Digging with a spade

[AntC]

Years ago my spade was shiny and I used it a lot. Now, it's a bit rusty and my fork has the shine. Advancing years has got something to do with it, but it's all those worms getting cut in two that puts me off.

Does anyone use a spade or even double-dig any more?

[Snoop Puss]

Do I use a spade? No
Do I double dig? Never

[veggiechicken]

Do I use a spade? No
Do I double dig? Never

Ditto!
Only use a spade to plant trees and use fork to dig up roots. Otherwise, they stay in the shed.

[chillithyme]

Same here I barley use my spade, I bought a new shiny one reduced to £5 I have no idea why.
I love my fork and azada

[Kirk]

Tend to use the fork to dig with and a spade to move soil, or make the hole.
Both are the smaller versions not the old big ones.

[greenishfing]

Just about the only thing I use my spade for is digging leeks and parsnips up as the tines of a fork tend to just go either side.

[ameno]

I usually only use a fork for digging, but I've used a spade a lot this year, as the soil at my new allotment was pretty solid, and I had real trouble digging it with a spade. I should be able to go back to a fork for digging the beds in subsequent years, though.

[Snadger]

Mmmm.......what little digging I do I usually use a spade. No particular reason though.
I prefer just to use the hoe if I can get away with it but some times dock roots need to be dug out.
I was told by my parents, and I believe, if you cut a worm in two it would rain so I am always very careful.

[Greenleaves]

I do my winter dig with a spade but thereafter use a fork ....

Why, because I always have

[Bren In Pots]

I use my spade to dig up parsnips and JA's but thats about it.

[Aberdeenplotter]

My auto spade is such a boon. I also have an azada which is a lovely tool but yes, my fork is used a lot these days/

[rary]

I used a spade a couple of weeks ago to remove the turf from a patch of ground once the turf was removed my grandsons used a tool with 4 prongs that you stick into the ground and turn it which loosens the top 3 or 4 inches, a lot easier previously cultivated soil but still better than turning with a spade, as for the garden a hoe or a long shafted hand fork works well and I can use those even when I get old

[Jungle Jane]

I only use a spade to dig out grass & for making big holes for big rootballs but that doesn’t happen much. I don’t use a big fork much,I mainly use a little fork. It depends how long you’ve had your plot & how much you need to prepare. I don’t have enough space to enjoy a spade,planting lots of big shrubs & trees,I just need a little fork for my little plants.

[ESBkevin]

I have a nice stainless fork and spade so they shine even though they get abused/neglected.
I'm mostly no dig now so the spade might plant spuds or move earth (although I have a lightweight shovel that cost £6 thats better for most things). Fork is used for lifting/easing out root veg. I have an Azada which I love, but I tend to use it as a big hoe as much as anything.
When we first got the plot 5+ years ago I double dug about 60% and removed lots of bindweed. I need to redig a section that is again full of bindweed but otherwise I avaoid most digging.
That said I quite like to dig for the satisfaction and that earthy smell, I have to restrain myself and stay no dig.

[AntC]

My new allotment plot hasn't been cultivated for a number of years and has a lot of couch in it which I sprayed some while ago and seem to have killed off most of it. It is heavy clay and very compacted and also very wet but I need to make some progress soon if I can start using it properly next year so I think digging with a fork will be the first step as this will aid the drying out process.

I have to confess that until this thread, I had never heard of an azada but it seems to be very popular.