Abstract: An upstanding operating shank including front and rear sides is provided for use in a substantially upright position. The lower end of the shank includes a forwardly and downwardly inclined elongated digging blade which projects outwardly of the front side of the shank. The forward end of the blade includes a sharpened transverse cutting edge and the lower end portion of the shank further includes a rearwardly and outwardly projecting abutment for applying forward foot thrust to the lower end of the shank. An elongated spring-type weed clamping keeper blade is spaced slightly above and generally parallels the digging blade, and the end of the keeper blade adjacent the shank is rigidly supported therefrom while the end of the keeper blade remote in the shank includes an upwardly directed skid portion.