Sharpening garden spades/different garden spades for different jobs?

[Samuel1988]

Afternoon all,

I was making some growing areas after finally clearing the weeds out and was having a little trouble using my spade to puncture through the earth (the soil wasn't stoney).

I was just wondering could I sharpen it to make it easier to penetrate through the chopped weed matt above the soil/buy a better 'type' of spade (are there different types for different jobs)?

Many thanks for your help,

Samuel

[Veggielot]

I would give a garden fork a go. I found that better than a spade if the ground hasn't been dug recently particularly if there is a lot of roots in the soil.

[veggiechicken]

I like Stainless steel tools - seem to cut better.
For sharpening spades ........http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...ning_5071.html

[rustylady]

Use a fork - much easier.

[Two_Sheds]

I know you're impatient to get cracking Samuel, but the ground would be much easier to dig if you covered it for a few months first (with cardboard or wet newspapers)

[Samuel1988]

Thanks for the advice. I take it covering with newspaper will kill off the weeds making the roots die back and loosening their grip on the soil which makes it easier to dig?

[veggiechicken]

There's more to it than that!! By covering the soil you stop it drying out and forming a hard crust on the surface, that is harder to dig into than soft soil.

[mothhawk]

If you intend sharpening the edge of your spade to any degree of cutting edge, do please wear boots with steel toecaps. The last thing you need is to slam the spade into the hard soil, miss your aim, and amputate a couple of toes