When starting a garden, using the appropriate tools can significantly impact your crop. Instead of getting distracted by new, unfamiliar gardening tools, focus on acquiring basic, high-quality, and long-lasting tools. With the right tools, gardening can be easier, more efficient, and done in less time. Here are our top recommendations.
Hand Trowel
A trowel is a small tool used to dig at ground level, measure soil depths, plant seeds, and extract tough weeds. It’s a gardener’s best companion. Look for a trowel with a comfortable grip and a narrow, sturdy blade that can cut into soil easily.
Hand Fork or Cultivator
Don’t skip buying a hand trowel or cultivator, as it’s a basic gardening tool. This tool is used to scratch and roughen up the soil in gardens or containers. It’s also used to remove small weeds. A strong handle and shaft are vital since a cheap fork may snap after its first use.
Long-Handled Shovels and Spades
A long-handled spade with a flat, straight-edged blade is good for cutting roots, digging straight-sided holes, removing plants and weeds, and making edgings. Long-handled garden shovels with pointed, rounded blades are great for digging holes and transferring soil.
Garden Rake
A garden rake is a tool with a long handle and a series of metal tines or prongs attached to the end. It’s used for tasks like leveling soil, removing debris and preparing garden beds for planting. The tines of a garden rake can be made of various materials, such as metal, plastic, or bamboo, and can be of varying widths and shapes depending on the specific task. Garden rakes are essential for any gardener, landscaper, or homeowner who wants to maintain outdoor spaces.
Hand Pruners
A pruner is the most important tool for cutting or trimming small branches from plants, shrubs, and trees. A bypass-style pruner is preferable, where the top blade cuts past the bottom blade, resulting in quick, tear-free cuts; this allows plants to heal quickly. Hand pruners can also help harvest ripe vegetables without damaging the plant. Look for razor-sharp blades and a comfortable grip when choosing a hand pruner.
Watering Can
A watering can is a container with a spout and a handle used to water plants, flowers, and other vegetation. It’s essential for maintaining a healthy and vibrant garden, allowing gardeners to give their plants the right amount of water. Watering cans come in different sizes and materials, such as plastic, metal, or ceramic. Some may have additional features, such as a spray nozzle for gentler watering.
