Digging blades 15 and 16 are slidably mounted on guides 14. A user brings the digging apparatus into alignment with the portion to be dug by carrying the device with the handle 12. First one blade 15 and then the other blade 16 is pushed down into the ground by treading on steps 19 and 20 with the blades each sliding on the guides 14.
The plant or soil is then lifted by pulling the handle 12 and the plant or soil is released by pulling the blades 15 and 16 up on their guides by using separate handles 24.