Trowels

Garden trowels are little shovels that scrape off a layer of soil with the edge of a serrated blade and break up the chunky soil with a point. Trowels can also chop through plant and tree roots. Trowels are available in two main types - drop shank trowels and straight shank trowels. While drop shank trowels are available for general digging and loosening up dirt in your garden; straight shank trowels are more ideal for planting bulbs because they're able to dig deeper into the ground and plant furrows. Look for a trowel with a heavy-duty steel blade and a comfortable handle of smooth wood, rubber or vinyl to prevent calloused hands. Trowels cost between $5 and $20 online.