In message , Bob Hobden
writes

"Pam Moore" wrote after Paddy asked
I have taken over an allotment which has not been dug for at least two
years. London, so the earth has a fair amount of clay, hence large
clumps of earth hard to break up.
I was wondering if something like a garden claw might make the task
easier. At present we are struggling with forks.
Thanks for any feedback.
Paul.

I was given a garden claw. I work a clayish soil and the claw is
useless.


Quite agree, useless on clay soil but then a fork doesn't work that well
either and a spade is useless too.
Except I use the claw I was given once a year for making the soil in our
carrot box nice and friable after it's dug but before planting when I
incorporate old potting compost.
Also useful for aerating the compost bin.
Personally I would get out any perennial weeds with your fork and then hire
a Rotovator which will break it up and get air into it which in itself will
improve the soil. You will then be able to plant. Then as each crop is
finished go over that piece of ground with your fork so you do only bits at
a time, a lot less tiring.
We use a rotovator all the time now having proved to ourselves it causes no
adverse effects, quite the reverse, it gets lots of air into the soil.

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Regards
Bob
In Runnymede, 17 miles West of London

Ok, so the claw is close to useless on clay soil.
Having heard the disadvantage of the rotivator in multiplying weed roots
we are digging with a fork and taking out the weed roots as we go.
But I have also heard using a rotivator also kills worms which seems to
be not a good idea.
Any opinions on this? True or myth?
Thanks.
Paul.
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Paul reply-to is valid