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PA

with all the talk about weeding I thought I'd share my favorite tools with you, you probably know about them but if not here they are. My favorite hoe is the action hoe, looks like a stirrup, cuts weeds off right under the surface so I think its pretty safe for the pumpkin roots.
the second one I do not hve yet but am going to get one. Its the circle hoe, long handled hoe with a small circle at the end. I think this would be nice for weeding close to vines. Again it can cut just below the surface, and I think it shouldn't do as much damage to the vine if you bump it.
I 'm going to try mulching with some straw this year to help avoid some of the soil compaction. Good Luck this year everybody

3/2/2001 5:05:34 PM

walton n.y.

sounds like you've got a plan those scuffle type hoes usually work pretty well and you can weed a good sized area pretty quick and with the long handle it should keep you a fair distance away from the plant helping reduce soil compaction

3/2/2001 6:55:48 PM

Rush, NY

If you have rocks, and I have lots of them, the only hoe to use is a Warren hoe. It is pointed on the end. However I don't think any company makes a practical one. The point is so long, its very tiring to use. So, using a metal cutting blade in a Skill saw, I taper a cut so I have a point 3 inches shorter. I have also made them, and they are just as good, by buying an old regular hoe at a Flee market and cutting it to a point at the bottom. The top should be 4 to 5 inches wide. I sharpen both edges, and they never need sharpening again. Most of the old hoes I get at Flee markets are made of much better steel than new ones. The point of these hoes is great for removing weeds close to vines. They also are great for making the trenches to bury vines. I have been modifying and using these hoes for over 30 years.

3/2/2001 7:35:45 PM

Buffalo, Minnesota

wow len, well guys my hoe of choice is one by the name of a hula-hoe,weird name hu? anyway it works great for me.

3/3/2001 1:50:13 AM

walton n.y.

len you and my wife deb have alot in common she has bought several older hoes,cultivators of different styles and other related garden tools for next to nothing some of the owners of these tools dont even know what they are just glad to get them out of the garage and as you said the steel is usually better

3/4/2001 6:39:36 PM