Okay, so I’ve been getting into Korean gardening lately, and let me tell you, their tools are something else. I decided to try out some, you know, just to see what the hype was about. I started with a little research online, figured out what the basics were, and then I jumped in.
Getting My Hands Dirty (Literally)
First thing I did was I ordered a couple of the most popular tools. I kept seeing this thing called a “homi” pop up everywhere, so I knew I had to grab one of those. It’s like a little hand plow, but curved and super sharp. I also picked up a “Korean hoe,” which is totally different from the hoes we have here. It’s got this long handle and a wide, angled blade.
- Homi: This thing is amazing. I used it to weed around my tomato plants, and it was so much easier than using my old trowel. The pointed tip is perfect for getting into tight spaces, and the sharp edge just slices through the soil.
- Korean Hoe: This one took a little getting used to. The long handle means you can stand up straight while you work, which is great for my back. I used it to turn the soil in my raised beds, and it was way faster than using a shovel. You kind of swing it and chop at the ground, and it breaks everything up really nicely.
I also got some of those little hand rakes, they’re like miniature versions of the big ones. I found them super helpful for smoothing out the soil after I planted some seeds. They’re also good for collecting small debris, like fallen leaves and twigs.
My Little Experiment
I decided to dedicate a small section of my garden to just using these Korean tools. I wanted to see if they really made a difference. I prepared the soil using the Korean hoe, planted some lettuce seeds, and then used the homi to keep the weeds down. I also did a little bit of testing, doing weeding of my old tools and the new tools. It was incredible to see the efficiency of the homi.
Honestly, I’m pretty impressed. These tools are simple, but they’re really effective. They’re also built to last, which is a big plus. I feel like I’m connecting with a different gardening tradition, and it’s making me appreciate the whole process even more. It’s not just about getting the job done; it’s about doing it with intention and using tools that feel good in your hands.
I’m still learning, of course, but I’m definitely going to keep using these tools. I might even try to find some more specialized ones, like the ones they use for harvesting ginseng. That’s a whole other level!
