Take a look at these hand weeders for when you need to get close to your crops and give them a good weed-clean
WEEDING HOE
This weeding hoe is designed for use in beds and borders. It has a lacquered pine handle and a carbon steel blade with a bevelled edge. It can also be used to create seed drills. There are right-handed or left-handed options available. Length 33cm/13in (blade length 13cm/5in).
NIWAKI
www.niwaki.com
TEL: 01246 451077
PRODUCT CODE: N/A
PRICE: £18
KG VERDICT
This is a super tool with a suitable sharp head that cuts into the soil well and will deal effectively with surface weeds. The pointed end also allows you to dig into harder soil and remove more deep-rooted weeds. It also has a comfortable lacquered handle long enough for reaching across smaller raised beds and borders.
SHORT HANDLED WEED SLICE
With a heat treated high carbon steel head for maximum edge retention and a 39cm (15in) FSC approved ash handle, this weed slice cuts on the push and pull strokes. It works primarily on the pull stroke, with the fishtail points used to dig into the ground and then slice through any remaining weeds on the push stroke.
GARDENING NATURALLY
www.gardening-naturally.com
TEL: 01285 760505
PRODUCT CODE: SHWS
PRICE: £23.99
KG VERDICT
This is a very effective weeder, slicing through surface weeds effortlessly on the pull stroke and loosening up soil at the same time. A good length for reaching across borders and raised beds – a well designed and sturdy tool.
TRADITIONAL STAINLESS ONION HOE
Designed for hoeing between crops such as onions, leeks and garlic, it has a mirror-polished stainless steel head, a weatherproofed hardwood handle, tanged for knuckle clearance, and a leather strap for having up when not in use. It also comes with a 10-year guarantee.
SPEAR & JACKSON
www.spear-and-jackson.com
TEL: Go to online retailers or website for store locator
PRODUCT CODE: 5050OH
PRICE: £16.12
KG VERDICT
A well designed onion hoe, the bend in the neck providing excellent leverage on the pull stroke. The head is suitably sharp and the right width to get in between close rows of plants without damaging them. It has an attractive hardwood handle, shaped for comfort. A tool that you won’t want to be without once you have one.