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Digging with a spade

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  • Digging with a spade

    Years ago my spade was shiny and I used it a lot. Now, it's a bit rusty and my fork has the shine. Advancing years has got something to do with it, but it's all those worms getting cut in two that puts me off.

    Does anyone use a spade or even double-dig any more?
    Cheers Ant.


    "Isn't it enough to believe a garden is beautiful without having to believe there are fairies at the bottom of it?" Douglas Adams

  • #2
    Do I use a spade? No
    Do I double dig? Never
    Last edited by Snoop Puss; 17-11-2019, 12:37 PM.

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    • #3
      Originally posted by Snoop Puss View Post
      Do I use a spade? No
      Do I double dig? Never
      Ditto!
      Only use a spade to plant trees and use fork to dig up roots. Otherwise, they stay in the shed.

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      • #4
        Same here I barley use my spade, I bought a new shiny one reduced to £5 I have no idea why.
        I love my fork and azada

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        • #5
          Tend to use the fork to dig with and a spade to move soil, or make the hole.
          Both are the smaller versions not the old big ones.

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          • #6
            Just about the only thing I use my spade for is digging leeks and parsnips up as the tines of a fork tend to just go either side.

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            • #7
              I usually only use a fork for digging, but I've used a spade a lot this year, as the soil at my new allotment was pretty solid, and I had real trouble digging it with a spade. I should be able to go back to a fork for digging the beds in subsequent years, though.

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              • #8
                Mmmm.......what little digging I do I usually use a spade. No particular reason though.
                I prefer just to use the hoe if I can get away with it but some times dock roots need to be dug out.
                I was told by my parents, and I believe, if you cut a worm in two it would rain so I am always very careful.
                My Majesty made for him a garden anew in order
                to present to him vegetables and all beautiful flowers.- Offerings of Thutmose III to Amon-Ra (1500 BCE)

                Diversify & prosper


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                • #9
                  I do my winter dig with a spade but thereafter use a fork ....

                  Why, because I always have

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                  • #10
                    I use my spade to dig up parsnips and JA's but thats about it.
                    Location....East Midlands.

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                    • #11
                      My auto spade is such a boon. I also have an azada which is a lovely tool but yes, my fork is used a lot these days/

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                      • #12
                        I used a spade a couple of weeks ago to remove the turf from a patch of ground once the turf was removed my grandsons used a tool with 4 prongs that you stick into the ground and turn it which loosens the top 3 or 4 inches, a lot easier previously cultivated soil but still better than turning with a spade, as for the garden a hoe or a long shafted hand fork works well and I can use those even when I get old
                        it may be a struggle to reach the top, but once your over the hill your problems start.

                        Member of the Nutters Club but I think I am just there to make up the numbers

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                        • #13
                          I only use a spade to dig out grass & for making big holes for big rootballs but that doesn’t happen much. I don’t use a big fork much,I mainly use a little fork. It depends how long you’ve had your plot & how much you need to prepare. I don’t have enough space to enjoy a spade,planting lots of big shrubs & trees,I just need a little fork for my little plants.
                          Location : Essex

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                          • #14
                            I have a nice stainless fork and spade so they shine even though they get abused/neglected.
                            I'm mostly no dig now so the spade might plant spuds or move earth (although I have a lightweight shovel that cost £6 thats better for most things). Fork is used for lifting/easing out root veg. I have an Azada which I love, but I tend to use it as a big hoe as much as anything.
                            When we first got the plot 5+ years ago I double dug about 60% and removed lots of bindweed. I need to redig a section that is again full of bindweed but otherwise I avaoid most digging.
                            That said I quite like to dig for the satisfaction and that earthy smell, I have to restrain myself and stay no dig.

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                            • #15
                              My new allotment plot hasn't been cultivated for a number of years and has a lot of couch in it which I sprayed some while ago and seem to have killed off most of it. It is heavy clay and very compacted and also very wet but I need to make some progress soon if I can start using it properly next year so I think digging with a fork will be the first step as this will aid the drying out process.

                              I have to confess that until this thread, I had never heard of an azada but it seems to be very popular.
                              Cheers Ant.


                              "Isn't it enough to believe a garden is beautiful without having to believe there are fairies at the bottom of it?" Douglas Adams

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