I am a hand weeder as I have never been able to use a hoe efficiently, and I don't like to see all the chopped up weeds on the surface, HOWEVER, I have been practising with a hoe, and can now wield it like a champion, so today I handweeded close to my leeks, but between the rows, I hoehoehoed. Spring onions are a b*gger as they are like thread when they first come through. You need to keep them weed free to start otherwise the poor little mites will be smothered.