What to consider when looking for effective tools?
Do you feel that effective tools could make a difference to optimizing your work in the garden?
Did you even consider that the length of your tool handle and the balance might affect your wellbeing when using the tool?
Have you ever thought your tool has a character that influences your relationship with it?
Has that held you back from looking for more effective tools, which would ease your work?
Have you given your tools names to create a living relationship with them?
Do you ever sharpen your tools?
Considering all the above it might make the work possibly even more pleasant.
Personal preferences
I personally I consider all the above and teach in my courses how to use the best tools and how to keep them in good nick.
Some of us might hang on to our grandfather’s tools and use them on a regular basis because of its nostalgic value, though they are worn out, have wobbly handles and are awkward to use.
I have been brought up in a city and have none of those nostalgic relationships with my forefather’s tools, as they lost everything including their land to the 2. World War.
But I have a spade which I learned gardening with 45 years ago and replaced its wooden handle 3 times and the blade is now only 2/3 of the length of what it was new.
It has grown with me and into me and I have grown fond of it and it fits my hand now like a glove more than ever before (see photo).
Yet, I also have bought new spades to do more effective work when it comes to digging,
as they have longer blades and handles (see photo of stainless steel spade).
As you can see from the photo this spade has a more angled blade, though it doesn’t have treads to save your boots from getting worn out stepping onto the spade.
What to consider with a garden spade?
What would you look for in a spade that would be the best possible one for digging in the garden, moving and spreading compost, etc?
I certainly would look foremost for a wooden handle that is long enough for my body height, and a slightly angled blade, so I wouldn’t have to bend as much, when lifting the soil or compost.
I would also look for treads on top of the blade (photo of small spade or copper spade) and a wooden and integrated D-Handle
Some spades have wooden handles but the D-Handle has a metal frame with a wooden handle on top (photo of small spade).
They deteriorate and start loosening and make a tight grip impossible, which means we lose control to guide the movements of the tool and therefore have to exert more energy using the tool.
There are traditional T handles, which I find awkward to use as they make the fingers ache.
Modern spades with ergonomic, often plastic handles have a more angled blade and handle.
Their balance, when holding them in your hands and digging with them is off. When pushing them into the soil they don’t transfer the weight in the same way into the soil as traditional spades do, though they prevent you from having to bend as much when lifting soil (see photo).
Sharpening, caring for spades
Last but not least, none of the spades are very effective, when you don’t sharpen them!
Hence my spade of 43 years of age is now only 2/3 of the size from before.
If you want to be able to spare your joints, protect your back and spend less energy digging, then sharpen your spade and keep it shiny. A shiny surface prevents the soil (particularly clay soils) to stick to the surface under wetter conditions.
When you don’t use your spade or garden tools for a while, save a bit of old cooking oil and rub it on the metal blades to prevent them from rusting, unless they are stainless steel or copper alloys.
If you want your tool handles to last longer, oil them ever so often with industrial linseed oil, which will keep the wood supple and prevent dry rot, particularly around the area where the handle enters the shaft. Always put your tools away into a dry area not to get excessively wet.
How to sharpen and clean your spade
Use a strong metal file and create 30º degree angle, with a longer cut at the bottom than the top. Clean your dry spade with a wire brush and when the soil is sticky, use a bucket and a bristle brush for cleaning.
Next week I’ll share with you tips about the garden fork and how to be more effective with your weeding and what are the most efficient hoes to use and how to care for them.
Make your time in the garden a joyful experience
Hans-Günther
- old spade , 2/3 of size
- 2 photos 1 comparing tread and no tread on spade and 2 D-handled spades
- Ergonomic spade
PS. For a practical experience of how to use different types of spades and distinct cultivation methods join us on the 8. February in Sussex
Check out our practical workshops to book your place