What makes quality gardening tools? This week on We Dig Plants, Carmen Devito and Alice Marcus Krieg catch up with Blake Schreck of Garden Tool Co. to talk wood, steel, and weeds! Learn about the history of gardening tools at the top of the show, and later hear Blake dig into the specifics of strong and versatile steel. What garden tools are generally best sellers? Why did Blake decide to host his gardening tool shop online? Learn about European tool-making traditions, and whether or not American toolmakers can shake a stick at their counterparts overseas. Don’t miss this week’s edition of We Dig Plants! Thanks to our sponsor, Cain Vineyard & Winery. Music by Four Lincolns.

“Carbon steel is a great product, and many manufacturers add boron to their carbon steel to make it even stronger. They’re going the extra mile to make tools that last.” [14:00]

“With garden tools, there’s a fine line between too hard and too soft.” [15:10]

— Blake Schreck on We Dig Plants