Page 39 - Simply Vegetables Spring 2021

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Jim Symonds article on ’Digging’,
Simply Vegetables Winter
2020/2021
Clay soil
I would disagree that stainless steel spades are better, more expensive, yes. In my experience Steel spades have a sharper edge than Stainless,
my understanding is that as a more ‘complicated’ alloy the stainless steel’s molecular structure is larger and cannot give an edge as sharp as that on mild steel. A sharper edge is not only better for digging but for ‘turfing’ any new ground.
My main comment is that on
heavy clay soils a fork is the
only option. The only problem
is that the manufacturers
seem to have stopped making
proper digging forks i.e. the
tines taper in both directions
to a ‘needle’ point. This allows
them to easily pierce thru’ the
hard crust on the clay soil. In most circumstances it is only possible to use a 3 tine fork and in very difficult conditions a 2 tine fork is best, but they are rarer than hen’s teeth.
If anybody comes across these proper digging forks e.g. sales, auctions etc. they should be snapped up.
Jim Styles
Dear Sir,
In reply to Mr. Symonds article on digging in Simply Vegetables Vol. 27 Part 1 winter 20/21 I would like to make the following comments. May I suggest to make digging easier he coats his stainless steel spade with oil and the soil will not stick to it.
I wash my spade after use, dry it and oil it before putting it away, I also oil it again before using. Don’t buy any oil, use the waste oil from an oil change after servicing the car or mower, or collect some waste oil from a garage after the car has been serviced.
On another point I don’t like this no-dig method of gardening, I believe in winter digging every year and have done so for over 50 years.
Yours faithfully,
J. Chambers
Giving the spade a coat of oil after use is good tool maintenance whether it is a stainless steel or other type of steel. Using a small amount of oil while digging should not harm the soil but do not use too much as it will affect the soil flora and fauna which will be to the detriment of your crops.
I have to admit I am still digging but keep thinking of trying no-dig and was going to this winter but had time and the digging went well so dug both the vegetable garden and allotment. It would be interesting to know the number of members who are no-dig and diggers. - Ed
DUAL ACTION
with slug & snail deterrent As used by the RHS
Reduces weed growth by up to 95% Retains moisture around plants Enriches the soil and improves structure Light, easy to use & lasts up to two years Deters slugs & snails
www.strulch.co.uk Tel: 01943 863610
Strulch – introduce the
benefits of mulching
to your plot!
My husband Geoff invented Strulch at Leeds University.
We have been selling it since 2005 and it has grown in popularity because it is a quality organic product with a neutral pH that works on all soil types. It can be used anywhere in the garden including vegetables plots. Strulch works by blocking light which is needed for germination and the texture of Strulch together with added minerals deters slugs and snails.
Add to bare soil to stop weed germination and around plants when they reach a good size. We sell in bulk 12, 25 and 48 bags and you can buy 100 litre bags from our stockists.
Find out about Strulch on our website – www.strulch.co.uk or give me a call (01943 863610).
Happy cultivating. Jackie Whiteley.
Simply Vegetables 39