We recently received our set of intermediate tools for the Willits Energy Farm. These tools are designed to provide the largest amount of work with the least energy input. Since we are working in intensive small-scale applications we will not rely on petroleum powered tools and will continue to seek out new and proven tools to perform tasks that are usually completed with a machine. Our new tool set is intended to help us clear the surface of the soil and prepare seed beds.

The four tools that we have selected for this process include a Thatch Rake, a Glaser Wheel Hoe, a Broad Fork, and a typical Bow Rake. The tools are used in a specific order to completely prepare our beds for seeding or transplanting.

1^st) We use a Thatch Rake to remove partially decomposed debris and any clumps of perennial grass that can be dislodged. The debris is raked into a row on the outside of the “soon to be” seed bed. This debris is collected in a wheel barrow and taken to the composting section of the site.

2^nd) Once the surface is cleared it is much easier to push the Glaser Wheel Hoe through the unbroken ground. We make a series of passes down the entire length of the seed bed. This uproots the remaining sod and breaks the surface of the soil to a depth 2-4 inches. (If necessary, we rake away of the newly disturbed sod).

3^rd) Next we use the Broad Fork to dig deep into the soil and pry up large clumps of land. The Broad Fork is nice because it loosens large amounts of soil without significantly disrupting the microbial life in each layer of the soil. It also serves the benefit of aerating the soil to a depth of about 10 inches. The handles on the broad fork make it easy to obtain leverage as we pry up large chunks of soil. Although the “Broad Forking” task is not energy intensive, it is, however, the slowest part of the bed preparation process. If two people were to work together to prepare beds I would recommend two of these forks to speed the process.

4^th) A final pass is made with the Glaser Wheel Hoe. This time, the operator stands in the two-foot path so that the newly forked land does not receive foot traffic and compaction. In order to stay in the path the Glaser Hoe is pushed in a diagonal across the bed. This effectively cross-cuts the Broad Fork chunks and provides depth of 4-5 inches of loose soil.

5^th) If the soil still has large clumps, we use a typical bow rake to draw the clumps to the border of the bed.

Note: Our bed dimensions are 5 feet wide and about 66 feet long. Between each bed is a 2 foot path way. Every seven beds is a four foot access path.

(Left Bed) Recently Thatch Raked

(Left Bed) After First Pass with the Wheel Hoe

(Right Bed) Fully Broad Forked Bed

Bed Cross-Cut with Wheel Hoe After Fluffing With Broad Fork

This Shot Contrasts Three Different Stages From Unbroken Ground To Forked Bed