8 essential gardening tools and their uses

[@DiiGiiTAL]

I sincerely appreciate the 1440p and 2160p resolutions of your videos!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks @spicymoustache, and upload takes longer :)!

[@Im-just-Stardust]

FINALLY winter is over, here in Canada, and I am finally starting my first garden in my life, after a long winter of preparation. This week I cleaned the grass field behind my house of all the trash it had from the previous owners, and I am making my first beds and compost bin in the next days. No words to explain how excited I am, a bit nervous too to be honest. I watched all your videos literally, multiple times, during the long frigid winter, waiting for this moment to come. Thank you for all that precious information you shared with us Charles I learned so much.

[@andreahorsch286]

God bless you, that's awesome! Cheers to first harvests

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Great to hear and go you! Nervous is goof, shows intention and realism

[@juliaf_]

Good luck! My part of Canada (~30mins south of Toronto) still has a couple frosts coming, but I'm going to start hardening off my seedlings soon :) Edit: location

[@camicri4263]

Bravo! It's going to be fine, and if any mistakes....you learn from it and get better! 👏🤗

[@billytingen3567]

Charles. It's always a pleasure joining you in the Garden. There is always something to learn and you have a magical way of pulling us in and giving us the most useful tidbits that make our Gardening Life so much better. Thank you for sharing! Best Regards!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

So nice to hear that Billy, thanks

[@iainb1577]

On long tool handles such as on hoes and rakes; most of mine are at least 50 years old and a great feature of these, which I never see in new tools, is that the handle end is slightly bulbous. This makes handling so much easier than a parallel sided shaft for a few reasons. It allows for a better grip when controlling the hoe from shoulder height, making pushing the tool easier. It aids grip on a rake when pulling and it also adds a small amount of balance. I treasure these and urge anyone who sees some at a boot sale or charity shop to give them a good home.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Brilliant comment, thanks Iain

[@iainb1577]

@@CharlesDowding1nodig Thank you and thanks for all your inspirational insight.

[@timan2039]

I made a nice dibber from a small limb that I pruned from an Ash tree, it’s just round enough to do the job. It saves many back aches 😇

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

💚

[@jeshurunfarm]

I do believe your maths with 1 000 000 plants planted since 1983 make sense. Respect from Africa 🇿🇦

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

😀!!

[@pamelaadams3649]

I can't wait to start this season off!

[@gardenboots7464]

The right tool for the job is a TRULY WONDERFUL thing, indeed!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

It is

[@suepowlesland8541]

When my husband bought me a manure fork many years ago, he asked if it could be wrapped. It was an anniversary present. Two sales girls tried to talk him out of it, but in the end they perfectly covered the handle and every tine. Best gift ever from my best friend.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Such a fine story! Suggest compost for your next present 😅!

[@sarahdyer1967]

So I splashed out on an oscillating hoe and it arrived yesterday! It’s fantastic - you advised about watching for weeds springing up this time of year and of course you were right. I was up early this morning gently scraping out the tiny little blighters and it was so easy with gentlest of effort. Until now I didn’t know how the right tools can make life so much easier in the garden. Thank you for being here for every step of the way 🙏

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Fantastic! 💚

[@bellavista7]

People should stop demonizing plastics really. Durable use of plastics is totally ok. It's a great material, low cost, both in price as well as energy for production which people often forget to factor. Just use it responsibly. 1:17 A spade huhuhu :D

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Good point and yes!!

[@antoninomuscarella9052]

Grazie sempre per i tuoi utili suggerimenti. Sei il numero 1 ❤

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

eso es un honor gracias

[@HeyTezza]

Thank you I had no idea what a hoe was for, new to this whole gardening thing now I can tackle the little weeds that have sprouted

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

😀

[@lauriesickles5393]

My three favs are a hori hori knife, clippers and stirrup hoe. Thanks for all the great tips, I may use my dibber more now!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Cool, I wish for a copper hori hori!

