Amen. See
http://webebananas.com/culture.html section 5. I tried many things, and even made some things, but the digging bar (mine was a "Roughneck" though there are different brands) was the hands down winner. The handle doesn't bend, so you can pry; it is heavy, so you get more force; and it is sharp, so it cuts well. About $40 but worth every penny.