http://www.theslammertool.com/using-the-slammer/

This looks like a good toll for hard rocky soil.

Freezing Herbs

As our summer crop comes to an end I have been looking for ways to preserve some of my vegetables, but I don't want to get involved with canning right now.   So I've been making Eggplant Parmiggiana and Spaghetti Squash then freezing it in baggies.
Here is a link to what appears to be an easy way to keep herbs that would otherwise loose flavor if they were dried.
How to freeze parsley chives and other herbs
I especially like the log roll.

Shoving Wet Sticky Clay

It's best not to plant in wet soil because the edges of the hole become sealed, and shoving wet sticky clay dirt can be very difficult.  But if you find it necessary - by putting a bit of bees wax or car wax on the shovel's blade the clay won’t stick as badly.  I'm told this works well for snow shovels too. A hair dryer can make this easier to do.

Where to get bees wax?   I save the bees wax from the Gouda Cheese I eat.  It helps old drawers slide better too.

I've been taught to wipe my shoves with mineral oil after filing a sharp edge.  This will also keep your shovels in tip top shape and prevent the surface from rusting but I have not found it to help with sticky clay.

Substitute for spinach in the summer

Swiss Chard is a good substitute for spinach in the summer.  Swiss Chard will grow very well in the heat.  I have found that it comes back year after year without replanting.  Young leaves are good in salads.  Large leaves can be cooked.

Hori Hori Garden Knife

I have finally decided to buy a good Hori Hori Knife.  
This one from MB Hana on Amazon.com is stainless steel. Others are made from carbon steel which is easier to sharpen, but stainless steel will not rust.  Reviews indicate mixed feelings about the sheath, but most people like it, and say it is good quality.  Reviewers are generally very happy with this multi-purpose knife which they say holds a very sharp edge after constant use. 

I also like this one from Garrett Wade. The handle has a good strong cross guard.  The blade is carbon steel, but reviewers do not seem to find that a negative. 

This Japanese Hori Hori is available in both carbon steel and stainless steel.  It too is available from Garrett Wade.


I'm not sure which one I will buy, but I'm sure I will find this tool indispensable.   Please share your opinions about Hori Hori knives you have used.

Soil Blocker

I like to use a 2" Soil Blocker for my starts.   It's inexpensive, renewable, and air pruning prevents root circling.  Once your start is ready you can easily transplant without disturbing the roots.
The come in various sizes and I have found Johnny's Seed to have a good price.

Inexpensive Gopher Baskets

These wire baskets are available from the Dollar Tree for 1 dollar. 
I like to fill them with Happy Frog potting soil and place my transplants in them.
The roots will air prune until you plant the basket in the ground.
They will protect your plants from gophers.