you can find one at a reasonable price, then buy it.

[chuffa]

I saw one today for 14 pounds in Bury St Edmonds, thanks for the info.

[shirlthegirl43]

I found mine very useful for breaking up grassy land.Also for potato trenches,digging holes for fruit bushes etc. I think that at a pinch you wouldn't need another tool.
The secret,I think,in using them for heavy work is to use the weight of the mattock to do the work,rather than putting all your weight behind it.(A bit like chopping logs)
You won't regret getting one!

How heavy is it to lift and how high does it need to be lifted? My arms are often sore due to CFS and I sometimes only manage to dig one or two spades worth of garden, hence I am having to be very patient with my progress toward a whole garden of veggies.

[number 1 suspect]

THey come in different sizes and weights. Ive found the most useful one has a blade width of 4 inches. light enough to lift over your head (wear a hat..... Fallout :-)) and slim enough to dig deep if you need it to. My mother inlaw is in her 70's and digs her garden over with one of these. She lives on the side of a mountain in Italy!!!!
Martin

[shirlthegirl43]

THey come in different sizes and weights. Ive found the most useful one has a blade width of 4 inches. light enough to lift over your head (wear a hat..... Fallout :-)) and slim enough to dig deep if you need it to. My mother inlaw is in her 70's and digs her garden over with one of these. She lives on the side of a mountain in Italy!!!!
Martin

Thanks for the info. I suppose I will have to find one and give it a try - there are days when I struggle to lift a bag of sugar so the weight of things is important. A spade isn't so bad as it is mostly my body weight that does the work.

[carlseawolf]

it's a tool that looks heavy to work but can be used from as little as a foot from the ground to throwing it from behind your head . mine cost £16 new and has a four inch blade

[raine]

My OH loves his azada/mattock/plantation hoe whatever you want to call it. he does all the digging and trenching with it and although other people have often encouraged him to use different specialist tools he always goes back to it as soon as he's able. He's got a real hefty jobbie but I'm after a much smaller one that is lighter to use. I've seen them on various sights but am waiting to see what santa brings....