You’ve got to be impressed when a classic tool is reinvented. This collinear hoe ­designed by Eliot Coleman has become my go-to tool for the vegetable garden. I use mine (pictured) from spring through fall for weeding and for light, noninvasive surface soil cultivation in beds where I don’t use mulch. Its 7-inch fixed blade is sharp and cuts weeds off just below the surface of the soil. The hoe is 51/2 feet long and has a lightweight handle that makes it effortless to maneuver. I can work around rows of seedlings and under small, tender plants like lettuce as well as larger broad-leaved plants like cabbage. 

—Matt Mattus is the author of two books: Mastering the Art of Flower Gardening and Mastering the Art of Vegetable Gardening. He lives in Worcester, Massachusetts.

Source: johnnyseeds.com

Price: $51.82

Fine Gardening Recommended Products

CobraHead® Long Handle Weeder & Cultivator Garden Tool

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

BUILT BY GARDENERS—CobraHead tools are developed from seasons of hands-on gardening experience. EASY TO USE—Our classic garden weeding tools are great for greenhorns or green thumbs of all ages. TEMPERED STEEL BLADE—Gardeners love this tool because the curved head plows though any soil. COMFORTABLE LONG HANDLE—Our handles are made from 54-inch North Carolina ash for easy right or left-hand use. MADE IN THE USA—All of our dependable garden tools are crafted with care in Cambridge, Wisconsin.

Buy at Amazon

Greenworks 40V (185 MPH / 340 CFM / 75+ Compatible Tools) Cordless Brushless Leaf Blower / Vacuum, 4.0Ah Battery and Charger Included

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

2-in-1 BLOWER/VACUUM: Experience powerful blowing and efficient leaf mulching performance.​ BRUSHLESS MOTOR TECHNOLOGY: Offers 2x more torque, increased power, longer runtime, quieter operation, and extended motor life.​ VARIABLE SPEED DIAL & TURBO: Features 6-speed settings with a turbo button for ultimate versatility.​ HIGH PERFORMANCE: Delivers 185 MPH and 340 CFM for efficient clearing of dry/wet leaves and debris.​ TOOL-LESS CONVERSION: Easily switch between blower and vacuum mode in seconds.​ 40V SYSTEM: Includes a 4.0 Ah battery and charger, powering over 75 Greenworks 40V tools.​ UP TO 21 MINUTES RUNTIME: Achieve extended use on a single charge.

Buy at Amazon

Sun Joe Cordless Telescoping Pole Chain Saw

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

BAR + CHAIN: 8 in. auto-lubricating bar + chain with 2.7 fl oz oil tank capacity and oil level window. TELESCOPIC: Telescoping pole extends from 3.7 ft to 7.2 ft, providing up to 14 ft of overhead reach. ADJUSTABLE HEAD: Multi-angle head adjusts from 0º to 30º 24-VOLT SYSTEM: 24V 2.0 Ah IONMAX lithium-ion battery allows for up to 32 cuts of 4" x 4" pine on a single charge.

Buy at Amazon