[@alisonburgess345]

I spotted you with that Opinel ages ago and copied you and got one. They're a perfect knife for a veggie gardener.. I used mine the other day to take the leaves off a beautiful cauliflower. It went through them like butter. Highly recommended!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Great to hear. I have sold thousands for them I reckon!!

[@pizzaguy3645]

Good Morning Mr. Dowding. Keep the wonderful content coming. Spring is in the air here in Nikiski, Alaska.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

So cool and nice to imagine

[@irenemauro1347]

My dad is a wood-turner. He made me two dibbers - one similar to yours and one short one (10" long). I find the short one is really handy when planting in my few raised beds.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Nice of him, great feedback Irene

[@alnatural307]

Thanks I love the plastic shape is better . Thanks for your words and teach me many things . I learn every day more .👏👏💚💛

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Happy to help!

[@Seamus71mon]

Isn't it lovely when you see worn down tools made of quality materials that have served you for years, and they just do the job well. Thanks for another upload charles. Have always enjoyed your no nonsense videos and an excuse for another cuppa tea and a few digestives!! Not quite shorts weather here in Donegal but not bad either!! Thanks again and all the best.👍

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Cheers Seamus, nice to hear and hope it warms for you :)

[@rhysjaggar4677]

Just ordered one of your dibbers as a 'reward' for a week of boring clearing of nettles, bindweed, couch grass, bramble etc at home and at the plot. 6hrs of completely necessary absolute boredom!! Perhaps you might like to talk in a future video about Arborists' saws and secateurs for pruning fruit trees: my life was transformed by buying a high quality arborists' saw.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Hope you enjoy using it. Yes one could say more about tools!! That sounds a nice one.

[@carlfogarthy6508]

Always number one, Charles! Thanks for these useful tips and the joy you bring to gardeners! Grazie 😊

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

🌱

[@telesforka5044]

Dziękuję za polskie napisy, teraz wszystko rozumiem i mogę stosować u siebie w ogrodzie. Pozdrawiam!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Fantastyczny!

[@itsmewende]

I have a few tools that belonged to my grandfather, I'm 63 so hard to tell just old they are, the handles are beautiful, he was a master gardener, like you Charles. He passed when I was 2, wish I'd been able to see and remember his gardens, everyone has said how he even trained the dog to stay on the path. Enjoyed seeing what and how you use your tools.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Nice memories Wende, thanks. I want to keep living and sharing 😀

[@itsmewende]

@@CharlesDowding1nodig Happy Easter, I want you to too =^)

[@chrispedersen6999]

My favourite tool is a victorinox knife used in the kitchen. They come in bright colours, orange and pink my favorite for the garden. The blade is 110mm with a fine serrated edge. It will cut to the bone, so take care.. It is great for slashing flax and grasses, small branches, harvesting produce, edge weeding under electric fencing. I cut weeds off at ground level for a quick tidy up, remove seed heads when they get away from me, rip through carpet(weed mat) open & trim plastic mattress bags( I use as a makeshift poly house over my container plantings also helps to ripen those late tomatoes). I rip through tough boxes, tapes and when the blade wears out I poke into the beds for use as a bulb marker, dibber,weeder-push in & twist, used in gravel and around pavers as I have worn off the serrations. They are just so useful. 🤗

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

How amazing, thanks for sharing Chris!

[@chrispedersen6999]

Rounded blade end on knife is best. 👍 The pointed knife is great in the kitchen but too fine for the garden. The tip always snaps off as too finely tapered for the garden. Very sharp so take care.

[@phil5888]

The Italian zappa is a good tool. Very good for anyone with lower back pain.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Good to know!

[@LittleGardenBigDreams]

As a gardener, I don’t think you can ever have too many tools! 🌱 xx Cathi xx 😘

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Right?! favourites 💚

[@lisbetsoda4874]

Oh, i so disagree. I think good tools each have multiple purposes and would rather have less but good ones that feel right and that are completely familiar in the hand.

