If you don't have these two tools, run, don't walk and get them. You most likely will need to get them through the internet or mail order.

Here are the links:

The Hearthoe - Get the 12 inch extension and the ripper extension!

The AM Leonard Forged Handy Weeder. - 18" handle, thin blade at a 45 degree angle. The absolute best tool you will ever use! 

Add the Peta Hand Grip and arm cuff to the Hand Weeder above for a unique and different action and motion. Ideally, I would have two tools, one with the grip and one without. Alternate using each one every 3 - 5 minutes.

Most garden tools were not developed ergonomically -- that is, with human anatomy in mind. One example is the multitude of tools with short four foot handles. Unless you're about four foot-eleven, a four foot handle will cause you to bend over from the back as you rake, hoe or dig. This will strain your back. Poorly designed tools are one of the leading reasons why so many people injure their back while gardening. It is also why so many people consider gardening "work" and not exercise. It's because of the way they garden and the tools they use.

Another problem is the motion of  using certain tools. For example, the motion of hoeing is not particularly good for you. Continually picking up the hoe up and down favors raising it from you lower back. Always strive to use your legs first, then your torso (for example, turning your hips) shoulders and arms as you rake or hoe and use them in a pushing-pulling motion as much as possible.

New tools, such as the scuffle hoe, and swan-neck hoes and rakes (available from Gardeners Supply Co. 1-800-955-3370) have an angled cutting edge and are mainly used in a pushing and pulling motion, not an up and down motion. This pushing/pulling motion is an excellent cardiovascular motion that exercises legs, arms, shoulders and back.

Hand tools

My favorite hand tool is the forged handy weeder (available from A.M. Leonard).  The razor-sharp, thin blade is perfectly angled for digging or slicing weeds at the base. Also, the tool is used in a pushing / pulling motion as opposed to a chopping motion

For more information, my book, Fitness the Dynamic Gardening Way, is available!

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