If you’re starting from scratch with your gardening tools or simply want to add a few more to your collection, it can be easy to go overboard. Gardening tools can be costly and take up a significant amount of space, so focusing on the essential tools will help keep your storage area from becoming cluttered or overcrowded. While there are always newer or bigger tools available, buying the highest quality tools that fit within your budget, as well as ensuring proper maintenance, will go a long way toward getting the most out of your gardening investment.
The 11 essential garden tools that we believe every homeowner and gardener should have include:
Gloves
While gardening can be a wonderfully relaxing and rewarding hobby, it can rapidly become a splintery and thorny experience without a proper pair of gloves. Choose gloves that fit well, aren’t too bulky, and are made of a fabric that is breathable and water-resistant.
Pruning Shears
Pruning shears, also called hand pruners, help to control any plants that may be taking over or growing out of control. There are different types of pruning shears available; some are designed for cutting dead wood, whereas others are meant for trimming live plants and green wood. Choose pruners that fit comfortably in the palm of your hand, and remember to have them sharpened regularly.
Loppers
Loppers are another kind of cutting tool and are essentially pruning shears with a long handle that allows you to trim further away or hard-to-reach branches. The long handle also provides more leverage, which makes cutting through branches with a larger diameter possible. Choose a pair that is made of aluminum or carbon composite to ensure they aren’t too heavy for you to maneuver safely.
Garden Fork
A garden fork is helpful for digging into dense soil and turning the soil over. Choose a garden fork that has curved spines, as it will be more helpful in turning compost or scooping mulch. If you will be digging in more compacted soil that has lots of rocks or clay, choose a fork with straight tines.
Hand Trowel
One of the most essential hand tools, trowels are incredibly useful for transplanting plants and herbs, planting in containers, and removing weeds. When choosing a trowel, select one with a broad blade that will move more soil. You can also consider a long, narrow blade that will work well to dig up weeds or work with rocky soil. Ensure the handle fits comfortably in your hand, and choose one with a stainless steel head.
Spade
A spade is a short-handled square shovel that makes easy work of digging holes for plants, edging, lifting and moving sod, and relocating small piles of dirt to another area. Often, spaces are more on the pricey side, but a high-quality spade will last for decades.
Rake
As leaves and debris begin to fall, your trusty rake will be there to clean them up. Rakes are available in a wide variety of sizes and styles, but a great starter option to consider is a standard leaf rake. Choose a rake with stainless steel tines and a long handle.
Hoe
The type of garden you have will decide which type of hoe is best for you and your needs. While a veggie garden requires a wide and sturdy hoe, perennial gardens need a more delicate hoe, so a thinner hoe would work better. Hoes are helpful when it comes to preparing flower and garden beds, as well as cutting down weeds. Choose a hoe with a long reach, comfortable handle, and sharp blade.
Garden Hose & Nozzle
As you know, water is essential to the life of your garden, and having a hose that can reach every area is of great importance. An adjustable nozzle on the hose allows you to control the water pressure, as well as the mode and radius of spray. Measure or estimate the length of hose you will need before buying, and always be sure to store your hose carefully coiled and out of direct sunlight.
Watering Can
Watering cans are available in both plastic and metal and can be found in a wide variety of styles, colours, and nozzle types. Choose one that is fairly lightweight, well-balanced, and has a comfortable handle.
Wheelbarrow
If you have a large outdoor space or have a lot of extra soil, mulch, or compost that needs to be moved, a wheelbarrow is an important tool to have. Choose one that is easy to pull, is well balanced, and is rust-proof. Ensure you keep the wheels well inflated to ensure ease of use.
The Bottom Line
By investing in these essential landscaping and gardening tools, you will have everything you need to keep your garden beautiful and lush for years to come. If you want to learn more about essential gardening tools and garden care or to receive a quote on your next landscape project, contact us at Mountview Services today!