The Functions of Garden Rakes

Garden rake is used to remove surface debris as well as to break up and to smoothen the surface soil. Garden rakes come in two varieties. They are the yard or lawn rakes and garden rakes. Each type has a particular purpose. Yard rakes will help to remove the autumn leaves and other debris from your garden. There is no point planting seeds in a garden that has not first been cleared. The young and tender plants cannot force themselves through the decaying leaves, twigs or other matter that may have accumulated over the winter.

Garden rakes are able to break up the soil and smooth it down; thereby creating a good planting area. The teeth on a garden rake should be sharp enough to break up the soil, while the back part should be flat for tamping down the dirt. A bow rake is often used in a garden. As the name implies, this type of garden rake has long, curved bowed tines which is easier to work in the soil.

Using the Right Rake

Most garden rakes are about 60 inches in length with handles that are made from fiberglass or hardwood. The average size rake head contains about 14 to 16 tines. When choosing a garden rake, look at the shape of the teeth on the tines. They should be sharp enough for pulling stones and other debris away from the plants yet be able to smoothly rake over a patch of soil.

A garden rake with springy tines can be used without causing too much damage to any existing plants. A narrow rake is easy to maneuver around plants but a wide rake is faster to clear leaves with. Nowadays, many garden rakes come with ergonomic handles that put less stress on your back.

Garden rake made from forged iron are more expensive, but they will last longer. While long handled rakes are easier on your back, short handles provide you with more control especially when working around fragile plants. Check out all the key features of the garden rake before deciding on your purchase.

Maintaining Your Garden rake

Remember to clean your tools after each use. When you store them away for the winter, apply a coat of wax to the tines to prevent rust and keep them in tip top working shape for the spring planting season. A garden rake will get a lot of use, with good maintenance; it can last a long time.

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