The paradox of choice can make shopping for any item more difficult and overwhelming than it should be, gardening tools included. Gardening and hardware stores offer so many different types of tools it can be hard to know which ones you really need. That’s why we’ve put together a short list of 5 essential tools every gardener should own.
Spade
Building and maintaining a garden without this tool is like washing dishes without a sponge or cloth; the job won’t get done properly. Spades are used for digging, dividing, lifting and edging. While there are different types of spades available, the garden spade should be the first if not the only spade in your tool shed. It is strong, versatile and will work as hard as you do. The best gardening spades are typically made of carbon or stainless steel. If you’re looking to invest in a larger spade, purchase one that has treads or shoe protectors on the top of the blade. These will spare your feet unwanted pain after a long day in the garden.
Trowel
Trowels are like smaller (but equally important) handheld versions of spades. A trowel is used for smaller gardening chores like digging holes, cultivating, removing weeds, transplanting and mixing soil and other additives. DYK that if you have back or mobility issues, you can purchase trowels with telescopic handles or ergonomic designs.
Rake
Rakes are great organizers. They help prepare soil before you start planting, keep weeds under control, and smooth out the overall appearance of a garden. If you need to just skim over the surface of your garden, collect unwanted debris and ensure soil remains clump-free, then buying a rake with rounded tines is fine. But if you need one that will really dig into the soil and get its teeth dirty, then make sure to purchase a rake with sharper, pointed tines.
Hand Pruners
When it comes to maintenance work, few tools do a better job than hand pruners. This staple garden tool is used to control disease and remove dead stems and leafs, promote growth, cut and harvest flowers, and reduce the width or height of a plant. Investing in a more expensive pruner will pay off in the long run because it will last longer and perform better than a cheaper one.
Gardening Gloves and a Hat
While gloves and a hat may not seem that important, your hands and face will thank you for wearing them. Gardening gloves act as a shield against the sharp and jagged things that reside in a garden. And, they’ll help prevent blisters from developing on your hands. Similarly, a hat will keep the sun out of your eyes and protect your face from harmful UV rays and sunburns.
For more gardening tips, or to find out how you can get our Less Mess gardening and landscaping products delivered directly to you, visit our other Less Mess pages.
