Gardening Matters 58Gardening Matters

Hoe Hoe Hoe!

Following on from last month’s list of essential garden tools for beginners I thought I’d explain about the humble hoe.

When I first started gardening, I didn’t really understand how to use one. There are a Following on from couple of varieties of hoe and they are used in different ways, and last month they really are your friend at this time of essential garden tools year. The hoe is actually for beginners I thought I about the humble hoe. one of the most ancient garden tools and came before the plough. It’s mentioned in Egyptian art, the Code of Hammurabi and in the Bible. The reason spring is a great time to put your used by sweeping it smoothly over the soil so that the surface is just ‘brushed’. If used correctly it slices the tops from the weeds. It’s actually simple to use but you do need to practice your technique. Slice the tops of When I first started hoe to good use is because right now is when the annual weeds (the ones that self-seed weeds by bringing the hoe towards you, altering the angle to accommodate slopes. When gardening, I didn really understand how freely and pop up all over the place every year) have started to germinate. The aim when hoeing, aim to sever the top growth from the roots, just below the soil surface, then leave it in the sun to dry out and you turn over a Dutch hoe you can use it to make a shallow trench called a seed drill to sow larger seeds, like peas into. Larger seeds are better because they need to be covered well. to use one. There are a die. Hoeing is best done when the soil is dry as this creates a ‘dust mulch’ which inhibits Your hoes need to be kept sharp and well maintained for maximum effectiveness. I use couple of varieties of hoe and they are used the germination of new weeds. I prefer a hoe with a long handle because it’s better for preventing back pain. I also have a short-handled hoe known as an ‘onion hoe’ for closely planted areas. A shorted handle a metal file to both clean and sharpen, but you can buy sharpening stones reasonably cheaply and they are easy to use. Happy gardening gives more control, so you don prized plants. ’ in different ways, and t damage your Rachael Leverton they really are your It’s important to note that hoeing only kills the annual weeds, not the deep-rooted perenfriend at this time of nial weeds, those need to be dug up by hand. There is also a tool called a Dutch hoe. This is Please mention Shepperton Matters when responding to adverts year. 58 www.villagematters.co.uk

• Pruning, Felling & Reducing • Reshaping & Thinning • Hedge Maintenance • 24 Hour Emergency Service • Dangerous Tree Removal • Stump grinding • Neighbouring Tree & Hedge Issues • Operated wood-chipper hire • River tree work workboat available • Seasoned logs delivered. Log splitting

Contact Clive: 01932 886524 or 07941 031759 (Eves) surreyarborist@gmail.com

PAIGE ELECTRICS

REWIRES FAULT FINDING CONSUMER BOXES ALTERATIONS EXTRA SOCKETS AND LIGHTS COOKER POINTS SMOKE DETECTORS EXTERIOR LIGHTING POWER TO GARAGE ARE YOU RCD PROTECTED?

LOCAL RELIABLE SERVICE - FULLY INSURED Office: 01932 711196 Mobile: 07880 715856 franklin383@btinternet.com

S P R Y S C R A G E N D

H O E E H A G O B B L E C H O P P Y

N B D Y S S E M I Y A C H T I N G

B S L O S O P H I A E R N E S T

O N A E S K Y L I G H T T U B A E E O U L D R I V E L N U R S E D

A E I G A E A F F L I C T S L U D O

Solution to April Quick Crossword 6 2 1 8 4 3 9 5 7 3 8 9 1 5 7 2 6 4 5 7 4 9 6 2 1 8 3 9 1 6 3 2 8 7 4 5 8 5 2 6 7 4 3 1 9 7 4 3 5 9 1 8 2 6 1 9 8 4 3 5 6 7 2 2 3 5 7 1 6 4 9 8 4 6 7 2 8 9 5 3 1

Solution to April Sudoku