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Post by camochef on Feb 14, 2010 9:37:42 GMT -5
Other than a roto-tiller to get things prepared, and a shovel for planting, the most essential tool out in the garden, as far as I'm concerned would be my scuffle hoe. I can sit on my 5 gallon bucket and work up and down those rows faster than a small tiller. nothing works better for weeding. Also known as a stirrup hoe in some areas. It's usually found in wal-mart or lowe's for around $15.00, don't let it get away, it's so easy to use and so good at what it's designed to do!
Camo
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Post by reavilh on Feb 14, 2010 9:51:48 GMT -5
Thanks for the advise, Camo. I'll give them a try! I like to use my old High wheel cultivator with the five tong cultivator attachment for the same job.
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Post by frogsleapfarm on Feb 14, 2010 12:48:58 GMT -5
I'm with Camo, a good sharp hoe is my most often used garden tool. Coupled with heavy mulching, I've been able to keep on top of weeds in the garden. My other often used tool is a good pair of garden shears, always on my side when I'm in the garden. Planting at a high density, I'm always pruning to manage my tomato jungle.
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stratcat
Tomato Fanatic
Tha Green Bomb!
Neighborhood Pariah
Posts: 422
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Post by stratcat on Feb 14, 2010 15:35:33 GMT -5
I gets lots of use out of my Ho Mi cultivator that Jung sells. It works really nice for weeding in close, hilling and for opening the soil for transplanting.  |
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johno
Tomato Gardener
Posts: 65
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Post by johno on Feb 14, 2010 19:12:32 GMT -5
Rake.
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bunkie
Tomato Gardener
Posts: 69
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Post by bunkie on Feb 16, 2010 11:03:52 GMT -5
i'm with camo too, but here they call it a 'wiggle' hoe, or 'hula' hoe! ;D one new thing i'm trying out is a Tubtrug. got a couple from Johnny's then found their site with some 'good deals'. nice buckets made out of a soft plastic that doesn't smell, and is recycled. two soft handles that are very comfortable. they bend easily, really flexible, and are easier to use than regular buckets. they're UV protected too so they can stay out in the field and not get broken down.... www.tubtrugs.com/ |
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jcm05
Administrator
Posts: 1,685
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Post by jcm05 on Feb 17, 2010 8:32:32 GMT -5
My digging fork. I don't use my tiller in my raised beds. Just turn over the soil with the fork after amending the soil in the fall. Harder on the back, but easier on the soil and the wormies.
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peppereater
Breeder in Training
TREE HUGGER
just tell me when to shut up
Posts: 230
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Post by peppereater on Feb 17, 2010 16:58:49 GMT -5
I've been trying to think what's my favorite, and john, you are da boss! Yes, the fork is the best tool in the garden, for loosening soil, grubbing out deep-rooted weeds, mixing soil, aerating...
now as to the most important tool I own, it is my sharpshooter shovel, aka drain spade. I keep it sharp like an axe. I can cut through 3" tree roots with it, dig deep, narrow holes, move amendments from a bag, the uses are really endless, but it's indespensible. Try digging out a stump without one.
As for what I like to use most, my Corona pruning shears. I don't use them on herbaceous plants, tomatoes or deadheading things, but I can go totally zen and lose myself in the task of pruning fruit trees, shrubs, vines, etc.
To be trite, the best tool is a well sharpened tool...tools that work exactly as they were intended to.
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redbrick
New Member
Always on the Grow
Posts: 6
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Post by redbrick on Feb 17, 2010 23:59:36 GMT -5
My most important garden tool? That's either my soil knife or my pocket knife. Hmm, I'm seeing a trend, here. Well, if I have to pick a non knife tool, it'd be my pruners, I guess. I do a lot of trimming, training and espaliering in the garden.
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peppereater
Breeder in Training
TREE HUGGER
just tell me when to shut up
Posts: 230
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Post by peppereater on Feb 19, 2010 15:47:27 GMT -5
GUMPTION...is that a word??  doesn't it mean huevos? |
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Post by mikeygardener on Feb 20, 2010 21:59:43 GMT -5
I avoid weeds in my garden by laying down newspapers and then grass clipping on top of that. Lay my rows with a high wheel culivator. Every couple or three years have the neighbor turn it with his roto-tiller
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Post by grapenut on Feb 23, 2010 1:25:03 GMT -5
Other than a roto-tiller to get things prepared, and a shovel for planting, the most essential tool out in the garden, as far as I'm concerned would be my scuffle hoe. I can sit on my 5 gallon bucket and work up and down those rows faster than a small tiller. nothing works better for weeding. Also known as a stirrup hoe in some areas. It's usually found in wal-mart or lowe's for around $15.00, don't let it get away, it's so easy to use and so good at what it's designed to do! Camo I also find it to be an indispensable tool. at first I was unsure weather I would like it or not, but now, it is the only one I use. |
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bammer
Tomato Fanatic
Turkaconus Freak & Mater Head
Posts: 361
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Post by bammer on Apr 25, 2011 20:47:15 GMT -5
Found me a new tool, It's a 2 1/2" dirt auger bit, fits in my battery operated drill. It works great saves me a bunch of time. Attachments:
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bammer
Tomato Fanatic
Turkaconus Freak & Mater Head
Posts: 361
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Post by bammer on Apr 25, 2011 20:48:46 GMT -5
In action Attachments:
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Post by willyswoodpile on Apr 25, 2011 21:17:04 GMT -5
Awesome. How many holes can you "drill" on one charge?
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