The term 'used a garden tool' can be summarized by two crossword solutions: HOED (4 letters) and TROWELED (8 letters). Hoing is a gardening technique that involves using a tool with a sharp blade to break up soil and remove weeds. Troweling is a similar technique, but it involves using a tool with a flat blade to smooth out soil and create a level surface. Both of these tools are used to prepare the soil for planting and to maintain the health of a garden.