A few cool tools to try

❚ Herb & Veggie Softgrip Garden Shears by Fiskars. $11.98

Ergonomic, soft handles improve control and reduce stress. Blades separate for cleaning. ❚ Ergonomic Hand Trowel by Garant Nature Expert. $9.99

Poly/gel grip contoured for comfortable, natural grasp. ❚ ErgoLoop Hand Weeder by Garant Total Control. $10.99

Soft, looped grip with thumb indentation for comfortable control. Steel loop on shaft allows weed removal by pressing down on the handle. ❚ ErgoLoop Hand Cultivator by Garant Total Control. $11

Cushioned looped grip for comfortable control. Angled head keeps wrist straight while using. ❚ Specialty Long Handled Weeder by Fiskars. $29.98

Stepping on a platform pushes tine into the earth. Tine grips the weed by the roots, and you lift the weed out by pulling on the handle. You can also eject the weed without bending over. ❚ Ergonomic #6 Pruner by Felco. $49.50

Offset head keeps arm and wrist positioned naturally while cutting. Comes in other models to match hand size. ❚ Ergonomic Carbon-Steel Digging Tool by Radius, $32.50 each

The digging spade, fork, transplant spade and shovel have large and cushioned circular handles to allow various hand positions, thereby avoiding wrist strain. Oversized steps make for better foot placement.