Graham, your question is sorta like asking what type of gun is best. There are tools and guns for different purposes.

The two things that give me the most problems are my aging body and the weather. If you can find a way to control either, you will be in great demand.

I garden about 2000 sq. ft. which is small by most standards. Two tools I would not want to give up are my wagon to to haul compost, mulch etc. and a small hand tool that is much like the Ken Ho weeder. I even have one that I put a long aluminum handle on.

You might get a better response if you ask this question on some of the gardening forums.

Best of luck on your project.

Larry

Larry, That was some good feedback to the research.

Modify more tools Etc to meet the elderly gardener's needs, "who are the gardeners". I'm not a gardener but I do more mechanical and physical work than myself and friends believe due to more mechanical and electrical tools help. We need more Trainees from Colleges, High schools and Community Services for Credit toward helping and learning from the elderly. Enough Said! loger

One major problem is poor quality soil, such as clay soil. It needs to be tilled/spaded, aerated with compost (sometimes) and weeds kept to a minimum.

Basic hand tools, such as a shovel, rake, and hoe, are required. Don't buy any of these tools if they are made in China. Buy quality.