This past month sure has been the antithesis of our dry early spring weather. Rain nearly everyday has had an impact on our gardens. The rain has either rotted out plants or given them a great start for the summer heat. Take your pick..it can go either way depending on your garden site specifics and micro-climate.
But one thing is certain…..the rain has helped produce a bumper crop of WEEDS! This garden nemesis can make or break your garden season….as well as your sanity! If you adhere to integrated organic management in and around your garden…e.g. good perimeter lawn practices, solid spring clean up, mulching and organic herbicides, you will still be faced with weeds.
Over the years I have adopted a variety of manual methods to supplement these outlined practices Removing weeds has ranged from using my fingers to hand hoes. But this year, at the beginning of my spring clean up cycles, the manufacturer of the Cobrahead weeder and cultivator, sent me one of their tools to demo. Given my emphasis on “sustainability” I immediately took to the premise of this family built company. The tool is 100% American made with recycled components in Wisconsin. So off I went to “test” this tool out for my garden season
Hands down, this tool has been the most versatile and valuable tool in my garden cart this season. It is one of the most comfortable hand tools I have used over these 20 years. It has eliminated the need for hand spades, hand hoes, small garden spade and bed edgers. It now has a “reserved” space in the 2nd back pocket of my jeans. And yes, in my garden visits I have fielded a number of queries regarding this odd shaped tool hanging out of my back pocket! I am able to “quick draw” the tool to weed ( getting to the depth of thistle and Bishops Weed roots!) transplant perennials, plant summer bulbs and even refreshing my bed edging! I am 3 months into using the tool and it’s steel shaft and blade remain firmly in the handle without loosening or rotating. Hands down…the best tool I have found for my organic garden practices. The tool definitely lives up to the manufacturers name as the: “Steel Fingernail”
Want to add this phenomenal tool to your garden practices this season? Check out their website: www.cobrahead.com where you will find more info and ordering options. They have a great video on the tool in action!
Mark your calendars: Saturday July 11th @ 11:00 AM I am hosting a free workshop on: The Magic of Fairy Gardening @ Dehns Garden Center on Beekman Street in Saratoga Springs. Learn about this all-season gardening trend. As with all the summer workshops, you will receive a free garden gift and entry for my Garden Lovers Basket! See you next week!
