Hoes

About Hoes

Garden hoes are indispensable cultivating tools designed for efficient weeding, soil preparation, and seedbed creation in beds, borders, and vegetable plots. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks a comprehensive range of hoes from trusted brands including Spear and Jackson, Draper, Faithfull, Gardena, Bahco, and Wilkinson Sword, offering solutions for every gardening requirement. From traditional Dutch hoes that slice through surface weeds to draw hoes perfect for earthing up potatoes and breaking compacted soil, these versatile tools remain essential for both professional gardeners and DIY enthusiasts.

Our selection includes full-size long-handled models for cultivating larger areas with reduced back strain, compact hand hoes for precision work in raised beds and containers, and specialised designs such as onion hoes for tight spacing between plants. Available in both carbon steel and stainless steel blade options with traditional ash or modern fibreglass handles, MyToolShed.co.uk provides quality hoes suitable for every skill level, including junior models for young gardeners developing their horticultural skills.

Applications

• Professional Gardeners: Maintaining estates, parks, and commercial landscapes with regular weeding programmes
• Market Gardeners: Cultivating vegetable crops and managing weeds between rows in commercial growing operations
• Landscapers: Preparing beds and borders during soft landscaping projects and ongoing maintenance contracts
• Allotment Holders: Managing vegetable plots, creating seed drills, and maintaining pathways
• Groundskeepers: Maintaining sports grounds, golf courses, and public green spaces
• Domestic Gardeners: Keeping borders weed-free and soil well-cultivated in home gardens
• Nursery Workers: Maintaining growing areas and propagation beds in plant production facilities
• Smallholders: Managing vegetable gardens and maintaining areas around animal enclosures

Choosing The Right Hoes

Hoe Type: Dutch hoes excel at surface weeding with a forward pushing motion, draw hoes suit earthing up and creating furrows with a chopping action, whilst hand hoes provide precise control in confined spaces. Consider your primary tasks when selecting.

Blade Material: Stainless steel offers rust resistance and easy soil release, ideal for heavy clay and low-maintenance use. Carbon steel provides a sharper edge at lower cost but requires regular cleaning and oiling to prevent corrosion.

Handle Length: Long-handled hoes (typically 1.3-1.5 metres) reduce back strain when cultivating larger areas, whilst short-handled versions offer superior control in raised beds and tight spaces. Traditional ash handles provide excellent shock absorption, whereas fibreglass offers lightweight durability.

Blade Width: Wider blades cover ground quickly on open soil, whilst narrow blades allow precision work between established plants. Match blade width to your typical row spacing and planting density.

Ergonomic Features: Soft-grip handles reduce hand fatigue during extended use, particularly important for professional users. Lightweight designs benefit those with reduced strength whilst maintaining effectiveness.

Safety Information

Maintain a firm, balanced stance when hoeing, keeping feet clear of the blade's path and working away from your body. Always wear sturdy footwear with protective toecaps when using full-size hoes. Keep blades sharp – counterintuitively, sharp tools require less force and are less likely to slip on hard soil. Store hoes with blades facing downward or covered to prevent accidental contact, and never leave tools lying on the ground where handles could cause injury if stepped upon. Inspect wooden handles regularly for splits or damage that could cause splinters during use.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a Dutch hoe and a draw hoe?

A Dutch hoe features a flat, forward-facing blade used with a pushing motion to slice weeds just below the soil surface as you walk backwards. A draw hoe has a blade at right angles to the handle, used with a chopping or pulling action for breaking soil, creating furrows, and earthing up crops. Most gardeners benefit from owning both types for different applications.

Should I choose stainless steel or carbon steel blades?

Stainless steel requires less maintenance, resists rust, and allows soil to slide off more easily – ideal for heavy clay and wet conditions. Carbon steel holds a sharper edge, costs less, and can be easily resharpened, but requires cleaning and occasional oiling. For professional daily use, stainless steel often proves more practical, whilst gardeners who enjoy tool maintenance may prefer carbon steel's cutting performance.

When is the best time to hoe weeds?

Hoe during dry weather when weeds are small, ideally at the seedling stage before they develop extensive root systems. Working in dry conditions ensures severed weeds desiccate quickly on the soil surface rather than re-rooting. Early morning after dew has dried is ideal, allowing the day's sun to finish off disturbed weeds. Regular hoeing every week or two prevents weed establishment and reduces overall maintenance time.