

Less curved and more angular than what you’ll see on most models, the tines are about three inches long. The steel is forged to the outside of a larger mass of softer iron, a design that provides a sharp cutting edge. The Asano Ninja features seven-inch-long tines made from tough high-carbon Japanese steel, and a beautiful wooden handle.

Keep in mind that these tines are also thinner than what you might find on three-tine garden claws, and thus may be more vulnerable to breakage when used on harder materials like rocks and compacted soil. More closely spaced tines make it adept at capturing raked plant material. Our top choice for a five-tine cultivator is this unique Japanese gardening tool from Haohiyo, available via Amazon.įive tines make this model more efficient at weed removal and raking of light debris around plants, rather than cultivating the earth or completing other more heavy-duty tasks. The tool is 11.5 inches long and 3.2 inches wide at the ends of the tines, with a digging depth of 2.8 inches.Īmes offers a 90-day guarantee against manufacture’s defects.Ĭheck prices now at Walmart. You’ll find a hole in the end of the handle for hanging conveniently in a storage shed. This is particularly useful if you are digging in harder ground – the soft handle reduces pressure on the palm and fingers. The handle is composed of polypropylene with fatigue-reducing gel padding designed to minimize hand cramps. Let’s take a look at our favorite selections. When compaction, moisture, or other factors weigh down soils around your plants, quickly going through and “fluffing” up the earth around their bases gives them a boost of aeration and nutrition, especially to their roots. These tools are adept not only at removing garden debris from around the base of your plants, but also for weeding and soil cultivation.

Instead of being designed to sweep up large materials like leaves, sticks, or hay with both hands like your typical rake, these little claws are wielded with one hand, and are typically small enough to fit in your palm. Sometimes called gardening claws – or even gardening cultivators, hand rakes, claw rakes, grubbers, or stubby rakes – a hand cultivator is a must-have tool for every gardener. So what do you turn to? The answer is simple: This is especially true if you’re trying to get at those weeds growing super close to your flowers or veggies. Something like your average hoe or cultivator may be too large – and probably lacks the finesse you need for such a job. If you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. We link to vendors to help you find relevant products.
