Tools we use in vegetable gardens like shovels, hand trowels, and hoes can also use a good sharpening before we employ them for vigorous use. A flat file will do the job and may be a little bit easier than trying to hold the long-handled tools up to a grinding wheel. I was once asked, why sharpen these tools when they are only going to be dulled by the soil when they are used anyway? The answer is that when these sharp tools come in contact with a woody root that has invaded the garden, they will cut through it easier than a dull tool will. I’m not saying it will be simple to cut through a root with a sharp tool, but it will be much easier than a dull one.

The middle of April is usually a great time to plant summer vegetable crops.  The reason for not planting earlier is that the soil is usually too cold for the roots and the plants won’t be able to take up the water nutrients they need to really thrive.  They will grow, but not thrive. As the soil continues to warm, plants that need the warmer soil like cucumbers, squash, peppers, and tomatoes will grow better, faster, and stronger. If you aren’t in a race with a neighbor to harvest the first tomato, then consider waiting another week or so to plant tomatoes and peppers as they will do much better the warmer the soil is.