Hoeing is a basic gardening technique that helps control unwanted herbs or "weeds" (though no herb is truly bad!) without using chemicals. Simple and effective, it's ideal for keeping a vegetable patch or garden clean and healthy.
What is hoeing?
Hoeing involves removing weeds by cutting their roots just below the soil surface. Unlike hand weeding where unwanted plants are pulled out, hoeing prevents regrowth by gradually weakening them.
Why is it useful?
- Hoeing reduces competition for water and nutrients between weeds and your plants.
- Hoeing stops unwanted herbs from going to seed and taking over your garden.
- Hoeing loosens the soil, improving aeration and water infiltration.
Oli's tip: some so-called "unwanted" or "weedy" herbs can also be useful in the garden, providing shelter or food for insects and pollinators — a good reason to hoe with moderation and care.
Tools for effective hoeing
No fancy equipment needed. Here are the most commonly used tools for hoeing:
- The draw hoe : perfect for surface hoeing, it cuts weeds below the soil.
- The scuffle hoe : more precise and manoeuvrable, ideal for small spaces.
- The Dutch hoe : useful for working on harder ground.
- Gardening gloves: to protect your hands if you do some hand weeding too.
Tip: choose a tool suited to your garden size and comfort.
How to hoe properly?
Hoeing is simple, but there are a few rules to follow for it to be effective.
Step 1: choose the right time to hoe
It's best to hoe after light rain or watering, when the soil is slightly damp but not too wet. This makes cutting weeds easier.
Step 2: run the hoe just below the soil surface
Hold your hoe and make back-and-forth movements just under the soil surface (1-2 cm deep). The goal is to cut roots, not dig deeply. Keep your back straight.
Step 3: let weeds dry after hoeing
Once cut, leave the weeds on the ground in the sun. They'll dry out and enrich the soil as they decompose. If they've gone to seed, remove them to prevent regrowth.
Anti-regrowth tip: after hoeing, consider mulching the soil to prevent weeds returning too quickly (that is, covering it with straw or leaves). Besides limiting regrowth, mulch retains moisture and protects soil life.
Good to know: don't hoe when it's too wet, or weeds may regrow faster. Also avoid hoeing when the soil is too dry and hard, as it's less effective and more tiring for the gardener.
How often should you hoe?
Hoeing should be done regularly, especially in spring and summer when weeds grow quickly.
- Spring (March to May): once a week to prevent weeds establishing.
- Summer (June to August): once or twice a month depending on weather and weed growth.
- Autumn and winter: occasional hoeing, especially if the climate remains mild.
Tip: the earlier and more regularly you hoe, the fewer weeds you'll have to deal with long-term.
Comments