[totalnovice]

little and often, build up to it and don't over do it! Wish someone had told me that when i first started!
Still i have a stiff bag and a sore bum this evening after a didding session this mornings. Trt to remember to warm up with a brisk walk around the site or too the site, and keep stretching your back out as you dig. I find plenty of frequewnt short breaks help too.
and most of all - Enjoy it!

[Christo]

Trillium - We'll have to agree to differ - SS

I'm with you Swing Swang. I reach for the spade when digging in clay. The fork just doesn't seem to cut the mustard clay..... 

[mumofstig]

I just can't get the spade into the clay subsoil in the beds....I can just about get a fork in if I stand on it and then wiggle the fork about to loosen it a bit.

[Paul Plots]

I just can't get the spade into the clay subsoil in the beds....I can just about get a fork in if I stand on it and then wiggle the fork about to loosen it a bit.

Sounds as if you have good brick material there. Ever thought of making pots?  :blink:

[muckshifter]

I still swear by my backsaver spade (can be converted to fork mode with one nut and bolt), the only time I have to stop digging is when the jobs done or I have to roll a fag.
Never have to bend or lift with it so no aches or pains. 

[BabbyAnn]

I'm loving this thread about what to use on clay soil - fork or spade, spade or fork    I agree with

If you are struggling try using a border fork or spade

I have slight disability issues so my border/ladies fork and spade have been brilliant - takes twice as many times to dig over than using man size tools, but at least the clods are smaller and easier to manage.

When starting on compacted soil, I found the spade to be more more useful as it sliced into the clay.  I think the narrowness of a border spade works much easier than normal spades, and keeping the the digging edge clean helps too.  However, I prefer a fork on beds already worked over when they need digging again but I think that may have something to do with trying to avoid walking on the soil and compacting it again.

[fatbelly]

Digging is such hard work that's why I bought one of this.
It is a wonderful, fantastic machine and I wouldn't be without it.
My Plot is a 300 Sq yards and I could do the whole plot  twice in a morning.

[Paul Plots]

Fork, spade, and hoe are probably my most useful tools but the old Howard is a huge help once or twice a year.

Long may it rumble on with me hanging on the the handle-bars. 

[totalnovice]

I just can't get the spade into the clay subsoil in the beds....I can just about get a fork in if I stand on it and then wiggle the fork about to loosen it a bit.

Have you been on my plot? sounds just like it, sometimes i have to jump up and down on my fork! totally back breaking.

[operabunny]

That's exactly why I got an Azada!