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Weeder-cultivator
06-02-09

Stirrup Hoe

The most recent addition to my quiver of essential landscaping tools is the stirrup hoe. The stirrup hoe is a deceptively simple device which, as the name implies, is a stirrup-shaped blade attached to the end of a stout wooden handle.

The stirrup hoe has two primary functions: First, it is useful for loosening the top layer of soil in a garden or flowerbed. The horizontal blade tends to glide about an inch beneath the surface of the soil without noticeably disturbing the soil. Weeds can deposit seeds that remain dormant in the soil until exposed to sunlight. While turning the soil with a spade brings these unwanted seeds to light the stirrup hoe leaves them in the dark. I prefer using a long pulling motion with this hoe while others recommend working it back and forth.

The second use for this tool is weeding. As the stirrup hoe glides through the soil, it snags weeds at their roots. The entire plant usually comes out of the dirt with less mess than if you pulled it by hand. Using my stirrup hoe, I recently weeded 30 feet of an abandoned flowerbed in about 10 minutes. Normally, this job would have taken at least an hour.

Prices range from about $15 for the Sears Craftsman model (with lifetime warranty) I use to $33 for the high-end Swiss-made Glaser (handle sold separately).

-- Sherard Edington 

Craftsman Heavy Duty Action Hoe
$14
Manufactured by Craftsman

Available from Sears


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Comments

 
#1 | Tue, 06-02-09 05:10
Tiny

Great tools - used one a lot when doing garden maintenance professionally - 10 mins on beds with one of these regularly helps keep them in shape

 
#2 | Tue, 06-02-09 06:43
Jennigma

I love my stirrup hoe, although I've always heard it called a "hula hoe." Running a tool sharpener over the edge makes it much easier to pull through the soil, but of course also makes it a bit of a garden shed hazard.

 
#3 | Tue, 06-02-09 06:51
Iain Cheyne

Doesn't look any better than a regular Dutch hoe to me.

http://www.gardening-tools-guide.com/dutch-hoe.html

 
#4 | Tue, 06-02-09 08:44
what!

Seems like an unfortunate name.

 
#5 | Tue, 06-02-09 09:52
Andrew Ho

There's nothing wrong with being a Ho.

 
#6 | Tue, 06-02-09 11:10
Ed

About two weeks ago I bought a stirrup hoe at Lowes for about $15. I like it better than a Dutch hoe. I can turn my stirrup hoe on to its corner and use it between plants that are close together. I cannot do that with a Dutch hoe. The stirrup hoe is also lighter.

 
#7 | Tue, 06-02-09 11:33
Stephen Young

Had a stirrup hoe for years. there is a problem. The stirrup is bolted on to the handle, with two holes drilled through. The action of using the hoe forces the bolts laterally, eventually causing the handle to split. Also, the stirrup part eventually broke at the side joint. A good tool, but be aware.

 
#8 | Tue, 06-02-09 12:11
CrankMonkey

Following up to Mr. Young's comment, the real versions do allow the "stirrup" blad to move slightly. So, when pulling or pushing it's at the correct cutting angle.

Sadly most ones you find at mega stores do not articulate at all.

 
#9 | Tue, 06-02-09 01:27
kdm

Been using one since the sixty's it was marketed under the name hula-hoe.

 
#10 | Tue, 06-02-09 01:59
archer

i too have never heard stirrup hoe. always been hula hoe. in so cali it would be a rare thing to see a gardener's truck absent one of these.

 
#11 | Tue, 06-02-09 04:19
Britton

in some places, like here in Virginia, it's also called a "Scuffle Hoe". One of the most effective hand tools I own!

 
#12 | Tue, 06-02-09 06:12
Edward

excellent tool, second the importance of articulation to proper use.

 
#13 | Tue, 06-02-09 06:14
Edward

"hoop hoe" "hula hoe" "scuffle hoe" I've never heard it called a "stirrup hoe"

 
#14 | Tue, 06-02-09 07:18
BigHemp

Man, this takes me back... I was Grandma's garden every weekend with a Hula Hoe.

 
#15 | Wed, 06-03-09 06:01
Gabe

FWIW - Lowe's calls them "Action Hoes" (according to their website).

 
#16 | Wed, 06-03-09 07:45
Brandon

By the time you get to France - they call it a cheese fish.

 
#17 | Wed, 06-03-09 10:08
Ladd

So who makes a stirrup hoe where the blade articulates?

 
#18 | Wed, 06-03-09 10:57
CrankMonkey

Ladd,

Here is the one I have, I've been very happy with it.

http://www.groworganic.com/item_GO206_Glaser_5_Stirrup_Hoe_Head.html

 
#19 | Sun, 06-07-09 09:59
Kevin

I worked on an organic produce farm for a couple of years. The hula hoe was my best friend. Make sure you get one with a slightly articulated head that can be sharpened. It will last longer and you don't have to be quite as careful about the angle you use it at. I used the same tool every day for years. They retired mine when I left the farm. The last time I saw it it was painted gold and bolted to the fence next to where I took my lunch breaks.

 
#20 | Wed, 09-02-09 01:43
Charlie Manns

I'm not sure this is the best type of hoe for any purpose. I have found a good source of info on garden hoes and other gardening tools at: http//www.gardening-tools-guide.com

 

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