Are you looking for the perfect basket for your garden produce? Do you want one that is high quality and will last for years to come? You may want to consider the garden hod. Here is what I think of mine.
History of the Garden Hod
The garden hod came onto the scene centuries ago in Europe. Back then this sturdy basket was used to carry every thing from fish and produce to laundry and tools.
When the Europeans came over to America they brought along this all-purpose basket. The new settlers used this hod to carry their clams and mussels.
The hod was great for this sandy and muddy job because you could easily rinse off your clams without taking them out of the hod.
In 2001 Pike Bartlett made a new version of the garden hod. Pike used the same sturdy caging material that is used in the fishing industry to catch lobster.
He created the garden hod and sold them at his company Maine Garden Products. Now this basket has become a favorite tool for gardeners, clam diggers, etc. in the Northeast and all over the world.
Uses for the Garden Hod
You may be thinking that the garden hod is just another basket, but it is so much more. Here are some great uses for the garden hod!
- Produce basket: This hod is great for harvesting vegetables. The sturdy wire mesh can hold lots of produce without sagging. If you have some exceptionally dirty produce (like carrots) you can rinse them right in the basket so you don't track in any extra soil to your kitchen.
- Weed basket: Instead of all that dirt on your weed's roots going to waste why not return it to your garden. Simply pull your weeds and place them in the garden hod. Give it a shake and all your soil falls through the mesh! Keep the soil in your garden and the weeds out.
- Tool basket: I use my garden hod to carry my gardening tools back and forth from the garden when harvesting produce or pruning!
- Egg basket: If you have a lot of laying hens this basket can easily support all those eggs!
Is the Garden Hod really that great
I have used many baskets for produce in the garden but most have broken with one to two years of use. Either the handle is not sturdy enough or the bottom busts open.
Not only is this super frustrating, but buying new garden baskets every few years can get pretty pricey!
When I got this garden hod as a birthday gift I could tell it was well built and sturdy. I know that this garden hod is going to last a life time!
If you want a "do everything" garden basket that will last you for years then the Maine Garden Hod is for you!
What is the Garden Hod made of
The original Maine Garden Hod is made from sturdy wire that is coated with a food grade PVC. This gives the garden hod its sturdy structure!
The "ends" of the hod are made with pine wood and the handle is a solid piece of oak wood that is steam bent to make a perfect handle.
As you can see, the Maine Garden Hod is well built using great materials. You can find the the original Maine Garden Hod here.
How to care for your Garden Hod
If you want your garden hod to last you for a life time then you can follow these simple maintenance steps.
- Dry the wood: When you do wash your produce in the hod make sure to dry the wood afterwards. This will keep the wood from rotting.
- Use mineral oil: Every now and then I like to rub some mineral oil into the wood. This will protect the wood from rot, splitting, and extend its life. You can find food grade mineral oil here.
- Store it indoors: Make sure to store your hod where it will not get rained on or get in direct sunlight. I store mine in the shed where it stays dry.
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