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"Spud" tool

by Vicki Anderson
(San Antonio, Tx)

While reading your most recent newsletter on Must Have Garden Tools, I wondered what a "spud" tool is that you use for weeding. I googled it and got something that was called a bark spud; look kind of like a wood plane tool. I was thinking it was something like the old fashioned dandelion digger my husband yells at me for using. I think digging the weeds up from the roots gets them out of the yard faster; he wants to just spray chemicals on them and watch them die.

Doug says you're right - it's an old-fashioned dandelion digger with a v-shaped blade that cuts off the dandelion below ground level.

As for spray-fiends, they're dinosaurs and disappearing. Here in Canada, more and more provincial governments are banning the cosmetic use of ag-chemicals.

Comments for
"Spud" tool

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Dandelions are FOOD NOT WEED's !
by: Anonymous

Dandelion flower's floured and fried with olive oil Are good and Dandelion green's can be used like spinach Just cook like spinach
common sense and chemicals
by: Kate

I disagree with you comments. I think most people realize that they use chemicals of one sort or another in their daily lives that are
beneficial. The majority of these have been used for tens if not hundreds of years without ill effects. The stuff that is being sold to us these days very seldom has enough long term testing done on it to justify its use. How often to we hear of 'miracle' drugs that turn out to be killers.
I am not a fanatic but I would prefer to keep things in my garden the way my grandfather and father did; naturally. And if that involves doing a lot more weeding or else just looking back and laughing at the weeds that will be fine with me. Have a good day!
Spud tool
by: Sandi

I wish you had a picture o the spud tool and where to buy one.
common sense and chemicals
by: Anonymous

well i know your bias against chemicals but I doubt very much we are going to be hiring armies of people with dandelion diggers to rid the world of broadleaf weeds and noxious weeds that spread more each year. Yes a homeowner with a small yard if he has the time and patience can dig out his weeds but on a commercial basis it is not economically feasable. The bias against chemicals is more emotional than logical. Salt is a chemical we use in our food every day and in moderation it adds to our lives but if we were to eat a few ounces at once it would kill us. The same can be said with pesticides, if used properly they can be huge benefit but apply too much or ingest it of course it will hurt you. Use common sense and read the label will serve you well.

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