Hoe
The shape of the metal blade of hoes varies widely, both in width and length, according to the purpose for which it is used.
The soil type and requirements of the main crops for which the hoe is used in cultivation may also influence the shape of the blade and the length of the
handle. The spade or West Indian hoe has a heavy, wide and often slightly curved blade, whereas the pronged hoe, sometimes referred to as the Khodali hoe, has metal prongs which are useful for breaking up heavy soils. Both of these hoes have strong wooden
handles of varying lengths, but they are normally about 1 m long. Long-handled hoes are used for loosening and breaking up soil in preparation for
planting; they may also be used for preparing ridges, mounds, nursery beds and in excavating irrigation
channels.
They require the use of both hands since they are raised above shoulder height before being driven into the soil. This operation uses up a great deal of energy, particularly if the soil which is being worked on is hard and dry. These hoes are also used for burying weeds, loosening stones and cutting through roots which often remain buried in the soil.
Short-handled hoes have handles which are rarely more than 60 cm in length. The size and shape of the
blade varies considerably, this variation is often related to local custom and tradition as well as to the field operations for which they are used. The blade is often more rounded than that of the long-handled hoe and may be narrower. These hoes are generally used for operations such as weeding, earthing up mounds or ridges and for transplanting. They are used in a
bending position and are most suitable for operations which require accurate control of the blade. Many short handled hoes are used with one hand only.
Mattock
This is a modified pickaxe, with a flattened hoe-like blade replacing the pointed end of the pickaxe head;
the other part of the head forms a narrow axe-like blade. This implement is particularly useful for removing tree stumps, roots and large stones since both the flattened blades have an effective cutting action.
Trowel
This is used mainly for making holes for transplanting seedlings and for transferring small plants from beds
or seedling boxes. It consists of a small curved blade, rounded at the base, to which is attached a short wooden handle.
Rake
The long wooden handle of this tool is attached to a metal bar or head, into which are inserted numerous metal teeth. The rake is used for levelling garden plots after hoeing or digging, in preparation for planting or sowing. The teeth or prongs can be used for breaking up soil lumps or clods and for removing stones or rubbish from beds.
Wheelbarrow
This may be of metal or wooden construction, it is essentially a means of transporting materials with the minimum of effort. The frame which carries the main weight of the materials has raised sides and is attached to a front mounted wheel which may be either solid or rubber tyred. It is pushed by two handles which extend from the rear of the frame.
Watering Can
The designs and sizes of watering cans vary widely but this is basically a water container with a spout to which can be fitted a rose or sprinkler which may be
changed to give either a coarse or fine spray. The opposite side of the can bears a handle. Many of the smaller modern cans are made from plastic materials but galvanised cans are widely used where larger quantities of water are applied since they are more
durable. The watering can is used mainly for dry season watering of seed boxes, seedlings in beds and freshly transplanted crops.
Garden Shears
These are used for clipping hedges and trimming small shrubs. In appearance, a pair of shears resembles a large pair of scissors but has wooden or metal handles. They should be sharpened carefully and are not suit able for cutting branches more than about 5 mm in diameter.
Secateurs
These have been designed for light pruning of fruit and other types of tree and may be of several types.
Some kinds of secateur have two curved metal become which come together and cross in operation, both
cutting through the branch; others have a stationary 'anvil', the cutting blade severing the branch which is held firmly against the anvil.
Additional items which are frequently useful in the garden include the following:
pruning saw, used for cutting through branches which are too large in diameter for cutting with secateurs,
pruning knife, for light cutting and preparation of woody stem cuttings,
budding knife for budding, grafting and soft wood cutting preparation, garden line for marking out straight lines when sowing seeds or transplanting seedlings, headpans for transporting small quantities of soil, compost or seedlings, seed boxes for raising seedlings in the nursery and a dibber, which is a circular sharpened stick, used for making holes for sowing large seeds or transplanting small seedlings.
