Skip Hand Pulling And Digging: Remove Weeds With A Faster Tool

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Few people are going to list weeding as their favorite garden chore. But unfortunately, it has to get done to keep the weeds and unwanted plants from outcompeting your beloved flowers and veggies. If hand-pulling leaves you sore and digging up unruly growth feels painfully slow, you should know about a device that can cover more ground with far less effort. One of the best types of cultivator tools to consider for making this onerous chore less of a burden is the wheel hoe. 

This handy implement certainly isn't new — it's been making people's lives easier since the early 1700s. Wheel hoes can be pushed like a wheelbarrow and similarly have one or two wheels at the front end. Most modern models also have attachments, like stirrup-type blades and shovels, which can be switched out as needed. The stirrup attachment is especially useful because it lets you cut through small weeds quickly without stopping to pull each one. By pushing the tool back and forth between your rows of crops, you can clear rogue growth from your garden in a fraction of the time it takes to tackle them individually. 

You can also stand upright while using the wheel hoe, which helps keep the process far less physically demanding. This makes it a great choice for gardeners who might otherwise struggle with the labor of hand weeding or using a traditional garden hoe.

There are many different types of wheel hoes, including some that come with a battery pack, allowing them to be self-propelled. You can also choose between single- and double-wheeled models. The latter type provides additional stability. Both smaller "low wheel" and larger "high wheel" models are options, as well. The lower design is best for tight spaces and smaller gardens because it's easier to maneuver. For larger, open rows, a higher model can give you more clearance and make long passes easier.

As previously mentioned, the best attachment for your push tool is likely the stirrup hoe. This not only removes weeds but also does so without turning over the soil and significantly disturbing dormant weed seeds. This, unlike hand-pulling or digging, can help prevent new unwanted growth. Just be aware that once the botanical freeloaders grow past medium size, they might be too large for the wheel hoe. Using it regularly before they become deeply rooted is key to making it an efficient weeding method.

These tools are far more widely available now than in the past, and the HOSS Double Wheel Hoe, among other options, can be purchased on Amazon. When comparing models, look for comfortable handle height, easy-to-change attachments, and a wheel configuration that matches the size of your planting beds.