Tools for the job

garyp · March 09, 2004, 11:26:38

I was looking at tools for cultivating the plot spades, forks etc. I find that because I am tallish with standard forks and spades I have to do a lot of bending. I was searching around the internet and came across a site which is selling long-handled tools. They go by the name of Azadas. they are basically a spade/fork type blade set horizontally at the end of the handle.
I wonder if anyone out there has comes across these and has good/bad experiences of using them?

garyp · March 09, 2004, 11:26:38

kenkew · March 09, 2004, 11:35:32

Here in Belgium long handled spades and forks are the norm. They're quite comfortable. I brought my UK stuff with me but even as a 'shorty' I have no problems when I use a long handled spade.

aquilegia · March 09, 2004, 11:41:43

The only trouble I've had with long handled tools is that I find it difficult to put much weight behind them (my hands just slip down the handle, which they can't do on short ones!) Or maybe it's just because I'm a little girly?!

gavin · March 09, 2004, 20:04:51

Hi Garyp - I've only used the tools we're used to (bog-standard spades and the like); I'm comfortable with them and they fit me.

Azadas - I've watched women in W Africa using them/similar. My God - the speed! Not quite up to Tim's rotovator - but . . . !

People who use them seem to become 110% converts VERY quickly. There are quite a few posts on http://www.kitchengarden.co.uk/forum/ about azadas - but it's very hard to get on that site at the moment.

A bit of gut feeling - I'd miss having a spade for doing the deeper cultivation (double-digging), but I'd happily try an azada for the shallower stuff.

Eeeeeeh - I'd never had a hobby before where I plan for Xmas in February - planting for Xmas dinner, and planning what I want for pressies!

All best - Gavin

thomasb · March 09, 2004, 20:21:13

I do not use a spade, but a long-handled shovel. I find them much easier to work but then thats what I have always used on my parents farm back in Ireland. On their farm they are a general-use shovel from when cleaning out cow-sheds to garden use. I have see similiar ones in FOCUS over here. In a recent catalogue I received from Ferndale Lodge (www.ferndale-lodge.co.uk) they call it the 'american digging shovel'.
Thomas

Hugh_Jones · March 09, 2004, 20:30:22

I`ve been using one of those for 5 years, thomasb. 15 minutes with an ordinary spade and I need the services of a chiropractor, but I can work all day with my `Clint Eastwood` shovel (he always uses one to bury the baddies). I only wish I could find a fork constructed on the same lines.

thomasb · March 09, 2004, 20:43:41

Hugh,
I have looked for, but failed to find a long-handled fork. The type which I have used in the past is a 4-pronged fork with very narrow prongs. Its a general-farm fork and used for such things as forking sillage etc. It is however very usefull in the garden.
Thomas

garyp · March 09, 2004, 21:39:04

Thanks for you replies. What kicked off me asking about this was I am a new allotment holder. I met one of my fellow allotment holders for the first time at the weekend and he was using one of the long-handled shovels. He allowed me to try it and when he was using it he was diiging a bed in double quick time. So it started me off thinking about the tools I use. I found a website which had one of these long handled shovels and also these tools called azadas. Incidentally they have got a long handled fork on there website. But the blade is set horizontally on the end of the shaft. The site is www.get-digging.co.uk I am seriously tempted to try one of these tools!!

kenkew · March 10, 2004, 18:24:47

The long hanvled fork with the horizontal working end is used for breaking up soil and moving it around. I have one, very useful, but not used in the same way as an ordinary fork. The long handled version is available but not as common as the spade. A fork is, of course, for breaking the ground after the spade has done it's work so doesn't need to be as robust. A long spade and standard fork are ideal companions.

mysticmog · March 11, 2004, 13:15:20

I've been looking at Azadas and they look v useful for peeps with bad backs, but I can't work out how you get earth out of holes with them - the spade bit is backwards? How does it work? Anyone got any ideas?

Fingle.... · March 11, 2004, 14:28:04

employ immigrants to do the work for you ;)

Fingle.... · March 11, 2004, 14:42:54