[@LittleGardenBigDreams]

@@lisbetsoda4874 I love good tools, but you never know what you may need… I mainly have quality vintage stuff where I can. But…. If there’s something I think I need 🤣 xx

[@gardening_with_william_demille]

Great video! Thank you Charles!!!!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Glad you liked it William, hope you are keeping well and the greenhouse is productive 🌱

[@gardening_with_william_demille]

@@CharlesDowding1nodig Thank you! The greenhouse is producing wonderful. We ate our first ripe strawberries this week and our first artichokes were ready as well. We are feeding several families and trying to teach others so they can reap a similar bounty. :)

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

@@gardening_with_william_demille Great to hear William. Strawberries, I need to grow them!

[@littlesuzie6672]

I have a little spade that was my father’s, and I just love it. Over the years I’ve used it for many projects in the garden, I can’t use any other! It’s funny how you become attached to certain tools! And if my little spade goes missing, I become very cross 😆 I never thought I’d be sentimental about gardening tools, but I guess I am.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

I think that is very healthy Suzanne! I am the same in the house with some scissors which belonged to my mother and a clock of my father's, and they just feel lovely to use and see, somehow connected with memories

[@littlesuzie6672]

@@CharlesDowding1nodig For sure ❤️ I wear my Nonna’s aprons when I cook. She made them herself, many decades ago. I think they must smile down from Heaven when they see how much we still love their things, and think of them when we use them, like your Mum’s scissors 🥰 Keep up the great work, Charles. I love your videos and look forward to watching them. God bless. Suzie from Australia 🇦🇺 🐨

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

@@littlesuzie6672 💚

[@toneyjohnson8910]

Great information, I find most people don't take care of the handles, I hate to pick up a rough handle tool. I got your dibber and just started using it this spring and I love it.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thank you Ted, happy to help and no such plans at the moment but I could see that it might happen!

[@leecollins9112]

Hi Charles I use to help run a community garden vegetable box scheam in Kettering northants for 6 years finished about 10 years ago due to ill health but my health is better now for starting working again and this year I'm luckily starting new garden for residential care home. I've got like blank start as its all just low cut grass lawns . So I be putting in vegetable & fruit garden, herb garden and perennial and annual beds and like Roman style garden and flower garden trail been watching your videos and think it be great project for no dig gardens and looking forward see what I can do. thanks for all tips you put on your videos

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

That is amazing Lee, I wish you every success, thanks for sharing this

[@galeharris6696]

My FAVORITE snow shovel (as well as for many other shoveling tasks) is a flat edged plastic shovel. I figure if I'm going to use plastic, better it be something I'm not going to be recycling soon. I am going on 7 years with my dear old plastic shovel, and only the handle has broken. Still I use it!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Right on Gale!

[@ginawu5302]

LOVE your videos. Learned SO much. Thank you 😊

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

So glad Gina

[@ariehell3683]

The knife and the airplane part made me chuckle. I was recently denied access to a US federal building in Washington DC because of my Swiss Army knife I carry everywhere I go 😆 Thank goodness my husband was with me and was able to get our car out of the garage which is the only reason we needed access to the building. Anyways, I am going to start saving for some copper tools.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

That is funny, so glad you kept your knife 😀

[@bambiileanachandler4656]

I so appreciate this info on your tools Charles. I do notice your dibbler when you use it. Here in the states I’ve never seen one. I’ll make myself one as it looks so much easier. And your knife always quick to come out when needed. These tools and the ease of using them is important to me as I get older. I’ll last longer outside if I’m working smarter. Thank you sir. You are my favorite of all the gardeners on you tube. One thing I do use quite a bit is a little stool when I’m working in an area for a bit.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thankyou Bambi, nice to hear

[@growingwithfungi]

Absolutely wonderful Charles, thank you so much 😁🌱💚🙏✨🍄

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Cheers Scott 💚

[@dianeladico1769]

