The wide-tined spading-fork is frequently used instead of the spade, as it is lighter
and can be more advantageously used to break up lumps and level off surfaces. In
most soils it will do this work as well, if not better, than the spade and has the
further good quality of being serviceable as a fork too, thus combining two tools
in one. It should be more generally known and used. With the ordinary fork, used
for handling manure and gathering up trash, weeds, etc., every gardener is familiar.
The type with oval, slightly up-curved tines, five or six in number, and a D handle,
is the most convenient and comfortable for garden use.
The Garden Spade and Spading-Fork
While some garden tools have been improved and developed out of all resemblance to
their original forms, others have changed little in generations, and in probability
will remain ever with us. There is a thing or two to say about even the simplest
of them, however,--
especially to anyone not familiar with their uses.
There are tools for use in every phase of horticultural operations; for preparing
the ground, for planting the seed, for cultivation, for protecting crops from insects
and disease, and for harvesting.
First of all comes the ancient and honorable spade, which, for small garden plots,
borders, beds, etc., must still be relied upon for the initial operation in gardening--breaking
up the soil. There are several types, but any will answer the purpose. In buying
a spade look out for two things: see that it is well strapped up the handle in front
and back, and that it hangs well. In spading up ground, especially soil that is turfy
or hard, the work may be made easier by taking a strip not quite twice as wide as
the spade, and making diagonal cuts so that one vertical edge of the spade at each
thrust cuts clean out to where the soil has already been dug.
