Cultivation tools work by loosening the soil to receive plants or remove weeds. A spade will be your most basic requirement, along with a fork for breaking down clods of soil and hand tools for small-scale work. There are also hoes and rakes for levelling and breaking up soil surface and removing weeds.

Always look for tools that will allow you to work without having to bend too much; tall people may find the standard shaft of many tools too short.

We've put together a range of guides to buying and using cultivation tools, along with tips on choosing the right materials, handle and hilts.