The 10 Best Gardening Picks

If you look forward to playing in the dirt but are often fatigued when you finish, the Fiskars IsoCore (appx. $48) has got your back, as well as your legs, arms, and shoulders, thanks to a shock-absorbing core that reduces impacts and vibrations.

The Ames Companies Mini Dig (about $23) is short to accommodate close work, making it especially useful for those times you're working on your knees, whether weeding or planting. But just because it's small, that doesn't mean it's fragile, as it's got a fiberglass handle for strength.

Although the Truper Pick-Mattock (around $50) is on the more expensive side, if you're looking for something heavy and durable, it's definitely a choice to consider. It comes in 2.5- and 5-pound versions, both of which are tough enough for compact, unyielding soil.

The Yard Butler Terra (appx. $14) shouldn't be difficult to use, since it has a cushioned grip that makes your hard work a little bit easier. Its dual head has two cutting blades, but they work equally well for chopping and digging, too.

You can go ahead and set the Tabor Tools J56 (about $30) in the grass or the dirt, because it features a spectacularly bright orange color that's impossible to lose. It turns over soil well, too, with a dual head that's relatively sharp.

The V&B Manufacturing Groundbreakers Mini (about $17) may not be all that large, but that doesn't mean it's only a little functional. In fact, it was specifically made for working in confined areas where you don't have the space to swing a bigger tool.

For working in heavy ground, there's the Edward Tools Planter (about $14). With its serrated edges, it can cut through the hardened soil that may prove difficult for smooth blades. But don't worry, it isn't unduly tough on your hands, as it's got a comfy rubber grip.

The Dukjin Portable (around $20) is true to its name, in that the blade unscrews for travel. This means you'll need less space for carrying it, and because it weighs less than a pound, it won't feel too burdensome, either. A shovel-pick version is available, as well.

Whether you'll like using the C&L Stainless Steel (around $18) really comes down to personal preference, as some appreciate the sturdiness of the all-metal construction, while others don't love the potential slipperiness, especially when your mitts are sweaty.

When you really need to put your back into it, you might try the Pro Value Hardwood (around $43) with its 51-inch handle that gives you plenty of length for swinging. Despite its size, it weighs only around 3 pounds, so you shouldn't tire too quickly.