If you’re a gardening enthusiast and you’re thinking of diving a bit deeper into your hobby, gardening tools are probably often on your mind. When you don’t have a lot of gardening experience, it’s easy to get lost in the whirlwind of tools and tips telling you exactly what you need. You don’t want to go overboard and spend a small fortune on equipment you’ll never actually use. We’ve made a list of the top ten gardening tools you must have:
- Gardening gloves
Safety first! Not only will you be digging and cutting, but you’ll also be around thorns as well as splinters. Minor injuries are very common, but they are also preventable if you have a pair of quality gardening gloves. With good gloves on your hands, you’ll get more work done without feeling uncomfortable, and you’ll also prevent blisters and cuts.
- Hand trowel
A hand trowel is convenient and compact, and it allows you to dig up and replant plants with ease. Because there are so many different trowels out there, you should know how to pick the right one for you. Pay attention to the way the blade and the handle are connected. You are looking for a tool with a sturdy connection and a handle that will feel comfortable in your hand.
- Garden hoe
Those simplest tasks like ending your lawn can be very difficult to perform if you have the wrong tools. A good garden hoe will save your back and help you cultivate your soil so that it’s perfect for all of your growing plants. The best thing about this tool is that it’s very versatile and essential for planting and weeding.
- Garden hose
Unless you’re living in the wettest and rainiest part of the world, you’re going to need a garden hose at some point. You should find a durable hose reel and keep it in your shed to protect it from the elements. Remember that the length of your hose will greatly affect water pressure, so if you have a big garden and use a long hose; prepare to deal with a lower watering pressure.
- Wheelbarrow
There will be times when you will have to carry a lot of things from one corner of your yard to another. Or you will have to transport a heavy box full of smaller tools to your flower beds. A good wheelbarrow will save your time and your back, whatever the scenario is. When not in use, store them in the shed, and keep all of your smaller tools and gloves in them so you’ll always be ready to spring into action.
- Shovel
When a job requires you to scoop up a big amount of waste, a shovel will do the trick. Not only will you be able to move dirt and pebbles, but you can also use it to deal with mulch, compost, or fertilizer. Pick the best one for you by making sure the handle is long enough for your height and comfortable enough for your hands.
- Digging fork
A garden fork is a must-have for the most difficult and physically draining gardening tasks. It’s versatile and can be used to break up compact soil and soften it in the corners you never gardened before. It’s also handy for aerating lawns and creating holes for seeding. Use digging forks to remove dried weeds and stones and mix in soil treatment.
- Spade
A handy tool with a narrow, flat head and a long handle, it’s perfect for bigger digging tasks but also for edging beds and lawns. You can also use a spade to divide shrubs, transplant your herbs and flowers, do some trenching, and so on.
- Rake
After digging and fertilizing the soil, use rakes to level and smooth it so it can absorb water better. Rakes will also easily remove leaves, small stones, branches, and weeds. If dried leaves are giving you trouble and you don’t want to buy a blower, getting a lightweight, fan-shaped rake will do the trick.
- Bow saw
A bow saw is a must to prune and shape your shrubs and trees. It’s perfect for occasional pruning woody and bushy weeds such as briars. A good saw will make heavy cutting tasks much easier when small secateurs don’t work.
Gardening tools are many, and once you start buying them, it’s easy to get carried away and spend a small fortune on things you don’t actually need. However, by staying focused and covering basics first, you’ll save space and money. When it comes to buying gardening tools, it’s better to focus on quality than quantity.
