Anybody have a Garden Weasel?

[pcrowder]

Need an opinion on them. I read on epinions.com several reviews, and 1 in particular said they didn't really do well on weeds.

The old knees/back are catching up to me again, and I was wondering everyone's opinion on them. I'd be basically using them between the beds/rows in the garden to keep the weeds down at least once (or twice) a week. No really tall weeds, just those annoying short ones that get tall if you don't keep on top of them.

Thanks!

[NCLee]

I have one hanging in the shed. I'd give it to you if you were close by.

I'd rather use a 4 prong garden rake. With that rake, I can cultivate, if needed. It will pull out weeds from between plants. Turn it on edge and one tine will gab that weed next to the stem of the vegetable plant. Can't do any of that with the Weasel. Think about running a small gasoline tiller between your rows of vegetables. That's what the Weasel is doing, except you're the power source. After running that gasoline tiller, you still have to hand weed between the plants and near the stems of the plants. All the places where neither of these tillers will go.

A 4 prong rake will do both without having to bend over. I refer this rake to using a hoe, too.

Just my 2 cents based on our soil conditions. Lots of heavy clay. It'll probably work better in sandy type soils.

Lee

Just re-read your post. If you have a lot of rows, your best option, IMHO is a Honda 4 cycle mini tiller. Makes quick work of keeping the grass down between the rows. Since it's 4 cycle, no oil mixing needed, as with the 2 cycle ones. It's easy to start, as it as a fuel assist (the model that I have had that feature), so it isn't necessary to pull the cord several times to get the fuel flowing.

For cleaning up between the rows, it'll till as fast as I can walk. Because of the planting spacing I use (2' wide rows with 2' middles) Walk up one side of a row and back down the same middle to get the row next to that side of the middle.

[AlchemyAcres]

I have one for one specific purpose...that's working in broadcast cover crop seeds such as winter rye. They work excellent for that!!! They're garbage for weeding.

For weeding, assuming I haven't heavily mulched, I use a bow rake.
When used when the weeds are very small is works excellent for just scuffing the surface, either with the tines or flipped over if need be.

I never weed deeply.....I just barely scuff the surface....weeding deeply brings new weed seeds up into the germination zone a creates more work later!!!



~Martin

[cubcadet]

I have one for one specific purpose...that's working in broadcast cover crop seeds such as winter rye. They work excellent for that!!! They're garbage for weeding.

For weeding, assuming I haven't heavily mulched, I use a bow rake.
When used when the weeds are very small is works excellent for just scuffing the surface, either with the tines or flipped over if need be.

I never weed deeply.....I just barely scuff the surface....weeding deeply brings new weed seeds up into the germination zone a creates more work later!!!



~Martin

Same here, my sentiments, exactly. If there was a 3 foot wide Weasel, I`d get one tomorrow, I tell you. They really get cover crop seeds in great. Always use a high wheel cultivator to get in close to the crop to bust up the weeds` life cycle.. Let the grass and weeds grow in between the row. Just mow the path with an old junky push mower. It tends to keep your pants` knees cleaner when you do have to get down in the row.

[tomato204]

There's another free one here if you come and get it. It was a gift from a well-meaning friend. It just doesn't do much for me.

[bookwormom]

I have one hanging out too, thanks Martin, I needed something to work in rye, etc.

[pcrowder]

Thanks for the info on using them NOT for weeding, but for putting in cover crops...think I'll keep my eyes open for one at the next farm auction - maybe I'll get lucky.

[DM]

I don't waste any time working in rye, as it will sprout right on top of the ground... In fact, after using the tractor to put it on a field, any that lands on the tractor sprouts without soil. Birds don't seem to like it either, so i never worry about that either.

DM

[Pokeberry Mary]

I did have one, about 15 years ago I think...

I've never had the sort of soil those were made for-at least that's my final conclusion. Maybe if I'd ever stayed put long enough to make my soil that way.... (sour grapes)

I use a hoe my son made me. It has a triangular blade and can uproot weeds very close to plants.

If he hadn't made it, I would maybe have gone for a stirrup type hoe, but I do like the point on mine--helps get in close.

As for just cultivating--it does that too, in short strokes with some stamina.

I never found anything I 'easily' wheeled over soil that also got down deep.

[AlchemyAcres]

I don't waste any time working in rye, as it will sprout right on top of the ground... In fact, after using the tractor to put it on a field, any that lands on the tractor sprouts without soil. Birds don't seem to like it either, so i never worry about that either.

DM

I don't till before broadcasting, so with my soils, if I don't work it in after broadcasting I sometimes get spotty germination or seeds moving around in heavy rain.


~Martin

[DM]

That explains it Martin, I always have some tillage done in the fields that i plant, so the seed has someplace to stick and stay put.

I use to grow rye, combine it and sell the seed, as quite a bit of it is used around here for erosion control, so it was easy to sell. It's so cheap and easy to grow, quite a few folks here grow it now...

DM

[bookwormom]

I am sure the weasel will work in other seeds too. I am going to try it on sunflowers, which I want to plant as soon as my old strawberry patch is tilled. I havenot been able to get rye around here, though I asked. Seems to be no demand for it.

[DM]

It's considered a "weed" in some area's, and folks hate to see it planted. It get's into the wheat ect. and lowers the value of the parent crop.

DM

[Pokeberry Mary]

I just realized i was talking about a small hand tool that goes by that name. Y'all aren't looking for something to use in a veggie patch. OOps. :D

[Gracie]

Pat, About all the garden weasel did when was trying to use it, was to wear me out! We don't have the best soil, still that thing was difficult for me to use. DH, went to the Prohoe site, and ordered a Rogue garden hoe and a Rogue triangle hoe, that are made of high quality steel, recycled mower discs.
They are the very best thing have ever used in the garden and they are light weight too. Just my 2 cents, FWIW. Gracie

[pcrowder]

Thanks Gracie! I'll check into that site tomorrow.