How to Dig with a Hoe

Wear work gloves when using a hoe to prevent blisters from forming.

The best type of hoe to dig with is called a grub hoe or an azada. Like most hoes, it has a long handle with a blade at one end. However, the rectangular blade is narrow and thin with very sharp, angular edges. It relies more heavily gravity to propel the blade into the ground, unlike a shovel, which requires the use to push it down and pull up.

Things You'll Need

• Grub hoe
• Work gloves

Instructions

1. Put on your work gloves and grasp the hoe's handle near the end with one hand and near the middle with your other hand. Your thumbs should be pointing toward the blade.

2. Keep the hoe at an angle across your body, not poised between your legs. Place your feet shoulder-width apart, your knees slightly bent (not stiff) and your back straight as you bend at your waist.

3. Raise the hoe as high as your hips and allow gravity to drive the blade into the ground. Using short chops will conserve your energy. Aim to strike the ground at an angle with the blade's sharp corner.

4. Pull the loosened soil back toward you.

5. Repeat swinging the blade and pulling the earth in the same stop to dig a hole. Move slightly to either side widen or lengthen it.

Tips & Warnings

• Choking the handle closer to the blade may cause you to hit your legs or knees when you swing it.

References

• Easy Digging: How to use our long handled digging tools
• U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration: Handtools for Trail Work