Thank you. When leveling soil or even mulch, I flip the rake over and use the flat back side for the final pass, lifting it towards the end of the area to feather it out. My favorite tool is a hori hori knife. My garden gets away from me so I find it very useful for getting at stubborn weeds like thistle and dandelion (lever method). It doubles as my trowel for planting transplants and bulbs, it has a serrated side for sawing through things (great for tree roots when underplanting) and was instrumental in dividing a rock-solid clump of irises. Mine has a wickedly sharp notch for cutting twine that I've used for trimming and pruning in a pinch, also good for roots. After that is a surgically-sharp small stainless shear. I use it for all my above ground harvesting, deadheading, and pruning up to a pencil thickness. Mindfulness is vital when using either as both can easily cause injury. I'm not always very mobile so I find a couple of multi-use tools that fit in an easy-to-carry basket works best for me.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

So good we all have tool friends Diane! 😀

[@manuelrojas4483]

Tu experiencia y conocimientos son my prácticos para todos los que tenemos un pequeño huerto.Saludos desde Tenerife!! 👌🏻🥕🥬🌸🔪

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

¡Estoy feliz de ayudar!

[@taffpatch1]

just bought a blooming knife, Thanks Charles x

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

💚

[@clarelove3738]

I love using my dibber for planting out. Dib, drop, squish and it's done, so fast.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Wow Clare Dib, drop, squish! Excellent

[@cgummow138]

I garden in a city in the Rocky Mountain area of the US at about 4640 feet altitude in zone 5b. Because of the size of my backyard, my garden is constrained to only 16 ft X 42 ft. I start some seeds (cantaloupe, winter squash, cucumber) in my south facing house window but most of my garden is direct seed sown. I do purchase established large tomato and pepper starts from a nursery which I grow in large landscape planter pots on my brick patio . I try to keep my gardening easy, cheap and simple. I have for decades used a garden hoe by pulling a flat shallow straight channel to double row plant bush beans, carrots, parsnips, beets, peas and onion sets. I have never owned the hoe you use for weeding, which we call a stirrup hoe. I hand weed. Neighbors are surprised my garden is always so bountiful. (yes, I'm proud of my garden) I enjoy your videos and I'm envious of the area you have for gardens, composting bins, greenhouse and high tunnels.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks so much, and congratulations on making so much of your small space

[@jeffmartin693]

Very much enjoyed this!!!

[@gangofgreenhorns2672]

I had a broken pump sprayer that I took the handle from to turn into a dibbler, and it's been one of--if not the--most used tool for me this year.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

🌼

[@ritadejesusarellanocastill8965]

Sus videos son inspiradores. Gracias por estar allí y compartir su experiencia. Felicidades.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

💚

[@ulufmatril7208]

I enjoy your videos so much Mr. Dowding. I can really feel your love and passion and there are always so many little things that i keep in mind for my own projects and ideas. Greetings from Austria! Gardening myths and misconceptions is a brilliant book, by the way.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks so much Uluf, may health be yours 💚

[@kebunidebermain_ku8313]

thank you for sharing

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

You bet!

[@HortiHugo]

Lol... I've broken many trowels over the years, doesn't matter what their made of... Enjoyed the update, Hugh

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Hello Hugh! You should try the plastic one! Is £15 or so, Gorilla

[@antonsalivon4079]

Thank you Charles for another great informative video on gardening tools. Sharing your own experience is most helpful when it comes to understanding which tool you really need to buy if you want to make your life easier when gardening. I also would like to share my experience using those module trays you designed as I already recieved quite a few of them for this season. I got 60 cell trays. They are very sturdy and can be used multiple times. I find most manufacturers in the world make their trays very flimsy so the trays break within one or two seasons and you have to buy another set of flimsy trays. Another good feature of 60 cell trays is the size of each cell. It really helps to save potting soil and gives a seedling enough room to germinate and grow in the cell for 3-4 weeks to be transplanted into the garden right after. The feature I like most is how easy it is to take out a seedling from the cell. The soil does not stick to the walls of the cell and the hole in the bottom of the cell allows to push the root ball out of the cell easily. Those are simple very important features that make 60 cell trays to be more superior in comparison to other trays. I was not yet able to check if the plastic of 60 cell trays was UV resistant. I hope it is. In conclusion I would like to say that investing money in good cell trays will pay back. The only inconvenience was to get the trays quickly as I live in the Pacific Northwest and it took quite a while to receive the parcel. Otherwise I am very satisfied with the product. Thank you.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Lovely to hear this, thanks so much Anton

