RODALE NEWS, EMMAUS, PA—Bigger isn't always better. In the Midwest, thousand-acre megafarms prompt the use of tons of toxic pesticides and chemical fertilizers, and require the firing up of heavy, gas-guzzling machinery. This chemical-backed, fossil fuel–reliant system destroys soil and leads to flooding, dead zones in oceans, and illness in people and wildlife. Luckily, the facts are stacked on the side of organic farming, and more and more people are starting to listen. In fact, many people aren't just buying organic, but are ripping out their lawns and growing organic. Talk about taking matters into your own hands! Gardening is gratifying, but it's also hard work. We checked in with experts who specialize in farm tools for small farms to ID the best tools for backyard gardens, cutting the amount of time it takes you to keep your food-producing paradise in tip-top shape. (Not to mention, you'll also help get your body in shape—these ergonomically crafted tools are human powered!)

While some of these farm tools that are suitable for the home garden might seem a bit pricey, investing in one or two of them could wind up saving you major time in the garden. (Let's face it; hand-picking weeds gets old pretty quickly!) And it's smart to take a queue from farmers—busy people who can't afford sub-par tools that don't work! "For many gardeners, it's the price. When you can buy a hoe for $10 from Home Depot, they wonder why it's worth spending more," says Nazirahk Amen, ND, owner of Purple Mountain Organics and a naturopath in Tacoma Park, MD. "Farmers, on the other hand, know what they're looking for—something that works and isn't going to break."

Farm Tools That Make the Best Gardening Tools

Broadfork for Tilling

Broadfork for Harvesting

Swan Neck Hoe

Collinear Hoe

Trapezoid Hoe

Stirrup Hoe

Glaser Wheel Hoe

Double Wheel Conversion

Wheel Hoe Hiller