Let's Talk Weeding [View all]

Every year I plan to stop weeds before they start. Sometimes I get it done, other years I tear my hair out for not taking the time early in the season. It is a worthwhile investment of time because small weeds are a picnic compared to when they're grown.

As idea starters, I put together this list and would welcome the experiences of others.

(short-handled)

Cape Cod weeder
Asparagus knife
onion hoe
hori-hori-knife
trowel

long-handled:

collinear hoe
Cobrahead
Weed Hound
Fiskars UpRoot
stirrup hoe

Other tactics:

Mulch (leaf, cardboard, grass, etc.)
Corn gluten
Organic weed sprays

I recently lucked into a stirrup hoe at an estate sale: $3. I was thrilled, as I have heard gardeners rave about this hoe.

I went out to try it today. I didn't even know how to use it, so I consulted a video on youtube. Easy. Pull toward oneself, then push away. The two-stroke action pulls out the weed and (the other stroke) polishes it off. Seems a lot easier and less strain on the neck than a regular hoe.

Here's a pic of my $3 bargain:




Cher