When you run a blade between closely spaced rows of tender young seedlings, two bad things can happen–and the risk exists whether that blade is at the end of a hoe handle or on the tool bar of a tractor. If the blade wanders a bit off line, you can undercut the roots of the newly emerging plants. If the blade kicks a little dirt on the seedlings, they can break off. In either case, they’re dead. Early season weeding–the first pass or two after planting– is the most important because it eliminates weed seedlings with minimum effort and maximum efficiency. However, early season weeding requires a deft hand and the right tool.
