The feather weight mini pick, or as my coworkers and I call it the “hand hoe”, is a great universal tool made by WW Manufacturing Company.  Along with a good pair of pruners, this is one of the must have tools in the Eco Landscaping arsenal.  With a weight of only .75 pounds and length of 16 inches this heat-treated all steel hoe is virtually unbreakable but lends itself to easy one-handed use.  It is useful in a variety of different capacities and some that may seem somewhat unlikely, stretching from planting and weeding to prying (and even the occasional hammering).  Planting four inch pots has never been easier than with the hand hoe.  With one swing you have created a small indention you then pull back on the hoe and there’s the hole.  With the hand hoe planting goes much faster than with any trowel that I have used.  Even for smaller plants, such as plugs, all you have to do is use the smaller end of the hand hoe.  Due to its light weight and it’s extreme toughness this is also our go-to tool for weeding. Most other small pick weeding tools we have used have been too heavy for extended use and/or not durable enough for daily professional use.  I have also used it pry up smaller rocks and old edging without causing a single bend or dent in my hoe. It has even been used to hammer in stakes.  I have never found a garden tool so useful and in over 10 years of Eco use we have yet to break one!  Did I mention that WW mfg makes this and all of their high quality tools right here in the U S of A?  The “garden state” in fact.  I would highly recommend it for beginners or professionals, and with a price tag under $35 it is also cost effective.  You can order them directly from the manufacturer.

Eco rating: 9 out of 10