The oscillating hoe: an essential tool for weed control in bio-intensive market gardening

Efficient, precise weed control

Weed management is a major issue in market gardening, particularly in organic farming where herbicides are not used. This is where the oscillating hoe becomes an indispensable ally.

We use two sizes of oscillating hoe, adapted to crop spacing:

• 8 cm hoe: ideal for tight beds with 4 to 5 rows of crops.

• 12 cm hoe: best suited to spaced crops with 1 to 3 rows.

Thanks to this tool, we can intervene quickly and effectively on young weeds, before they become invasive.

Choosing the right oscillating hoe

We use Swiss-made Glaser oscillating hoes, renowned for their quality and durability. However, other brands also offer similar tools.

The key element of a good hoe is the oscillation of the blade, which enables young seedlings to be cut cleanly and efficiently in a single pass.

A little ergonomic tip: to optimize comfort of use, we attach the blade to a thin, lightweight handle, like a lawn broom handle. Longer and thinner than a conventional handle, it reduces fatigue and facilitates work over long hoeing sessions.

Why choose the oscillating hoe?

Unlike the traditional weeding tools used by our grandparents, the oscillating hoe enables much more precise and subtle weeding.

It is used very early, as soon as the young cotyledons of weeds appear. This early work limits weed competition without requiring a major effort. Its light, fluid movement enables rapid, efficient maintenance of crop beds, without harming either the soil or the grower.

When to use the oscillating hoe?

The untrained eye might think that a crop doesn't need weeding when it looks clean. However, a closer look reveals the first weed sprouts. It's precisely at this stage that you need to intervene.

🔹 Intervene on barely sprouted seedlings: a single pass is enough to slice young shoots, before they develop deep roots.

🔹 F avour sunny days: the sun will quickly dry out the cut grass, preventing it from regrowing.

🔹 Avoid watering before hoeing: soil that is too wet makes the work less effective.

Ergonomic, effortless work

The oscillating hoe is easy to use and not very tiring. It is operated with a gentle back-and-forth movement, keeping the back straight and without excessive bending. Its effectiveness is based on the fluidity of the gesture, not on the force applied.

💡 The result: less effort, greater efficiency and a floor that's always well maintained!