[@mike1968442]

I just planted a rose bush this morning. It’s 100 plus f (40C) temperature here. I used a pick ax to get through my “dirt”. Gardening here in Az is totally different than anywhere else. My my new garden area will be no dig, once my 3 ton of mushroom soil gets delivered. Tfs.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Sounds great Sally, good luck with the heat and new compost

[@robbiem13]

Loved this, thanks Charles!😄

[@sheilajoseph9953]

Thankyou for sharing useful tips on garden tools, I use a dessert spoon had rounded wooden handle as dibber, it's surprising what kitchen appliances one has that can make use in garden. 😄

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

😀

[@heavymetalbassist5]

I am a huge fan of my Fiskars hori hori knife/trowel. It really busts through some roots with the saw edge.

[@micheal877H]

Happy growing Charles, cheers 🍻

[@CanadianPermacultureLegacy]

I was really hoping that a hori hori would be on this list. That an a really good pair of pruners.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

I agree except, for use in soil I prefer copper to steel, wish there were a copper/bronze version

[@stevendowden2579]

nice video charles im a fan of long handle tools save your back

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

So right Steven 😀

[@sararc5526]

Thanks!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Lovely thanks Sara

[@ctviera]

Thank you, so much, Charles. This was very helpful. I thought I knew tool basics but you shared so many nuances and insights I hadn't considered or known but will be pleased to take up. Delightful as always!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Great to hear!

[@mudoh2131]

Thank you for showing sharpening Charles. i always struggle with it. Love my copper trowel and oscillating copper hoe bought them after a recommendation from you many years ago. Have also bought them for gardening friends and had their name carved onto them. Really lovely gift. Fabulous company to work with.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

How wonderful, so good to read your comment

[@lisag.6599]

Thank you! Very helpful.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

So glad!

[@dawndawn6946]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge!💗

[@totalninguno5447]

Muchas gracias por los subtítulos en español, Dios los bendiga 🙏

[@smas3256]

Very helpful. Thank you. I don't like gloves much.

[@bradcarby3765]

The plastic one is an ice shovel for use in ice machines, cold rooms etc, so you don't make holes in the wall/floor. And food safe I think, when its not covered in compost.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

😀 I bought it in a builders yard, Gorilla shovel for cement!

[@bradcarby3765]

@@CharlesDowding1nodig Well that will teach me to keep my limited knowledge about ice shovels to myself. Love ya mate.

[@juliaf_]

Also the same design as a snow shovel :) I guess all plastic shovels are alike 😅

[@bradcarby3765]

@@juliaf_ I don't know what snow is.

[@jsbadger]

Excellent introduction to garden tools, especially those new to gardening, as well as some detailed perspectives to the seasoned gardeners that may not have thought of certain things quite that way. Thank you so much, Charles. Very glad to have found "All About the Garden" (here in the states) so I can get myself a "Charles Dowding" dibber for my own use! I could make my own of course, but I'm happy to support such a family business as theirs. Happy growing!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thankyou, and yes a great business

[@kerryl4031]

My favourite dibber is a short one (at the moment) which is the handle of a hand fork or trowel with the end missing! Favourite dibber for transplanting seedlings is an old small bamboo cane for possibly a house plant - it has shrunk over the years but still works fine because roots don't stick to it as much as wooden dibbers and the plastic ones are too chunky. I do have the Implementations hand fork and trowel and they have been super over quite a few years now - thanks for that!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

You have it worked out Kerry!

