Hoe, hoe, hoe!

[dexterdoglancashire]

Hi everyone!

My name is Bernie and I have a confession!

(Pause, or paws says Dexter, deep breath)

I don't know how to use a hoe! Stop laughing! Seriously, in my little back garden last year I just sat down and used a fork and trowel to get the weeds out, but that obviously isn't going to work this year with the lottie beds!

I have a hoe, one of the ones with a square type shaped head, and I've also got lots of weeds growing at the lottie, due to me not going for ages because of my bad back. The hoe seems the ideal tool to get to grips with the weeds, but how?

Suggestions on a postcard.....sorry, reply to thread to......

Thanks guys and gals!

Bernie aka Dexterdog

[dexterdoglancashire]

All the edges are straight........
Bernie aka Dexterdog

[dexterdoglancashire]

Ah! it's becoming clearer! Thanks LJ will give it a go! My new pressie arrived today, the wolf tool mr and mrs d used on their lottie - have given it a bit of a go in the back garden - cool! cant wait to give it a proper try.
Bernie aka Dexterdog

[nick the grief]

Remember Dexter, the best Mulch is the gardeners shadow .... I sound like confusious or should that be confusion

[dexterdoglancashire]

Remember Dexter, the best Mulch is the gardeners shadow .... I sound like confusious or should that be confusion

Yes Nick, I'm confused too!!!! LOL!
Bernie aka Dexterdog

[dwrudd]

Hi Dexter,

Just remember that the hoe needs to have a sharp edge to it. It makes things so much easier and more efficient.

If you have problems sharpening it, just pm me, I work in Rossendale (not too far from you) and I would gladly sharpen it for you.

Regards

Darren

[dexterdoglancashire]

Thanks for that Darren - I didnt realise that!
OH has a grinding wheel attached to an old washing machine motor - you should see the sparks fly! Will get him to sharpen it up for me.
Thanks for the offer.
Bernie aka Dexterdog

[Paulottie]

DDL I reckon a file will do the job fine. You start grinding the thing and you'll be buying a hoe a month. The great skill is to cut the weeds not the plants! I cut off two onions this week v. annoying! also keep it working just at surface of soil,so you cut weeds not dig them up to re-root in the first rain.

[Snadger]

Bernie,

Can I just say that I have never sharpened my hoes or spades! If used regualarily the abrasive action of the soil, especially if it's sandy will keep a good edge on it!
Some tools are case hardened, that is, the edges alone are hardened organically of course by dipping the red hot end into hoof and horn meal thereby coating the edges with a carbon compound. If you file/grind off this case hardening the edges will blunt quicker and you will be back to the mild steel base!

[dexterdoglancashire]

Thanks Snadger - my boss (who used to do a lot of gardening) told me the same thing! Now that they have a sharp edge on them, I reckon that will do me fine, with all the use they will be getting they should be fine from now on.