Round-point shovels are strictly for digging. The long-handled version works well for light-duty stand-up digging, whereas its short-handled counterpart is better for deep digging. A flat-ended spade doesn't work well for digging, but it's perfect for tasks such as scooping compost and cutting borders. Half-moon shovels or spades (figure A) work well for keeping borders tidy and straight. A wider-than-usual grading rake (figure B), with teeth of nearly indestructible nylon, is ideal for leveling newly prepared ground or drawing down the length of raised beds. Pitchforks are useful for many tasks, but try to find one with square rather than flat tines. Those with square tines are much stronger. Use a pitchfork to loosen subsoil by driving it into the soil and gently rocking back and forth.
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