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azada
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Posted by Anvr London UK (My Page) on Wed, Sep 14, 05 at 12:39
| Has anyone had experience of using an azada (digging hoe)? I'm thinking of taking on an allotment, which is likely to be overgrown. The soil is clay. I've read that using an azada doesn't strain the back as much as using a spade. And also that it's quicker. |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: azada
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| When I took over my overgrown clayey allotment I dug it with a fork. Lifting great clods of clay with a spade would have been very difficult and with a fork you can sift out the weeds. It's not just a question of turning over the soil.It must be very thoroughly cleared of perennial weeds like couch or you will be fighting them for ever afterwards. |
RE: azada
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- Posted by Anvr London UK (My Page) on
Thu, Sep 15, 05 at 6:40
Thanks Flora. I was thinking of dividing the allotment into two areas. A small area for immediate cultivation, which I'd dig with a fork. And a larger one which I'd cover with black plastic and/or thick cardboad to exclude the lights. (just read in a magazine that old carpets are full of chemicals). I'd hope the grass and weeds would be dead after 6 to 12 months??? Maybe I could dig a hole in the middle of this area, fill it with manure and let a few pumpkins trail over the plastic or cardboard during the first season.
In the second season I could dig the lot, perhaps using an azada. There's a fork version of it as well. Anyway, at the moment this is all pure fantasy as I haven't even applied for the allotment yet! But I'd just like to consider how much hard work the initial preparation will be and see if there are any ways to make it easier. |
RE: azada
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| When I took over an allotment, it was completely overgrown with bindweed and it was such a tough job to clear that that I gave it up! Iona |
RE: azada
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- Posted by Suiko Oxford, England (My Page) on
Sat, Sep 17, 05 at 15:49
| Yep!These things are the way to go - much much easier than our old fork and spade! |
RE: azada
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| If you think the soil is going to be clay-based, suggest you make a mound for planting out your pumpkins or other trailers. When you've done your harvest there should be enough time to spread all that good muck over your garden ready for putting in a catch crop or a winter crop. You might also want to put up a tepee or trellis so you can persuade the pumpkins to climbe and still use more of your soil. Old pantyhose are good for supporting the pumpkins until they're ripe. If you dig a hole in clay, particularly if it's a good sticky sort, you could end up with a natural pond and excess water around the roots. I'm a fork fan, like flora. I find it works better for me in a clay-based soil. I also use the 'square-foot gardening' method because I don't need huge harvests for the freezer or family, just little daily feasts, and a hand fork plus a spading fork suits this style. If I was using a traditional block or row system then a hoe would be essential, I think. |
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