Spade
A spade is one of the most essential gardening tools, since you use it to dig and move soil when
planting. It usually has a flat, rectangular blade that allows you to dig with precision. The terms
spade and shovel are often used interchangeably, but a shovel typically has a curved blade that works
best for scooping soil, not digging. With a spade, you can make holes for planting trees, shrubs and
large groupings of perennials, and edge along a garden bed. It also works well for digging up plants
that you're transplanting. A spade even comes in handy for breaking up roots, sod and weeds because
its tip is usually pointed. Opt for a spade with slick metal surface so soil and other materials slide off
easily.
Hoe
A hoe is another gardening tool for digging and moving soil, but there are several types so it’s
important to choose the right one for the job. If you need to dig holes for planting or cut through
weeds, opt for a broad hoe, which has a larger blade. For cutting out weeds, a shuffle hoe that only
cuts through the top layers of soil is your best bet. If you’re working in a small space, choose a
warren hoe, which has a smaller, triangular blade for precise work.
Trowel
Like a spade or hoe, a gardening trowel is used for digging small holes and moving soil. It has a
pointed blade that is shaped like scoop and longer than the blade on a spade. You can use a trowel to
dig planting holes for vegetables, annuals, perennials and other small plants, but its scooped shape
also allows you to lift the plant itself from the soil for transplanting. A trowel also works well for
weeding, mixing soil and soil amendments and cultivating. When choosing a trowel, opt for a cast or
forged style so it will resist bending if you encounter rocks in your soil.
Digging Fork
When you need to loosen up soil, a digging fork is a useful tool. It features four tines that are flat and
thick, so it works extremely well to break up firmly packed soil that a spade or hoe can't get through.
It even works well in existing beds because it won't bring up weed seeds or turn over the layers of
soil if you simply drive it into the bed and wiggle it. You can also use a digging fork to mix in soil
amendments or remove a clump of plants without bringing too much soil out with them. Opt for a
digging fork with heavy-duty tines so they don't get bent when working in rocky soils.
Rake
You probably have a traditional lawn rake that you use to remove fallen leaves, sticks and other
debris, but you may also want to have a ground rake in your gardening shed. This rake is used to
smooth the soil in a new or existing bed and remove any clumps. While ground rakes are also
available in plastic or wood, a metal style is a better option because it usually lasts longer and is
usually more effective in smoothing and breaking up soil.
Shovel
A shovel is a tool for digging, lifting, and moving bulk materials, such
as soil, coal, gravel, snow, sand, or ore.
