Which tools

[Noosner]

One of my must haves is a pair of 'Big Hands' leaf collectors. They are cheapo plastic things but I use them loads as they are great for picking up anything lightweight in big quantities.

Something I wish I hadn't bothered with is a little hand rake. Daft! A hand fork or trowel is just as good.

[Aberdeenplotter]

For the old geezers, a really handy pair of tools are standard trowels and forks with long handles. really does ease the poor old back

[Mikey]

I have 2 hoe's but, I only use 1 and its a really old flat headed one about 2" wide. It gets in between most veg and I wouldn't be without it. I use it to weed, prepared drills and as a straight edge.

When I first got my plot one of my favourite tools was an azada, I found it much easier to handle than a spade and less work on the back. These days I prefer to minimise digging so it doesn't get out much.

[Mikey]

Not so much a tool but, you can't be without a wheelbarrow. Used for everything from weeding; carry other tools, compost etc; clearing beds; carrying veg home; mixing potting compost in. Its priceless.

[Bacchus]

When I first got my plot one of my favourite tools was an azada, I found it much easier to handle than a spade and less work on the back. These days I prefer to minimise digging so it doesn't get out much.

I too have an azada - but mine's quite light so you couldn't dig with it - it replaces a hoe for some work and is very handy. I prefer my mattock for heavy work - sort of spade plus work - indeed getting into pickaxe territory.

[noviceveggrower]

I must recommend a decent hand trowel. Nothing worse than being on your hands and knees fighting with a weed that's in tight spot and your trowel bends. I don't think this counts but one of those pads that you kneel down on. Nothing worse than standing up with stones imprinted into your knees.

[hamesy]

I've got a fork, shovel, secateurs, rake and for some reason three hoes

[Mark Lottie]

I use a machete for clearing ground of tall plants and trimming "cut and drop" style living mulches as well as general cutting duties but a scythe would be great for the first two functions.

I'm pretty tall so I also use a long handled shovel like the ones you see yanks use in films when burying a body. It's flipping heavy though

A telescopic tree lopper is vital for trimming our taller trees and suckers

[Mr Bones]

Another azada fan here, use it for alsorts. If I had to get by with just one tool it'd be the azada. Apart from stirrup and dutch hoes which get plenty of use I also have a lovely antique draw hoe that almost never comes out of the shed.

[Nicola.P]

Thank you all. I will look for all these suggestions. Never heard of an azada though? Will have to look that one up.

[Mikey]

I too have an azada - but mine's quite light so you couldn't dig with it - it replaces a hoe for some work and is very handy. I prefer my mattock for heavy work - sort of spade plus work - indeed getting into pickaxe territory.

For those that haven't heard of one, here's a little video of a man using one. mine is similar to this except the handles a bit longer.

No idea what's been said in it as I don't have speakers on my 'puter.

[Spunky]

I bought a scuffle hoe which I prefer to you're traditional Dutch hoe

[Bohobumble]

Must have - a hoe

I have a dutch hoe, it's useful but not ideal, I'm on a fairly clay soil tho, so it's either too wet or too hard most of the time, I think I'll be better off with a draw hoe which I have my eye out for one.

[Potstubsdustbins]

#26 Weren't they originally called a grub hoe back in the days of yore.