How to Hoe Weeds

Co-authored by Steve Masley

Last Updated: March 4, 2024

A hoe is a great tool for controlling weeds. You can hoe weeds in your flowerbeds, gardens, or fields. Make sure you hoe weeds when the soil is dry. To keep weeds under control, use a hoe frequently and upon first sight of a weed.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Using a Hoe to Remove Weeds

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Hoeing weeds is an important part of managing flowerbeds, vegetable gardens, and fields. You should always hoe weeds at first sight. Waiting until the weeds take over your garden will make hoeing more difficult.^{[1]
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The best time to hoe is when the soil in your field or garden is as dry as possible. This creates what some gardeners refer to as dust mulch, which can help prevent new weeds from germinating. Try hoeing your garden early in the morning, before you water the plants.

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Before you begin to hoe, stand tall. Pick up the hoe by its handle and stand it on the ground beside you. Take notice of your upright position. Try to maintain as close to an upright position as possible while you hoe. This will make the process easier on your back.^{[2]
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Grab the hoe and make sweeping motions over the tops of weeds, much like you would do if using a broom to sweep a floor. Make broad, fluid sweeping motions to slice the tops off the weeds.
You should aim to sweep your hoe just below the surface of the soil. This will result in cutting off the tops of the weeds at this level, which can prevent future weed growth.^{[3]
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It is important that you are precise and cautious while hoeing weeds. An accidental sweep to the right might result in an accidental chop to your favorite flowers. Make sure the hoe passes easily and precisely between the rows of plants and does not disturb your flowers or crops.
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Change hands frequently while hoeing. Hoeing weeds can be hard on your hands, arms, and back. Try to evenly distribute the labor on both sides of your body. You can easily do this by switching hands and arms frequently while hoeing.
- You can wear gloves while hoeing to protect your hands.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Selecting the Best Hoe for the Job

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You should be able to stand upright while you hoe weeds. Make sure the handle of your hoe is long enough to allow you to stand while using it. If the hoe forces you to hunch over while hoeing, try to find a hoe with a longer handle.
If you want to control young weeds that are popping up in a large area or amongst your rows of plants, try a lightweight scuffle hoe. A diamond, triangle, or stirrup hoe will work best on young weeds.^{[4]
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If you are dealing with large weeds, you can use a variety of hoes to get the job done. Try a field or grub hoe. You can also use a Warren hoe or a standard American garden hoe. These hoes can also be used to make furrows and chop compost.^{[5]
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If you need to perform spot weeding, or if you need to remove weeds from a tight space, a hoe with a short handle will work well. You can also try using a circular hoe, collinear hoe, or any other hoe that is mounted on a short handle.^{[6]
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What's the best time to remove weeds if I want to start a garden?

Steve Masley
Home & Garden Specialist
Steve Masley has been designing and maintaining organic vegetable gardens in the San Francisco Bay Area for over 30 years. He is an Organic Gardening Consultant and Founder of Grow-It-Organically, a website that teaches clients and students the ins and outs of organic vegetable gardening. In 2007 and 2008, Steve taught the Local Sustainable Agriculture Field Practicum at Stanford University.

Steve Masley

Home & Garden Specialist

Expert Answer

It depends on where you live, but you typically want to do this after the last frost in spring. You can look this information up online in an agricultural table if you really want to play it safe. There can also be a little bit of variation if you're on a hill or something where the soil at the top is warmer than the bottom.

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What is the use of a rake?

Maggie Moran
Home & Garden Specialist
Maggie Moran is a Professional Gardener in Pennsylvania.

Maggie Moran

Home & Garden Specialist

Expert Answer

It is used like a broom outside. You can use it to collect leaves, hay, grass and generally move debris around.

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What do you use a scuffle hoe for?

Maggie Moran
Home & Garden Specialist
Maggie Moran is a Professional Gardener in Pennsylvania.

Maggie Moran

Home & Garden Specialist

Expert Answer

You can use a scuffle hoe to cut weeds off under the soil line, either by pushing or pulling it.

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