Gardening is as simple as reciting the alphabet if you have the right tools. But how do you know which tool is perfect for you?
If you’ve ever been to a store to acquire a few garden tools, I’m sure you’ll understand the struggle involved. There are usually so many questions to be answered: “Which do I really need?” “What style or size is ideal for me?” “How much should I pay?” “How do I pick a good one?”
This can become quickly overwhelming, particularly if you’ve had no previous experience in gardening. Well, take a deep breath, relax, and read on.
In this piece, we’ll look at the top 10 tools you should have in your yard, as well as what to consider when selecting them. Remember, your garden tools will last for several years, and making the perfect choices matters a lot.
Shovel/Spade
Whatever you choose to call it, a shovel is an essential tool to have in your garden’s armory. A spade is designed basically to cut and dig and is therefore flat at edges. A shovel, meanwhile, can perform more functions such as scooping and moving soil. It is as well useful for mulching due to its rounded edges.
What To Look For: Your height matters when choosing a shovel. Pick one with a handle length that you find convenient. The blade should be made from high-quality stainless material, preferably thick-gauge steel. Lastly, settle for one with a flat ledge on the blade so you can step on it for more digging purposefulness.
Trowels
Related to shovels to an extent, both discharge similar duties, although trowels are intended for lifting lighter loads. A trowel is more suitable for loosening up the soil base of grown crops, or peripheral digging when planting smaller crops.
What To Look For: The convenience of handling and the strength of the trowel are two fundamental factors to consider. Trowels are likely to dig and chop through compact soil and tough roots, especially when loosening the base of existing crops. It is, therefore, necessary to select a blade sturdy enough to do these without bending or breaking. As you’ll be holding your trowel often as well, you should choose one with a padded handle.
Gloves
A glove is a must-have for many, especially when you consider the coarseness of some soils. What’s more, some soils are filled with sharp stones and bugs. We understand that you may like the feel of the earth against your bare palm, but you have to stay safe when necessary.
What To Look For: Your gloves must fit snugly so you can get a feel of what you’re doing. A pair of latex gloves is advisable due to its water-resistant abilities. Gloves are to be replaced yearly or when necessary.
Rake
Your rake serves two primary purposes in the garden: to smoothen and loosen the soil (bow rake) and rake up leaves and other dirt (leaf rake). The type of rake you acquire largely depends on your garden.
What To Look For: For a bow rake, settle for blades made of sturdy material capable of breaking up soil and one with a backside useful for leveling. The tines of a leaf rake, on the other hand, should be strong and flexible and made from plastic or aluminum. When selecting either, make sure to choose materials that won’t rust over the years.
Cultivator
A cultivator is used alongside a trowel when planting smaller annuals. It is as well beneficial in reaching places that are difficult or impossible to access with larger tools. A cultivator can best be described as a bow rake for the hands.
What To Look For: An ideal cultivator would have a convenient handle and strongly curved tines. Wider cultivators are used to break up soil before planting, while narrower ones are basically for reaching tight spaces between plants.
Snips
Primarily for flower lovers, snips are used to deadhead and handle the details of flowers and herbs. They work better than scissors or shears as they allow more control.
What To Look For: Get a pair of snips with sharp blades as they might have to cut through stubborn stems. Also, snips with a cover for the tip are recommended so you can carry them about in your pockets as you work the garden.
Pruners
Pruning generally refers to cutting or trimming your flowers or shrubs. The two common types of hand pruners are bypass and anvil. A bypass has a top curved blade, resembling a sickle that is located just above the main blade, thereby allowing a more detailed and neater cut. An anvil meanwhile has two blades that meet right in the middle like the blades of shears.
What To Look For: A bypass pruner is used more often, especially when you’re dealing with woody stems. You have to settle for one with comfortable handles or grips and with blades that open and close perfectly. Ensure the blades are high-quality to avoid rusts over time.
Loppers
There’s a joke that loppers are bypass pruners on energy pills. Loppers have extra long handles that grant easier and better access to high places in the garden. What’s more, loppers have thick blades that cut through sturdy branches or stems in a single press.
What To Look For: Some loppers come with extendable handles despite their already long lengths. You should go for these as they will help reach even the highest spot in your garden. Go for blades with nonstick coating as this makes cutting through wood much easier and faster. Avoid rust-prone blades and keep dry when not in use.
Watering Can
Some may argue that a watering-can has gone out of style due to the emergence of mechanical garden hoses, but we don’t think so. It can be inconvenient to move a heavy tube around the house, isn’t it? A watering can is particularly helpful when planting seedlings or new annuals.
What To Look For: Although a large-sized watering can be much more helpful, settle for one you can easily move about the garden. Galvanized steel lasts for a long time, although plastic cans are also durable as long as you keep them protected from extreme heat. Lastly, settle for a removable sprinkler head if available.
Weeder
A good weeder helps to cut through tough stems, penetrate the soil and uproot roots while aerating the soil at the same time.
What To Look For: Look for a weeder with sturdy blades and comfortable handle as you’ll be putting it through the soil a lot. Weeders go loose at the handles a lot due to the nature of their functions. You should, therefore, buy one with a lifetime warranty to avoid recurrent repair expenses.
John Wick
The tool I like best is the wheelbarrow. It has made my life much simpler since I have bought one. YOu can grab all your tools place them inside, then wheel right to the place of the project. What do you think?