Manual Digging Articles

This is the Index of links to our articles on manual digging, trenching, and soil moving. Also our popular Drainage Guide for home and yard problems.

If you are shopping for tools, go to the Digging Tools page, or choose from the navigation bar above.


Trenching Hoe
Trenchers and Trenching Guide
Covers both powered and manual trenching tools and techniques for DIY projects.

using a mattock for trail work
Digging through Rocks and Roots
How to use a pick, mattock, or digging bar to break through hard soil, roots, or rocks.

How to choose between long and short handled shovel
How To Choose the Right Type of Shovel
Quick guide on how to choose the right type of shovel or spade for the job.

man using a sharpshooter shovel to dig a trench
How to use a Sharp Shooter Shovel
Tips for using a Sharpshooter shovel for digging narrow shallow trenches, and for transplanting shrubs.

author Julie Baka with calf
Scoop Shovels on the Farm
Julie tells us all the things they shoveled and scooped up on her family farm.

plastic barrel modified to organize long tools
Digging Tool Storage
How to safely organize and store your long-handled tools.

ground level wheelbarrow for moving heavy items
Unusual Wheelbarrows
Special purpose wheelbarrows that can out perform the conventional ones.