Why choosing a hoe for raised bed gardening is important?
Gardening is one of the most therapeutic things you can do, and setting up raised beds has made it easier than ever. Raised bed gardening improves drainage, provides better soil quality and makes gardening less back-breaking. However, for successful raised bed gardening, you need to pick up the right tools, and a garden hoe is one of the essential tools for maintaining the bed. Let’s dive into the importance of choosing the right garden hoe for raised bed gardening.
Consider the size of your raised bed
The size of your raised bed will determine the type of hoe you require. If your raised bed is small, you may find a hand hoe more useful. A long-handled hoe will provide increased leverage for deeper penetration and greater reach for larger raised beds.
Choose the right blade type
When considering hoeing options, you’ll come across three basic blade types: collinear, scuffle, and hula hoe. If you’re planning to remove weeds, plants, or soil gently, a collinear hoe with a rectangular blade is ideal. A scuffle hoe is great for quickly clearing out large areas as the blade moves back and forth along the ground. Lastly, the hula hoe, also referred to as oscillating or stirrup hoe, works underneath the soil surface, removing weeds without damaging roots.
Handle length is crucial
The handle length should be decided on based on your physical attributes, the size of your raised bed, and the type of work you will be doing. Longer handled hoe’s work well for large raised beds, while shorter length handles are ideal for smaller raised beds where you won’t need to reach out too far. Also, consider the weight of the hoe when making your decision.
Consider the durability
The hoe you choose should be of good quality, durable and robust to withstand heavy use and last a long time. Look for hoes that have the blade and neck in a single piece. Check for any loose fittings, and ensure that it’s treated for rust prevention.
