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Allotment Stuff => The Basics => Topic started by: Gazfoz on May 30, 2008, 09:18:38

Title: Chillington Hoe
Post by: Gazfoz on May 30, 2008, 09:18:38
Hi,

Is there a way of using a Chillington hoe to break up compacted soil without standing all over the soil that you have just turned over.
I have read that what you are supposed to do is dig a trench at one end of the bed and then chop and pull into the trench you have dug out. I would then need to stand on what was the trench to reach the next section to be worked thus compacting the soil with my 16 stone plus.
They must work OK as they are probably the most popular hand tool worldwide.
Any thoughts?
Title: Re: Chillington Hoe
Post by: Doris_Pinks on May 30, 2008, 10:05:37
Gazfoz, I work backwards, pull n chop towards me, the trench you leave at the top of the bed can then be filled with any excess you have when you get to the end..........erm....if you see what I mean! ;D
Title: Re: Chillington Hoe
Post by: tonybloke on May 30, 2008, 12:29:14
try planting  to break up soil! parsnips will grow in a path!, field beans penetrate well and when you cut off the tops, the roots break down to leave drainage holes! Farmers use white clover and chicory for 'pan-busting' their roots can exceed 15 metres! ;)
Title: Re: Chillington Hoe
Post by: Gazfoz on May 30, 2008, 23:08:03
Quote from: tonybloke on May 30, 2008, 12:29:14
try planting  to break up soil! parsnips will grow in a path!, field beans penetrate well and when you cut off the tops, the roots break down to leave drainage holes! Farmers use white clover and chicory for 'pan-busting' their roots can exceed 15 metres! ;)

What the bloody hell has that got to do with anything?