Sharpening Hoes

[vicpivo]

In February I moved into a reclaimed set of allotments that haven't been in use for the last ten years. My plot is sort-of clear of perennial deep rooted weeds, but the plot next to me hasn't been cleared yet. The bushes/weeds/brambes etc. are approaching 4/5 feet high in some patches.

I know it will take me a season to clear the roots in my plot, but I feel I am hampered with the weeds coming over from my neighbour.

I am turning over areas of my plot that haven't been planted yet, however it is difficult to weed in the areas that have already been planted in. I am currently using a hoe, but I don't think it is effective against the perennial weeds.

My question to you all is should I pull out perennials by hand and risk damaging the root structure of the veg, or keep the Hoe very sharp and keep cutting it off at the surface?

Also, if I should be keeping the Hoe really sharp will any sharpening stone be OK or should I look for a specific style/size? Any help or ideas on how I can hold of one cheaply/free would be great!

[PAULW]

VICPIVO
A file is the best tool for shapening a hoe IMO

[dexterdoglancashire]

I still get confused as to which weed is which, so please bear with me! I would hand-pull out any of the real nasties - horse tails (its very important to pull them gently because their roots are HUGE!) , thistle things and the bind weed type ones - you'll know what I mean (I hope!) the rest of the what I call "baby" weeds can be hoed off. If you dont take out the roots of the other ones they will just keep growing back. And here endeth the lesson by a non-expert! Bernie

[sewer rat]

I use an oilstone to sharpen my hoes - seems to work a treat for me anyway.
Weeds witha long tap root are generally perennials and would be better pulled by hand - place your other hand on soil on either side of weed to stop the pulling of the weed from disturbing the soil too much. If hand pulling is not an option you can hoe the top growth off - in fact if you do this regularly over a long enough period, the weed will eventually give up and lose the will to live.
Alternatively, if there aren't tooooooo many of them, buy a small container of a spot weedkiller and paint it on each weed.

[vicpivo]

Cheers all for the advice.

Paul W - I've got a handful of files in my shed. This option will save me money. I'm afraid you'll have to go back a few steps and teach me "idiot" style on how I do it. I haven't sharpened anything in my life before (except a pencil!)

[NOG]

but what do you do with the weeds you pull out. burn them or compost them?

[vicpivo]

Perenials incinerated, and smaller weeds composted.... Someone did say to me that if your Compost heap was warm enough anything can be added and it will all decompose - I'm not too sure on that one!

[The Doctor]

Perenials incinerated, and smaller weeds composted.... Someone did say to me that if your Compost heap was warm enough anything can be added and it will all decompose - I'm not too sure on that one!

This is perfectly true, but in practise I have seen very few compost heaps hot enough to do this well. IMO, better to not put them in just in case!

[rustylady]

but what do you do with the weeds you pull out. burn them or compost them?

Don't compost perennial weed roots (usually tap roots such as dock, dandelion) or bramble roots. The soft top growth (leaves) can go onto the compost, but I spread the roots out, let them dry out on a frame and then burn them.

[Snadger]

Cheers all for the advice.

Paul W - I've got a handful of files in my shed. This option will save me money. I'm afraid you'll have to go back a few steps and teach me "idiot" style on how I do it. I haven't sharpened anything in my life before (except a pencil!)

Just make sure the files have handles on them! A file tang can do a lot of damage to your hand if it slips!