Have you ever been to the garden tool department of your local garden center or big box store and been overwhelmed by the selection of garden tools? I know I have. Do you need ALL of the different types of tools that are hanging there? NO. But they will tell you that you do.
As you know, I did not get my gardening start with a variety of tools at my disposal. I started out on my first gardening adventure with an arsenal of ‘tools’ that consisted of a set of sewing scissors, a table fork, a steak knife or two and a few spoons both large and small. Yes…Yes I did. I was fortunate enough to have a dad who took pity on me and donated me a shovel and an old lawnmower…which I believe I eventually donated to my sister…but that was a long time ago and I really don’t remember for sure! I do remember mowing the lawn with a lawnmower that took forever for me to start…and then doing all my edging by sliding on my very pregnant bottom around each bed and down the sidewalk with my sewing scissors…(which I probably borrowed from my mother!) Oh the neighbors used to look at me funny…I eventually did get a better lawn mower, and for my birthday the first year, I got a weed ‘wacker’/trimmer. But I did learn that there is no such thing as not being able to do something …unless you don’t want to. In spite of my make due tools, my gardens looked fabulous compared to many of the others on my street! I was so very proud!
Garden tools don’t need to be fancy or expensive, but they should be of good quality. I still just use the basics. I do not purchase tools that are gimmicks…and to buy a fairly good quality product…you get what you pay for after all. There really is a lot of junk out there for sale. This lesson was also learned the hard way. I have purchased some of the tools that are supposed to take the “work” out of weeding…ya…they took something…my money…and my patience! That being the lesson I took…I decided I needed to know what I wanted. After a bit of research and a lot of experience, I have come to some very basic conclusions.
The best tools…are the basics. I do not have a favorite brand name…just whatever works for me. Getting a quality tool will serve your purpose much better than a cheap one, but only buy what you can afford at the time. A bigger price tag does not always mean a better product!
The following is a list of some basic tools that are handy when working in your garden:
-Garden Fork (handle length is key here…as well as quality. You don’t want to have a cheap one that will bend and break the first week you have it!)
-Hoe ( consider your height when choosing a handle. Some are too short for the taller gardener)
-Pruning Shears (don’t need to cost a fortune, but should be decently sharp and sized)
-Pronged Hand Cultivator (make sure your handle fits your hand comfortably)
-Spade (make sure the handle is long enough, and that it has a nice shape. I sharpen mine for better cutting)
-Trowel ( lightweight and a handle that will fit your hand…also..consider the quality of this..will it easily break or bend in harder soil?)
-Watering Can (you can get them in various sizes…choose the one you think you can handle…and one with a removable rose (end with lots of little holes) is a good idea)
-Hose (watch that you don’t get ripped off…there is no such thing as kink proof -at least not from what I have seen- and make sure it is the right length)
-Hose Nozzle (one with a nice range of settings…but not too expensive)
-Lawnmower (make sure you are able to push it…or get self propelled)
-Edger (nothing too fancy…just the basics…but make sure you can replace the cutting piece if need be-string or blade)
-Wheelbarrow (the ones with air-filled wheels are best…they roll better)When you go to purchase these tools…you should test them out. Hold them, make sure they fit your hand, and are comfortable. Make sure they are not too heavy or will easily break, and that they are not too expensive. If you are purchasing things like hoes, spades and forks, make sure the handle is the right length for you…and save your back some pain.
-Gloves Having a good pair or two of gardening gloves is a great idea. When you purchase your gloves, make sure they are a good fit, and are water resistant. I also like to have a pair that are thick enough to resist (for the most part) the thorns from some of the roses etc. that I deal with. A good fit is the key to being happy in your gloves…if they are too big they will simply not feel right and you will find them awkward to work with.
-Reference materials. Having some reference books or magazines on hand is often a good idea. Make sure that you have books that are appropriate for your climate and zone. Learning what will work in Florida when you live in Alberta, is going to do you no good. I pick up magazines and books from the bookstores all the time, that are focused directly on my zone. I do on occasion, stop and look at books directed at climates that are not mine…just to daydream…or make a challenge to grow them in my greenhouse, (which is much more tropical than the climate outside!) You can also pick up a few little gardening tips out of these books.
-Working with the right garden tools will make your hobby more enjoyable. Not only will you be a more efficient and effective gardener…you will save yourself some sore muscles!
What tools do you like to use? Do you have a favorite brand that you are loyal to? Leave us a comment and let us know what you like to use…we can’t wait to hear from you!
Until next time…happy gardening!
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`*.¸.*´Glenda/Tootsie
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