Select Tools And Equipment For Planting A Specific Crop

Hand Tools

Hand tools used in crop establishment are generally the same as garden tools.

Forks

Forks come in different sizes, small, medium and large. A large fork is similar in size to a large spade and is essentially used to loosen soil and break up clods. A medium fork is used for digging up bulbs and root crops such as potatoes.

Hay or compost forks are used for turning or moving hay and compost. A small hand fork can be used to plant seedlings and bulbs.

Spades and Shovels

Spades and shovels are used for digging holes and trenches, transplanting trees and shrubs and scooping, compost, manure and fertiliser. Many styles are available, each designed for a particular purpose.

Rakes

Rakes are used to leveling off freshly ploughed soil before planting or sowing a crop. A rake has a handle like a broom and a cross-piece made out of iron or heavy-duty plastic teeth.

Hoes

A hoe is a long-handled tool that is used to cultivate between cropping rows and cut through weeds while tilling the soil. A hoe has a sharp blade, which comes in two widths, either narrow or broad.

Wheelbarrows

A wheelbarrow is essential for carrying important tools, seeds and seedlings into the field.