Dig It
For digging, a good trowel is essential. I am indifferent to ones that might have a metal or wooden handle. What I do require for a trowel is a very strong shaft and an equally strong blade. You will need both to do a considerable amount of digging and planting in the garden. If you buy an inferior trowel, you will find that — in a fairly short amount of time — you will have to buy a new one because either the shaft will bend, or the point where the shaft connects to the blade will break — neither of which will be useful to you as you go to garden.
Another excellent digging tool is called the Japanese digging knife, also called a Hori Hori. It looks like a wide blade knife with a trowel point to it. One of the edges has a slight serration, making it great for aiding in the division of perennials. I love the Hori Hori for digging — when I need to get a plant into a tight spot it can help with that, but its best use is for extricating those weeds that have a tenacious root system and/or a long taproot.
Carry On
For holding tools of any type, a garden trug is helpful. Essentially, they are long baskets that are perfect for carrying tools, string, and other garden supplies. I might also use them for collecting weeds in the garden. I have a more modern one with a metal mesh bottom and another one made from wood that is more of a classic English-styled trug.
This handful of hand tools are all great at lending me a “hand” in the garden!
