Spade Work Can Be Made Easy

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30453, 29 May 1964, Page 6

Spade Work Can Be Made Easy

There is no substitute for working up a piece of ground by using a spade of the short-handled type. In the hands of someone acquainted with the work it is surprising . how swiftly arid comfortably it can be manipulated to produce an even, tidy effect. The results will compare well with those achieved in

the field by a good ploughman. Providing the job is approached in the right frame of mind and with a little initial tool preparation, digging need not be . the proverbial back-breaking job.

Correct choice of tool is most essential, A correctly balanced spade is closely connected to its overall weight and these together should govern the choice of implement. In this respect, individual preferences will vary for some will prefer a heavier spade while others will find a lighter one more suitable. It should feel right in the hands of the user in the same way as does sporting gear. The handle and grip should be smooth, without cracks and rough surfaces, otherwise blisters are likely to follow. If linseed oil has been used to preserve the wood, the excess should be wiped off for a dry handle gives a better grip and reduces the adherence of extraneous matter. Shining Steel The blade should be completely rust and paint-free and present an expanse of shining steel. If, after use, the blade is cleaned this shining state can be maintained by applying sump oil. Rust, if allowed to remain, causes surface pitting and the soil will stick to it. •

A good sharp edge to the blade is necessary and where this is lacking it can be obtained by using a file. Remember to sharpen the back only but burred edges should be smoothed down from both sides first.

Having prepared the spade in readiness for the work ahead, one can now begin. Take out a trench and place the soil where the last trench will be. This trench should be of even depth and width, and should be so maintained throughout the work. Drive the spade into the soil with the blade almost vertical arid to its full depth; Bring the handle of the spade to the horizontal and with a flick of the wrist turn the spade so that the soil is deposited in the trench in a reversed position.

Make a cut at right angles to your digging at approximately the width of the blade before making the next stroke, this will determine the amount of soil you will take and it can be adjusted to your own convenience. Continue down the trench and when finished remove any crumbs so that the trench remains the same width and depth. If there is -nnual weed on the plot, a strip should be skimmed off and placed in the bottom of the trench. Other organic matter can also be added. During the ; digging, the weed and organic matter should be buried and none should show. When digging, try and maintain an even surface by adding more soil to depressions and chopping off humps. Leave the soil rough and make no attempt to break it up into a fine state. The Winter weather will do this for you. The correct technique in digging requires the use of the wrists and correct application of leverage. This can only be -learnt by practice but watching a -competent gardener will prove invaluable. It is said that in digging every muscle in the body comes into play so it is a complete exercise' and is very good for reducing those excess inches around the waist.