{"id":2229,"date":"2020-12-10T09:29:37","date_gmt":"2020-12-10T09:29:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gardendad.co.uk\/?p=2229"},"modified":"2020-12-10T11:13:00","modified_gmt":"2020-12-10T11:13:00","slug":"best-garden-hoe","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gardendad.co.uk\/best-garden-hoe\/","title":{"rendered":"Which Is The Best Garden Hoe On The UK Market?"},"content":{"rendered":"

A comfortable and well-designed hoe lets you tend to your garden without straining your back or blistering your palms.<\/p>\n

A good hoe can turn gardening from a tedious, time-consuming task to something you actually enjoy.<\/p>\n

If you struggle to keep your garden weed-free, or need to prepare an overgrown allotment for planting<\/a>, this buying guide is for you.<\/p>\n

I recommend the best garden hoes for different kinds of gardening needs in the UK, from removing weeds to loosening hard packed ground. I also explain the different types of garden hoes and how to choose the right hoe for your garden.<\/p>\n

Features to Consider When Choosing a Garden Hoe<\/h2>\n

A. Type of Hoe<\/h3>\n

I can\u2019t possibly cover the many different types of gardening hoes; there are dozens of them. But there are a few common types you should be familiar with as each is suited to a specific type of gardening task.<\/p>\n

One of our favourites is the Dutch hoe. It has a blade that cuts through the soil and uproots weeds on both the forward and backward strokes. A Dutch hoe is suitable for removing weeds on soft soils. It\u2019s also a great way to aerate your garden.<\/p>\n

The other common type is a grub hoe. It has a much bigger and wider blade than the Dutch hoe. The blade is set at a right angle to the handle, so that when you swing down it cuts into the soil. You then pull back to grab soil, weeds and roots.<\/p>\n

A grub hoe is suitable for uprooting stubborn weeds and large roots. It also digs easily into hard packed ground to loosen the soil. If you have an overgrown garden or plan to turn part of your lawn into a garden, a grub hoe is what you need.<\/p>\n

You\u2019ll also come across tined hoes with two or three prongs. These pronged varieties are great for loosening soil and removing weeds before planting. Once you plant, a Dutch hoe is the best tool for delicately removing weeds without harming plants.<\/p>\n

For small gardens such as those contained in boxes, consider getting a hand hoe<\/strong>. It\u2019s small and designed to be held in one hand.<\/p>\n

B. Handle<\/h3>\n

Check the length of the handle as well as its grip. Both are essential for comfortable gardening.<\/p>\n

An adequately long handle keeps you from bending too much and straining your back. A long handle, especially on a Dutch hoe, is also great for reaching deep into the garden and under plants.<\/p>\n

Handles on Dutch hoes can be as long as 170cm. Grub hoes tend to have a shorter handle between 120 and 140cm. You have to bend a little to comfortably dig into the ground and pull the hoe back.<\/p>\n

If you are unsure which handle length is ideal for you, err on the side of buying one that\u2019s too long. That way, you can still use the hoe by holding it lower on the handle.<\/p>\n

As for grip, I love hoes that incorporate a soft grip design. It\u2019s a blessing especially when you have to garden for hours. In addition to preventing blisters, it keeps your hands from slipping and gives you more leverage when pushing or pulling the blade through soil.<\/p>\n

C. Weight<\/h3>\n

Finally, check how heavy the hoe is. A lightweight hoe will be easier on your hands and back. You can garden for hours without getting tired. A light design is also ideal if you have reduced body strength, because of age or health.<\/p>\n

A hoe\u2019s weight comes down to the type of materials it\u2019s made with, particularly the handle. The blade on most hoes is stainless steel to ensure durability and keep out rust.<\/p>\n

The handle can be aluminium, wood, steel or fiberglass. Aluminium and fiberglass make for a lighter hoe. Wood and steel handles are heavier.<\/p>\n

For a Dutch hoe, it\u2019s easy to get a hoe that\u2019s under 1kg in weight. The lightweight design makes Dutch hoes great for everyday use.<\/p>\n

Grub hoes are heavier because of the bigger blade and wooden handle. Look for one that\u2019s 2-3kg heavy.<\/p>\n

For an ultra-light option, get a hand hoe.<\/p>\n

Best Garden Hoes: Top 5 Reviews<\/h2>\n

1. Spear & Jackson Select Stainless Dutch Hoe<\/h3>\n<\/a>\n

The Spear & Jackson select stainless Dutch hoe is one of the best Dutch hoes, and the best hoe overall for everyday gardening.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s taller than almost any other hoe with an overall length of 167cm. Despite the long handle, it weighs less than a kilo thanks to the aluminium shaft. So it feels very comfortable and balanced in your hands.<\/p>\n

The long soft grip at the top of the handle provides a comfortable place to hold for gardeners of different heights.<\/p>\n

The stainless steel head cuts through soil easily while the long handle lets you garden comfortable without straining your back. It\u2019s also easy to reach deeper into the garden and under thick plants.<\/p>\n

What I like about it:<\/h4>\n