Fiskars Xact Hand Rake for garden beds, Digi Mart USA News: A compact seven-tine garden rake can help gardeners clear fallen leaves, twigs and other debris from tight spaces in flower beds. The Fiskars Xact Hand Rake is designed for areas where a full-size leaf rake is awkward, such as between established perennials and shrubs.
According to the publisher article, the rake has seven slightly flexible stainless steel tines arranged in a fan shape about five inches wide. Its narrow head is intended to reach between plants and beneath low-growing shrubs, and at about 17 inches long it offers extra reach without being cumbersome.
It also has a weighted SoftGrip handle for balance.
The article advises keeping the tines near the surface rather than digging into the soil, and using short, gentle strokes to draw loose debris toward you. Gardeners should work away from the crown of perennials, move leaf litter aside by hand where bulbs or tender shoots may be hidden, and stop rather than force the rake if it catches on roots.
The publisher also cautions against over-tidying beds. A scattering of healthy fallen leaves provides insulation for plant roots and shelter for overwintering insects, so the article recommends focusing on thick matted leaves that cover perennial crowns.
After use, the rake should be cleaned of trapped debris, allowed to dry completely and stored to help prevent corrosion.
