A hoe is a gardening and farming tool with a blade set at an angle to a long handle, used for weeding, cultivating, and shaping soil. Several distinct types exist, each optimized for different tasks.
The standard garden hoe has a flat steel blade set at approximately 90 degrees to a handle of 1.5–2 m (60–80 in). The user chops or pulls the blade through the soil to cut weeds, hill soil around plants, and create furrows for planting.
The collinear hoe has a thin, sharp blade set at a shallow angle (approximately 15–20 degrees) to the handle. The user pushes the blade through the soil just below the surface, cutting weed stems without disturbing deeper soil layers.
The Warren hoe, also called a diamond hoe or pointed hoe, has a triangular or diamond-shaped blade with a pointed tip. It is designed for furrowing and cultivating between rows.
The scuffle hoe (also called a stirrup hoe or hula hoe) has a double-edged loop blade that is pushed and pulled through the soil just below the surface. The cutting action works on both push and pull strokes.
The eye hoe (or grub hoe) has a heavy, thick blade (15–25 cm wide) set at 90 degrees to a handle. It is the heaviest type of hoe and is used for breaking up tough, compacted soil and grubbing out deep-rooted weeds.
Ash and hickory are traditional handle woods, valued for their strength and impact resistance. Fiberglass handles with rubber grips are common on modern tools, offering durability and reduced vibration. Handle length varies by use: long handles for field work, short handles for raised beds and close quarters.
Hoe blades are sharpened with a flat mill file. Standard hoes are sharpened on the top (working) surface. Collinear and scuffle hoes should be kept razor sharp for efficient cutting. Dull hoes require more effort and tear rather than cut weed stems.