[@berthaperez8010]

hello charles very good video thanks for sharing

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Glad you enjoyed it Bertha

[@finagill]

What would make the divot tool even better would be an adjustable stop so that you can easily have uniform hole depths.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

And interesting thought Jamie! It might get in the way that's all, when one gives it a wiggle!

[@smooretech]

In the states they also sell aluminum versions of those plastic shovels (sometimes called grain shovels or scoops here).

[@freegandavehartman8908]

Ive lost my knifes at the airport as well. : ) Morakniv makes a Swedish full tang knife with utilitarian sheath and high carbon steel blade for a really great price! I like to carry both, the Opinel folder and the Mora, for different jobs on the homestead. Thanks for all the great videos!!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

😀

[@ximenaisabeljimenezgalindo9044]

Hola Charles, teriras de mi, mis herramientas son todas pequeñas, gracias como siempre por tus didácticos y hermosos videos 🤗🇨🇱

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

💚🌱

[@jeil5676]

You mentioned you oiled your handle. Do you use (cooking) vegetable oil for that?

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Actually, no, because it's sticky. I find it better to mix linseed oil with a little turpentine, or use Danish oil, is more expensive but worthwhile

[@radicalaccounting]

I finally spray painted my trowels bright red/orange so I could find them more easily.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

😂

[@lucybarnard3954]

I use my snow shovel for compost very similar to yours it works really well. I think I will start using a dibber, I’ve been using my hands to make holes to plant! I only use gloves if I’m dealing with nettles or brambles I like to feel the compost and if my hands go down to soil I can feel it and know I either need to add more compost or it’s too deep x

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Good plan Lucy!

[@Christopherjames1B2G]

Hi Charles, I always learn something from your videos. I'm going to try the dibber. And I always carry my pocket knife, but my favorite is the Hori Hori - Japanese vegetable knife.

[@ximono]

Speaking of vegetable knives, I really like my red foldable Victorinox serrated paring knife for harvesting. Daniel Mays of Frith Farm recommends it in his book. It is _very_ sharp.

[@Christopherjames1B2G]

@@ximono Nice knife, I looked it up, I like the one with the slightly curved blade.

[@ximono]

@@Christopherjames1B2G I got the round tipped one, it's the only one that folds I think. I am interested in a hori hori knife as well, but there's a limit to how many knives one can carry. Or is there? :)

[@Christopherjames1B2G]

@@ximono The Hori Hori I have is made by a company called Bare Bones, it's the ultimate Hori Hori a vintage inspired Japanese design. The 6 and 3/4 stainless steel blade tang goes through the one piece wood handle with a metal pommel base for pounding stakes. Come to wish heavy duty sheath, well worth 55$.

[@ximono]

@@Christopherjames1B2G Nice! Higher quality is often worth the higher cost. Adding it to my wishlist.

[@tiarianamanna973]

This is great info 😎 greetings from finland where we have only a little bit snow left and its already possible to do many things out in the garden 😊 we ve been through an exceptionally long winter 😜

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Oh wow! That is long for winter and I imagine how busy you are now! Best of luck with it all.

[@jowilde4702]

I've used a plastic snow shovel for years firstly when we had 2 horses snd then for moving compost in the garden they are great as you say light 6o use and hard wearing

[@jennyjohnson9012]

Gosh..I'm going to look out for a plastic shovel! I have quite small weak wrists and I find a lot of tools way too heavy for me. I'm glad I do no dig though because that sort of digging with a shovel or fork is very rare. I remove the weeds with a trowel or pull them up. I occasionally skim the surface with a hoe. Interesting vlog Charles, thankyou!

[@kriswalter560]

Thank you, as always. Could you do an episode on watering cans? I can't seem to find a well-made one here in the US.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

I agree. Not sure it would help but let's see! Check my watering video too? kzbin.info/www/bejne/aGaofnx3p6ajjqc

[@kriswalter560]

@@CharlesDowding1nodig Thanks for the suggestion. I've watched your channel long enough that I remember the watering video from when it first came out.

