the same answer i gave you in yesterdays post.. which fell down the page ...

a sharpened shovel ...

ken

I prefer to use a transplant spade. Its blade is narrow and long, stainless steel and very strong. Al

I always use a regular spade.

I'm sure the choices involved include considerations of things like how the garden soil is being maintained and how much time is available for the job.

For me, almost all transplants involve division. Moving some perennials with tuberous roots, like peonies and balloon flowers, is a last resort.

Almost everything that requires ongoing division has to be chopped up, which a regular spade lends itself to. Since there's usually parts to throw away, a selection can be made among parts for the best to transplant.

This post was edited by SunnyBorders on Mon, Sep 29, 14 at 11:20

Mine? It's this tool:

{{gwi:268169}}

I bought it 25 years ago as a bulb planter for uncultivated soil, but it has become my most favorite digging tool. I just used it to dig up three large clumps of grass and a 15 year old Hosta this weekend. Due to its heavy gauge and narrow blade, it is easier to dig and lift a plant because it gives you better leverage than a shovel.

I bought it from Brent and Becky's Bulbs in 1989. Now it is found on White Flower Farms website. It is expensive but it is the tool I use most for heavy duty digging or for digging something delicate such as lilies or Colchicum in bloom...which I did yesterday.

Soil type is a consideration. The soil here is pretty loose so a fork works great. Gooey clay might call for a different tool.

hoovb, You are absolutely right. I have gooey clay, enough to set up a pottery. The tool above is the most handy for me.