In article ,
John Hatpin wrote:

What kind of tools would you recommend? A mattock seems to come
highly recommended, so I plan to buy one.

Make sure it is a proper one - not an African (Dutch) hoe. It should
be made out of the same gauge material as a navvy's pick.

The other two tools worth getting are a solid spade (i.e. one that
won't break when you lever with it), and something to cut 1" roots
with. The latter can be a hand-axe, loppers, some kinds of saw,
and so on.

Both of the pick-mattock and the solid spade may be easier to obtain
from an agricultural or building trade supplier.


Regards,
Nick Maclaren.