What is a wheel hoe used for, and how to use it?

Also see our Wheel Hoe FAQ page for answers to a wider variety of questions.

What Is a Wheel Hoe Used For?

A wheel hoe is a type of gardening tool that combines the power of a plow and the precision of a hoe. It is mainly used for tilling soil, removing weeds, and hilling or ridging garden soil. The main advantage of using a wheel hoe over traditional manual tools is that it gets the job done much faster, and with less physical effort involved.

How To Use a Wheel Hoe?

Using a wheel hoe is relatively straightforward; however, there are some key steps to remember when starting out. Here are some tips on how to use a wheel hoe effectively:

Choose the right attachment for the job

Wheel hoes can come with a variety of attachments. Attachments are designed for different tasks. Examples include cultivating, weeding, furrowing, and hilling.

Adjust your handles

Make sure your handles are near hip height so that it is comfortable to push the machine. With your handles at the correct height, you will want to walk behind the wheel hoe at a normal steady pace. This momentum will help cultivate soil and rip up weeds. Plus, it will be easier on your body than walking at an unnatural pace or pushing and pulling with your shoulders.

Start with a small project

When first learning how to use a wheel hoe, start off by making just one pass through the row you want to work on. This will help you get used to the feel of operating the wheel hoe before tackling larger or more delicate projects, such as weeding very close to your crops.

Keep your hands steady and level

As you go along, make sure to keep your hands steady and exert even pressure on both sides of the handles. This will help ensure that you get smooth results, and it will save your energy by making the work more efficient. Keeping the handles level keeps the attachment parallel to soil surface which is important for the oscillating hoe that is trying to shave a wide surface.

Adjust attachment depth as needed

Depending on what type of soil you’re working with (clay vs sandy), you may need to adjust the depth at which you’re working the soil with your wheel hoe. For example, if working with clay soil you may want to scrape off right at the hard crusted surface rather than struggling to break-up and go deep into the soil. For cultivating very compacted soil it may take less energy to walk the area twice, first staying shallow and then secondly going deep rather than trying to go deep in just one pass.

Clean your tool regularly

When you are done using your wheel hoe, be sure to clean all the dirt off your machine and attachments. Also be sure to protect your tool from the rain and elements when not in use. This will make it last decades, if not generations.

Conclusion

A wheel hoe can be an incredibly useful tool for reducing the labor of tilling, removing weeds, hilling, and more. By following our simple tips on how to use one properly, you can unlock its full potential and enjoy all its benefits without having to put in too much effort or expense. Whether you own a half-acre garden or run a small market farm, investing in quality tools like this can help make your job easier while still producing great results!