There's
a technique for doing most anything in the yard, and garden hoeing is one of
them.
Hoeing weeds probably ranks high on the list of fun things to do...right after slamming your fingers in a car door. However, hoeing is necessary and there are certain guidelines you should follow.
For instance, hoeing during a drought is a no-no. While you're uprooting weeds, turning the soil exposes it to air which dries it up. Some weeds will germinate the second light hits 'em. Hoeing after sundown is a trick to confuse light-sensitive weeds.
If you're bending over when hoeing, you're doing something wrong. When hoeing, make sure the handle is long enough for you to work standing up.
And keep a file or rasp nearby to keep your hoe blade sharp. The sharper it is, the easier it'll be in ripping the life out of a weed and chopping or breaking soil surface.
For delicate work, small hoes are available. They are usually diamond, heart or tear-shaped and can be manipulated in tight areas around vegetable and flowerbeds without risking your plants' health and well-being.
