Gone are the days when you have to struggle to remove unwanted weeds, grasses and vines. With a hand weeding tool and a bit of effort, you’ll be able to grab the roots of weeds from below the ground and lift them out completely. However, not all weeding tools are made alike.
If you’re shopping around for the perfect garden tool, here are 5 important considerations to weigh:
1) Know Your Soil – Before you pick a hand weeding tool, make sure you can describe the type of soil your garden has. Is it clay-like? Rocky? Dry? Are the weeds in between cracks? Some garden tools cannot pierce through hard surfaces, while others are designed to penetrate even the driest soil.
2) All-around vs. Standalone Weeding tool – Some tools are designed to be used as a standalone weeding tool, while others are made to accommodate other gardening tasks. The CobraHead Weeder and Cultivator, for instance, is great for digging trenches, planting, cultivating, and of course, digging out weeds.
3) Long or Short – A long weeding tool, as tall as a standard-sized rake, can benefit gardeners with back or knee problems and avoid possible injuries or health complications. If you want to be able to lift weeds out without having to bend over or kneel on the ground, a long-handle weeder should do the trick.
4) Construction and Design – Generally, you’ll need a hand weeding tool that is tougher than the weeds you are going after. It should be lightweight, sturdy, easy-to-grip and made of tough materials like steel. The handle should be exceptionally comfortable to hold to avoid stress on the wrists.
5) Know Your Weeds – Dandelions and other broadleaf weeds emerge in the early spring and can be hard to pull out. A fishtail weeder or asparagus knife usually solves this kind of problem. Those that grow in between concrete cracks can be pulled out by a paving weeder. A CobraHead weeder, with a grappling hook design that has a curved neck and flattened, diamond-shaped head, can take care of all these types weeds. It can also dispatch weeds that get too big or widespread, and become a huge concern for your precious seedlings.
Weeds are one of the most common reasons why gardeners decide to call it quits. With the best weeding tool to cater to your garden’s specific needs, you can remove weeds invading your garden effortlessly and effectively.
