In praise of my Cape Cod weeder: a review
Posted by Fiona Nevile in General care, Reviews | 7 comments
Photo: Cape Cod weeder
This little tool has become a favourite in my hand weeding armoury. Danny gave it to me, along with a new hand fork and trowel for my birthday. I’d heard that the Cape Cod weeder is an excellent tool but it took quite a few weeks before I decided to put it through its paces.
Within a few minutes, I discovered that it’s much better than a trowel or hand fork for clearing weeds fast. The head is drawn below the surface of the soil to cut off weeds at the roots – like a tiny hoe. But I soon discovered that all that is needed to dislodge a weed roots and all is a quick twist of the wrist. The small head means that it can easily get into tight spaces where other tools would fear to tread. It’s also much lighter than a trowel or fork.
Buttercups are up and out with a quick stab down to the roots and just a flick of the wrist – it’s the Jackie Chan of the gardening tools world. It even makes light work of the dastardly dandelions, scalping around the roots for easy lifting. Armed with this I become super dextrous and weeding is quick and fun. And being a De Witt tool, it is beautifully made and perfectly balanced. Like all the rest of their tools it is self sharpening.
It is said that the Cape Cod weeder was designed by a lady who lived and gardened there years ago. The modern version of this tool has a longer handle than the original. In the United States you can buy left and right handed versions of the tool. Unfortunately only right handed versions are available in the UK.
If weeding has become a chore I strongly recommend investing in one of these. If you are a gardener and are looking for a present that will give you more time to enjoy your garden and less time weeding put one of these on your Christmas list.
The De Wit Cape Cod weeder is available from Amazon
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Fiona, I bought this tool for myself for Christmas last year, based on your recommendation. I gave it its first outing yesterday. Got to say, IT’S FANTASTIC! I whipped through a lst border in a flash – no backache from bending or boredom from hours of weeding. Wish I’d had one years ago.
O.K. I’m hooked! I’ve ordered myself one for Christmas. Weeds look out!
If weeding still isn’t “fun” with a Cape Cod weeder, then at least it is empowering and satisfying. I don’t know how I managed before I got mine. I use it every time I work in the garden. Every time. Glad you like yours, Fiona.
I try to keep away from weeds as much as possible… not sure if I can ever be convinced by your ‘weeding is fun’ line! But it does look a fantastic piece of kit… buttercups are a bit of a problem for us – they look so pretty but spread like wildfire..
I’ve learned about all kinds of garden tools and techniques from you, but it’s a little humiliating to have to go to all the way to the UK to learn about a tool named for THE PLACE WHERE I ACTUALLY LIVE.
And now, of course, I want one.
What a great wee tool. My dandelions under an ongoing attack with boiling water (They really don’t like it) and I haven’t seen a a buttercup since childhood.
But anyone who dares to try removing the daisies in my attempt at a lawn will be removed themselves – your new tool would be ideal!!!
And once you get the dandelions out, do you cook them, or make wine?