The following products are pictured from left to right.
Long-Handled Pruner: For cutting branches more than 3/4 inch thick. The Telescoping Ratcheting Lopper (Lee Valley, $33, www.leevalley.com) is lightweight and adjusts easily from 18 to 31 inches for greater reach; the ratchet mechanism allows you to cut branches that are thicker than two inches.

Round-Headed Shovel: For digging holes to plant trees and shrubs and moving loose materials, such as soil, gravel, sand, and compost. This A.M. Leonard Razorback shovel ($47, www.amleo.com) has a comfortable footrest.

Transplant Spade: For digging holes in confined areas of a densely planted bed. Lee Valley Tools, $30, www.leevalley.com.

Bow Rake: For leveling soil for planting; spreading mulch, gravel, sand, and compost, and removing heavy debris. A.M. Leonard, $37.50, www.amleo.com.

Digging Fork: For turning and cultivating unbroken soil, mixing amendments into soil, breaking up clods, and lifting bulbs and perennials for transplanting and dividing. Lee Valley Tools, $30, www.leevalley.com.

Leaf Rake: For raking leaves, twigs, grass clippings, and other light debris from lawns. Available at garden centers, about $15.

Protect Your Tools

Keep the edges of spades and other tools from nicking and dulling by storing them off the floor. A piece of Peg-Board fitted with hooks (available at home centers) will do the trick, or for a ready-made solution try the Woodpegger (shown above, $15 at www.stacksandstacks.com).