[new_2_veg]

i have only used a fork up until now but ive just been given a lovely t-handle spade so im going to try that out now

[Celtic Eagle]

Spade to break it up rough leave for a week then over again with a fork to get roots out  after that spade every time

[shaun]

spade it this time of year,you dont want to leave it fine cus after the winter rain/snow it would have settled and will be as hard has a goats toe in the spring

[sawnee]

I have dug my plot over with a fork to get the weed roots out (new plot)
and was going to get a rotavator and run it over the top to break up the soil and level out some of the "lumps"
Is this not a good idea  :?
Dont know how hard a goats toe is  :? but dont like the sound of it :shock:

[muntjac]

if you like ,its ur choice but i would leave it now til spring ,,,, unless ya plantinmg something soon ... then level it with arake tramp it n plant on level beds

[sawnee]

Wont be planting for a while.
Spuds will probably be the next thing in there.

[PinkTequila]

Used to use just a fork as thought it was easier (i'm only little!) until OH bought me a lovely Joseph Bentley spade and it really makes a difference having a well-made tool - I can actually get it into the earth and lift it out again without breaking my back or toppling over, unlike with the previous rubbishy Focus spade! I've actually broken two forks lifting my giant parsnips

I don't want to rubish your Joseph Bentley spade which probably is better than one from Focus but this is what happened to my Joseph Bentley spade when I tried digging with it!

[muntjac]

thats metal fatigue due to a  gap in the weld flow the wter got in behind the weld n just rusted it through,if you take it toa welder ( mig/arc/tig ? he can redo that for you its easy enuff ,for about £5   you may have a local garage that can do it  

 pop ur location on the profile please  pink and we can help with local  info    

[shaun]

Dont know how hard a goats toe is  :? but dont like the sound of it :shock:

its one of the hardest things known to man is a goats toe

[PinkTequila]

Best idea is not to buy a spade that has a weld at all!

[muntjac]

Best idea is not to buy a spade that has a weld at all!

agree there but id save the spade by rewelding it put a new brace across the weak spots  

[PinkTequila]

I think I'll keep it as a memento I have turned the handle into a dibber! joseph Bentley sent me a replacement, when  that breaks I shall weld it! Cheers.

[TRACKS]

Need a long handled spade i have a nice stainless steel one but handel is too short   :evil:
wots the best make to get ?  

[muntjac]

Need a long handled spade i have a nice stainless steel one but handel is too short   :evil:
wots the best make to get ?  

 if wood handle
it it welded or one piece?,if one piece you can get some tube to fit the shaft n then ahve that part welded .if its wooden .have a handle turned from a carpenter ,mine cost me £13 the wood was a piece of chestnut scavenged from a fallen tree

 but i do know Notcutts do a very good one in the heritage range

http://www.notcuttsgardencentres.com

[TRACKS]

Thanks Munty
its a wooden handel but i just fined it too short when im digging and just think a longer handel would make it easier on the back lol