[@tannenbaumgirl3100]

I've switched my tools like shovels, spades and forks to stainless steel material....no rust, soil doesn't stick to the tool, easy to penetrate soil!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

beautiful!

[@nenemaria-cornfieldsgarden]

Very informative as always, it just shows how few tools you need for no dig. My elderly neighbour gave me his fathers dibber (he wasn't as much of a gardener as his Dad) and it's my most used garden tool, I've no idea how old it is but it's going strong. It's perfect for planting out even in my very clay soil as it only takes a small wiggle to get the right hole to transplant. I've not used a proper trowel in years. I do have a thin trowel, a bit like a hori hori which works very well for precise holes for larger root balls. The rest of my garden tools are seldom used. I do have a thin, fork shaped weed tool which has been invaluable for the larger dandelion and couch grass, very small amount of soil disturbance but you get right down to the deeper root.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Nice description, and I'm happy to hear you have that old dibber

[@HeatherNaturaly]

Never seen a 'divot' before. Should make planting corn easier. I may have to whittle one.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Yes - and I call it a dibber, you could whittle it, not too pointed

[@azamshakoor3098]

Sir Charles like always amazing tips n tricks when it comes to gardening no dig way 👍 pleasure to watch your videos 👍🇮🇳❤️

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thankyou Azam 💚

[@jameskniskern2261]

I agree with the knife. I have taken to having a 3" fixed blade knife on my belt. I find that with one hand I can draw use and replace the knife in its sheath without having to fumble with opening a folding knife. This is especially useful when tying up brambles.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Nice tip!

[@delphinedelavallee7464]

très intéressant, merci

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Merci!

[@irenesmith5676]

Hi Charles loved the video very interesting lv Irene 😘 xx

[@thenodiggardener]

The first time I came across the plastic shovels is when we started using rubber matting in the stables. I couldn't afford to use the commercial stuff, but coming from a mining town has it's advantages, because I could get hold of the rubber belting that had been used in the pits. The shovels were sold for using with shavings, and to protect the very expensive rubber matting. I also have a metal shavings folk, which is now repurposed as a 'rake', which is perfect for raking up the hedge clippings in the lawn! As for the prototype dibber: I have a long handled dibber too, the same as yours, so picked the thicker bottomed one. However, my other reasoning also being that I have a smaller one that I only use for 'drawing' rows for direct sowing, since it is metal covered, and goes to a point. It's useless for anything else really, since it creates that pocket under anything as a transplant. One of my favourite dibbers for seeds is actually a Stabillo Permanent marker pen, that I use to write on my labels. The end of it is just the right size for making holes lol

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Smart as always Suzanne!

[@jaw1304]

Same here, my mine's a Sharpie and has a lovely blunt but rounded end! Agreed that metal covered dibbers that end in a sharp point are pretty useless and my old spade handle does a much better job..

[@suemohallem8230]

Hello from Brazil!! Great tips about Garden tools. Thank you very much for sharing your knowledges and experience with us.I really apreciate and enjoyed and learned a lot. I subscribed in your channel too. We are in fall season now here .🧡🍂🍁🥰 .Have a wonderful day in your amazing Garden!!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Our pleasure Sue, nice to hear from you!

[@CardsbyMaaike]

i have a copper trowel, had it for 15 years, use it to plant and to take weeds out like you say. I've looked at the spades and others but thought I would startt with the one ( small one small price) then never got more, but they're fabulous in clay as the clay doesn't stick as much to it as normal spades

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

So good! 15 years is impressive

[@00jim]

Hey Charles.....have you noted any weed growth after planting the kales? deeper seed brought up to the surface perhaps?

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Very good point Jim, a few extra buttercups especially

[@00jim]

@@CharlesDowding1nodig 👍i find it amazing that a seed can survive so long under ground and not germinate,great video btw some really helpful points.

[@DigwellGreenfingers]

The yellow shovel is a "snow shovel", a bit different in design to a garden shovel - but as you say BETTER! I have an orange one that I mostly use for moving compost. I love my oscillating hoe - a godsend.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

😀

[@edwardreedy]

I thought it was a grain shovel, same shape! I also use a grain shovel for deep snow, so there is that!

