Over the millennia, this one-size-fits-all garden tool evolved into a set of specialized hoes, each with a specific function.

Spades and garden forks are essential tools in the garden ... These are great for controlling weeds. A Dutch hoe will slice through the tops of weeds, while a draw hoe will drag the weed from ...

Putting it to the test Hand weeding half of a 10-by-20-feet garden took Wirecutter staffer Sebastian Compagnucci around 15 minutes, whereas using a stirrup hoe on the other half took seven minutes.