Cultivators & Grubbers

About Cultivators & Grubbers

Cultivators and grubbers are essential hand tools for breaking up compacted soil, aerating planting beds, and removing stubborn weeds. From traditional three-prong cultivators with ash handles to specialist daisy grubbers for tap-rooted weeds, these versatile implements make soil preparation significantly easier whether you're working on allotment beds, domestic borders, or commercial landscaping projects. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks a comprehensive range featuring trusted brands including Faithfull, Wolf Garten, Draper, Gardena, Spear and Jackson, and Bahco.

Our selection includes both long-handled cultivators for standing work that reduces back strain, and compact hand cultivators for precision work between established plants. Many models feature ergonomic soft-grip handles for extended comfort, whilst heavy-duty options with carbon steel heads tackle the toughest clay soils. Whether you need a robust cultivator for preparing vegetable plots or a lightweight grubber for container gardening, you'll find professional-quality tools suitable for both tradespeople and keen DIY gardeners.

Applications

• Landscape Gardeners: Daily soil preparation and bed maintenance across multiple client sites
• Groundskeepers: Maintaining parks, sports facilities, educational grounds and private estates
• Allotment Holders: Preparing vegetable beds, incorporating compost and controlling weeds throughout the growing season
• Market Gardeners: Commercial soil management for intensive growing operations and planting row preparation
• Garden Maintenance Contractors: Routine border maintenance and seasonal bed preparation for multiple properties
• Horticulture Professionals: Essential toolkit components for students, trainees and qualified horticulturists
• DIY Gardeners: Home garden soil health management, weed control and general cultivation tasks

Choosing The Right Cultivators & Grubbers

Soil Type: Heavy clay soils require robust carbon steel heads with reinforced prongs, whilst lighter loamy soils work well with standard-duty models. Stony or compacted ground demands heavy-duty options from brands like Draper or Faithfull.

Handle Design: Long-handled cultivators (1.2-1.5 metres) allow upright working for larger areas, reducing back strain during extended sessions. Hand cultivators with short handles provide superior control for working between plants or in confined spaces. Soft-grip handles significantly improve comfort during prolonged use.

Prong Configuration: Three-prong cultivators offer excellent general-purpose performance for most conditions. Five-prong or multi-tine models cover more ground efficiently but require greater effort in heavy soils. Single or double-prong grubbers excel at precision weed removal with minimal disturbance to surrounding plants.

Materials and Build Quality: Carbon steel heads provide superior strength and can be resharpened, though they require occasional oiling to prevent rust. Stainless steel resists corrosion but can't be sharpened effectively. Ash or FSC-certified hardwood handles offer traditional durability and shock absorption, whilst fibreglass provides lightweight weather resistance.

Interchangeable Systems: Wolf Garten's multi-change system allows one handle to serve multiple tool heads, ideal if you're building a comprehensive garden tool collection. For occasional use, traditional one-piece tools from MyToolShed.co.uk's range may prove more economical.

Safety Information

Manual Handling: Maintain proper posture with a straight back and bent knees when using long-handled cultivators. Take regular breaks during extended sessions to prevent repetitive strain injuries and back problems.

Sharp Implements: Store cultivators with prongs facing downward or covered to prevent accidental injury. When carrying tools, keep prongs pointed away from your body and remain mindful of others nearby.

Footwear and Protection: Always wear sturdy boots or shoes with steel toecaps. Never use cultivators whilst wearing open-toed footwear. Before cultivating new areas, particularly on commercial sites, check for underground cables, pipes and services to avoid striking buried utilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a cultivator and a grubber?

A cultivator uses multiple prongs to break up and aerate soil, creating a fine tilth for planting. A grubber specialises in removing deep-rooted weeds using a forked or notched design that levers out the entire plant including its root system. Most gardeners benefit from having both types for complete soil and weed management.

How do I maintain my carbon steel cultivator?

After each use, remove soil and debris with a wire brush, then wipe the steel head with an oily rag to prevent rust. Store in a dry location and apply linseed oil to wooden handles periodically to prevent splitting. If rust appears, remove it with wire wool, then re-oil the metal. With proper care, quality cultivators last decades.

What size cultivator suits a typical domestic garden?

For most gardens, a standard three-prong cultivator with a 1.2-1.5 metre handle provides versatility for general bed preparation whilst remaining comfortable to use. Additionally, a hand cultivator with a 300mm handle proves invaluable for working between plants and in confined spaces, covering the majority of cultivation tasks without requiring multiple specialised tools.