Five Gardening Tools Worth Starting With

It is easy to look at garden tools without knowing which one you need. Let the next job decide. Buy something comfortable that you will use, rather than filling a shed with equipment that stays there. A few useful tools also mean less to store and care for.

These five cover different tasks. A container garden may need fewer than a large bed, so you do not have to buy the whole list. Try borrowing before purchasing to see what suits your hands, strength and available space.

Gloves

Pulling out weeds, pruning your roses, sowing seeds, and thinning seedlings all can turn into a thorn and splinter-full task. This is why you need a good, durable pair of gloves to protect your hands while you work in your garden.

Try and look for gloves that fit correctly on your hands, are not too bulky, and are not too tight either. Gloves should be durable but also breathable and comfortable. Water-resistant gloves are also a great idea. Gloves that are longer and cover a bigger part of your forearm are also recommended to protect your forearms from scratches and to stop dirt and soil from getting into the gloves.

Trowel

A trowel is basically a small, handheld shovel that can help you dig, mix fertilizer in the soil, remove and dislodge weeds, and a lot more. It is one of the most used tools for basic beginner gardens.

Make sure the handle of the trowel you purchase fits comfortably in your hand, as you will be using this tool a lot. There are trowels with broad blades and trowels with long narrow blades. Choose the type you think you will need the most!

Secateurs

A small stem is a job for secateurs, also known as hand pruners. Stay within the pair’s rated cutting capacity rather than forcing in a thick branch. Hedge shears and larger loppers are different tools. Check that the handles feel comfortable to operate.

After use, engage the lock and keep the tool away from children. Keep fingers clear whenever the blades are open. Follow the maker’s cleaning and care instructions, and choose a good fit rather than simply buying bigger.

Rake

A leaf rake is for loose leaves and light debris. Levelling prepared soil needs a sturdier garden rake; one does not replace the other for every task. Choose a suitable head and handle, move manageable loads and keep paths clear. Store the rake with its teeth where they cannot catch a person walking past.

Spade

Try a spade’s weight and handle before paying for it. The tool needs to feel comfortable to control. It can dig and edge garden beds, though you may have little use for one if your plants all grow in pots.

Check for buried services before digging, and choose suitable footwear for the work. Clean soil from the blade afterward, then dry and store the spade safely. Follow its care instructions rather than expecting any tool to last a lifetime without maintenance.