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Location

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Joliet, IL

i just bought this one on line and wondering if anyone has a similar one or has tried it before. wondering if there are any tricks while using it to be more efficient and less back ache.

http://www.groworganic.com/item_GDO500_Deep_Spader.html

10/31/2009 11:59:24 AM

Clayton, Ohio, USA

I have one and use it. It's slow and a back and body killer. The only trick that I can figure is to save enough $$ for a tractor and subsoiler. The deep spader isn't for us 40 and over growers.

11/1/2009 10:09:23 AM

Joliet, IL

i am paying an out of work friend who is 25 to do it. his back will take it better than mine. i wish i had a tractor and a subsoiler, but that cost is little too much for a backyard grower in a residential area with 3 plants. with paid muscle, i am just looking to break things up a bit as far as hard pan goes. i did find a nice article on line for the best way to work the deep spader. my top 10" are already loosened up nicely, but i like to aerate the hard pan every year and double digging and pitchforking is even harder work than the deep spader i imagine and that is what i normally do. so i will see how it works.

11/1/2009 11:03:27 AM

That State Up North

I am looking for one of those deep spaders. I cultivate entirely by hand, and am limited to around 10-12" with my broadfork, and like the looks of the deep spader. Any experience with those in rocky soil? Hard work is no problem, I just want to know how durable it is as my broad-fork is bent and looks pretty bad after a couple seasons use.

11/13/2009 11:08:29 PM