Pedro1962 Posted June 15, 2009 Share Posted June 15, 2009 First, the good news. I have just got an allotment! However, it is very overgrown at the moment. The council are going to strim the plot today and then it is my intention to get digging. I have heard good things about azadas and was considering ordering one from HERE I was wondering if anyone here uses one. Are they as good as I've heard? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted June 15, 2009 Share Posted June 15, 2009 I've got one! It is marvellous. Brilliant for breaking up ground. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy chickens! Posted June 15, 2009 Share Posted June 15, 2009 Looks very similar to my trusty mattock which is very useful, but have you considered 'no dig' - great if you are patient! When we took over our couch infested plot, with a large mound of unrotting grass from a previous tennant's efforts, we covered everything with as much cardboard and black plastic as poss, weighed down with grass clippings, rotted manure and chippings from the shredder. On top of this you can plant potatoes and earth them up by piling on more grass clippings - local hotels/schools will often supply these for you, and/or compost if you have some. Then next spring you will find most of the perennial weeks have given up the ghost, the soil will have been broken up by the potato roots and be in much better condition from the stuff you have piled on. You will still have annual weeds that get disturbed when you dig and then sprout, but hoeing keeps on top of them. Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Couperman Posted June 16, 2009 Share Posted June 16, 2009 I bought a couple of those, the medium heavy and a light girlie one The girlie one is by far the best and gets the most use. There is a bit of a knack to learn but they are miles quicker than using a spade but don't wreck your back ( your arms fall off instead ). They are really good quality too, I really recommend them. Kev. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pedro1962 Posted June 17, 2009 Author Share Posted June 17, 2009 Many thanks. On the strength of your replies, I have gone ahead and ordered a medium heavy azada and a right-angled fork. Should arrive by the weekend and then it will be full speed ahead down at the allotment... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jules. Posted June 17, 2009 Share Posted June 17, 2009 ( your arms fall off instead ). Kev. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peaches Posted June 19, 2009 Share Posted June 19, 2009 Please let me know how you get on. I've been meaning to buy an azada for a while now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pedro1962 Posted June 22, 2009 Author Share Posted June 22, 2009 Well I'm off later today to tackle my newly acquired wilderness: I'll report my findings later... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted June 22, 2009 Share Posted June 22, 2009 How exciting! Don't forget to report back on your progress! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Couperwife Posted June 22, 2009 Share Posted June 22, 2009 good luck just remember the muscles you will have on your arms remember, take progress photos cathy x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...