Do you feel that effective tools could make a difference to optimize your work in the garden and make it more pleasant?
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?
Some of us might even 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 a wobbly handles and are awkward to use.
I have been brought up in the city and have none of those nostalgic relationships with my forefathers’ tools, as they lost everything including their land to the 2. World War.
But I have a spade which I learned gardening with 43 years ago and replaced its wooden handle 3 times and it has grown on me and I have grown fond of it and it lays in 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 as you can see form the photo are even more angled, though they don’t have treads to save your boots from getting worn out stepping onto the spade.
So, let’s stay a moment with spades.
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 an 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 and a wooden and integrated D-Handle (see photos).
Some spades have wooden handles but the D-Handle has a metal frame with a wooden handle on top.
They deteriorate and start loosening and make a tight grip impossible, which means we lose control to control the movement and have to exert more energy to control the tool.
Then there are modern spades with ergonomic handles and even a more angled blade.
Their balance, when holding them in your hands and digging with them you don’t have the same power exerted towards pushing them into the soil as the traditionally angled spades, though they prevent you from having to bend as much.
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.
How to sharpen your spade?
Use a strong metal file and create 30º degree angle, with a longer cut at the bottom than the top (see video clip, I’ll put on facebook this week). Clean your dry spade with a wire brush and when the soil is sticky, use a water but and a bristle brush.
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.
Next week I’ll share with you tips of best tools to have in your garden shed for effective work and less strain on your body.
Make your tie in the garden a joyful experience
Hans-Günther