[@woodworks2123]

I love my scuffle hoe but when I saw someone make their own wire hoe from an old metal wire coat hanger I had to try it. Takes just a couple minutes but works fantastic, you can file an edge on it if you wish. I ended up putting a wide one on one end and a narrow one on the other end of the handle and while things are growing it's the only hoe I use now.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Nice!

[@jcmustian]

Charles is the Bob Ross of gardening

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks

[@christophermee5214]

Where I’m from Charles a spade is a spade.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Excellent 👍

[@micheals1992]

I have like a knife that's for getting weeds between paving stones. I find it quite useful for cutting roots under the soil because it has a U shaped end that grabs and cuts through roots with a thrust and then there's a also a cutout to hook weeds and it cuts again then you pull it out.... I find it's also pretty useful for removing weeds without disturbing the soil too much.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

What a tool!!

[@ohio_gardener]

Interesting in that what you call a spade, we call a shovel, and what you call a shovel we call a scoop. To us a spade has a straight, sharpened tip and is used to dig trenches or borders around a garden area.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Now that is amazing, and explains a lot re comments! 😅

[@Im-just-Stardust]

Hi Charles I had a quick question please. I am starting my first garden right now on my new property. I chose the best area for it and everything is pretty much ready. I want to follow all your techniques, no dig and organic, but I am a little bit afraid that my soil is too compacted right now from the previous owners as well as me when I was cleaning the field earlier. Would you advice me to till the ground the first year, one time, and then use the no dig techniques? Or even if my soil is compacted, should I not even touch it one time? I am a little bit confused on this level ... Thank you in advance Charles and happy season !

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Maybe it is squashed soil and try inserting garden fork 0-10in / 20-25cm every 25-30cm to lever soil upwards and break any compacted layers. If the soil smalls sweet when doing this, it's not necessary!

[@Im-just-Stardust]

@@CharlesDowding1nodig Much appreciated !

[@capeeddy]

"Hoes come in many shapes and sizes", man you've got that right 😄

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

😂

[@bobbilynnmiller742]

Charles , I really appreciate how you personally reply to questions we send you! Thank you 😊. I have a question that troubles my early sowing of cold crops each year . We live in a cold climate , high desert , and have had snow off and on all week . Our last Frost dates are May 31 , or beyond . I don’t have a greenhouse nor poly tunnel , so after my seeds germinate , they’re put under shop lights for protection. My question is , should I harden off my spinach , kale , cabbage and chard now , ( snow melted ) and cover them with frost fleece , even though the weather is still cold ? ( lows in the 30’s F ; highs in the mid 40’s F)

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks BobbiLynn, I appreciate that. Your climber is so cold! However, the light levels are now strong and I would transplant them outside with a cover on top. I have a feeling they might surprise you with some good growth, except possibly for chard which risks bolting if exposed to too much cold

[@bobbilynnmiller742]

Thank you so much, Charles ! Yes , I’ve battled this climate , determined to garden , despite its challenges . We’ve even had temps during the Summer months fluctuate from a high in the 80’s f during the day , to mid 30’s f that night . I wish I was kidding . One July 4th , we were away for the weekend , and a sneak frost killed many of my plants . IN JULY !!! I keep praying to move . 🙄

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

@@bobbilynnmiller742 Wow! God bless

[@dn744]

The metal shovel is for sand. Hod carriers friend

[@chadstrutzenberg9171]

Have you ever done a video about how you got started gardening?

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Not yet Chad, or not here at least

[@iwona4685]

Charles, have you ever used a hori hori tool? I just got it and I haven't gotten a chance to use it much in the garden yet but I just love it.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thank you and I would but it's made of iron not copper

[@iwona4685]

@@CharlesDowding1nodig I think it is Japanese steel, the one I got. Sharp as a Japanese sword too which I already had a chance to experience 🙂