Best garden hoes for weeding

Using a hoe allows you to weed large areas quickly without bending, but this can still be hard work if the hoe isn't sharp, the angle of the head is wrong, or the handle is too short.  

They're best used when the weather is dry as the weeds will quickly dry out and die afterwards.

The Which? Gardening magazine researchers tested different makes and models of hoe to find out which ones are most effective and easiest to use. 

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The best hoes from our test

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Getting the best from your hoe

Technique

It's tempting to bend when hoeing, but to reduce stress on your back, neck and shoulders you should stand upright, using the hoe closer to your body and switching sides frequently. 

Having the right handle length is important. A minimum handle length of 160cm is best if you're more than 1.8 metres tall, 145cm if you're 1.65-1.75 metres tall, and 135cm if you're 1.55-1.60 metres. 

Aim to slide the hoe horizontally just under the surface of the soil, severing weed stems at the roots or uprooting them completely. The angle of the head is as important as the handle length in being able to do this without standing awkwardly or straining. 

Try to hoe weeds regularly, especially in spring - remove them while they're still small. 

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Good practice

Hoeing is most effective when it's warm and sunny. Scuffle the hoe back and forth through the soil and leave weeds on the surface to shrivel. 

If hoeing damp soil, collect and remove as many of the weeds as possible, otherwise they might re-root. 

Stainless steel hoes should keep their cutting edge well, while a carbon head might need frequent cleaning and sharpening. Do this when needed by washing the head with soapy water, then running a file along the outside sloping edge and along the cutting edge to remove any nicks or burrs. 

How we tested hoes

We bought 16 different makes and models of hoe and used them in a garden and at an allotment between spring and autumn.

We used them on different sizes and amounts of weeds and in different soil conditions, from very damp to very dry.

We assessed the hoes for how comfortable the handle was to hold and how well designed they were for allowing you to hoe without straining. We also considered their weight and how well balanced they felt.

We checked how easily the hoe moved through the soil and how easy it was to hoe between rows, in tight spaces and when getting close to delicate plants. We also assessed how effectively each hoe cut or pulled out weeds.

We asked people of different heights to try out the hoes so we could see which handle lengths best suited which height.

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