It’s easy to overspend when buying landscaping tools. They can take up lots of space and can cost a lot of money, however staying concentrated on the fundamentals will help keep your storage or shed space from becoming overcrowded. There’s always more and better and better, but investing in top quality equipment that you can afford and keeping them maintained, will go a long way to getting the most value the investment.
Here are some essential tools for gardening to start your garden projects in your head:
1. Gloves
While gardening is an enjoyable pastime but it could quickly transform into a difficult and painful splintery mess if you do not have the proper gloves.
They should be durable, but not overly heavy, especially when working in the field with seedlings or transplanting seedslings.
It is crucial to fit properly, since improperly fitting gloves could cause burns or accidents as a result of sliding off.
Fabrics that are waterproof and breathable will to keep your hands comfortable and cool.
The longer cuffs shield wrists and forearms from scratching and stop dirt from entering.
Protect your gloves from the sun far from water, and free of insects.
Botanical photographer, Ellen Hoverkamp recommends Foxgloves. They are made from high-tech sports fabric that is waterproof, breathable, and offers a shape fit which has been described as a “second skin’.
2. Pruning Shears
Hand pruners, sometimes referred to as secateurs, can help control plants that are growing overgrown and encroaching on. Anvil-style pruners are cut using an edged blade that is pressed against with a flat surface like a knife placed on a table. Bypass pruners cut using an edged blade that is pushed through the sharp edge of a flat surface much like cutting tools.
Anvil pruners work best on dead wood, and may cause injuries to fresh branch, green stems, and stems.
Bypass pruners work better for living plants as well as green wood.
Pruners should easily fit into your hand.
Ratcheting pruners offer increased cutting power, which is ideal for people with diminished hands or joint pain.
To prevent scrubbing and injuries to plants, pruning tools are recommended to be sharpened on a regular basis. (See Garden Tool Care & Maintenance for more details)
If you are looking for an anvil-like pruning tool, Hovercamp recommends ratcheting pruners. The added strength of the actions of ratcheting makes cutting through harder or thicker branches much easier.
3. Loppers
A different cutting instrument, loppers are long-handled pruners, which are used to trim difficult-to-access areas and cut larger branches. Long handles give force needed to cut through branches that are up to 1 inch or more in diameter. There are bypass and anvil kinds, much like pruners. Handles usually are between 16 and 36 inches.
Bypass Lloppers are more precise when it comes to cutting location than anvils.
Longer handled loppers may be heavy. Be aware of what you’ll be cutting and the length you’ll need to reach before you can determine the proper length.
Carbon-composite handles or aluminum handles that are lightweight are lighter.
Like pruners, keep the lopper blades in good shape and keep them sharp.
For anvil-style loppersthat are a bit more traditional, our editors suggest that you use the Tabor Tool GG12 anvil Lopper. It can cut branches that measure up at 2 inches diameter. It is ideal for growth that is dry or woody. Carbon steel blades stay sharp, making cutting a breeze.
4. Garden Fork
A powerful tool to turn dirt, gardening forks be used to dig deeper into soil than spades.
Forks with a slight bend towards the spines can be useful for scooping mulch and turning compost piles. They are similar to the pitchfork.
Straight tines are more suitable to dig with; ideal for compacted, rock, and clay-based soils.
Square tines are more robust than flat tines, which may be bent when they strike roots or rocks.
The landscape designer Genevieve Schmidt recommends the Radius Garden 203 Pro Ergonomic Steel Digging Fork. The stainless steel square tines are resistant to rust as well as the ergonomically designed handle comes with an anti-slip grip.
Click here for the best home decor and garden tools.
5. Hand Trowel
The hand tool of choice trowels are fantastic to transplant bedding plants and herb plants, planting containers, and removing plants and weeds.
Choose a broad blade to move soil, or a longer and narrow blade for digging out weeds and the soil that is rocky.
The handle should be comfortable within your palm.
Trowels made of stainless steel or with a head made of stainless steel will last longer and last longer.
Schmidt also suggests also the Garrett Wade Tulip Trowel. Its razor-sharp blades can break through the roots of trees easily, which makes it ideal for the planting of bulbs and planting around trees.
6. Spade
Short-handled square shovels are great for gardening. They are great for drilling holes in plants for trimming the soil, lifting it up, and shifting small mounds of dirt from one location to another. This tool may be costly however a quality spade will last throughout the time you garden.
The treads that are on at the top provide more durability and a comfortable surface for your feet when you require an additional push.
Ash wood handles are strong and absorb vibration and shock.
Usually, you can choose between long and shorter handles. Longer handles offer more leverage however they are also heavier.
The stainless steel heads are durable and will not rust.
The executive director for the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens William Cullina suggests using the King of Spades Model 38 Balling Spade. It features a nearly unbreakable handle made of aluminum tubing, and a heated blade that has sharp edges.
7. Rake
If leaves and other debris fall on your rake, it’s ready to sweep them away. Rakes are available in a range of sizes and styles however, a good starting point is a traditional leaf rake.
The rakes that are adjustable can take the place of a variety of tools for reaching into tight spaces or accumulating large collections of fallen leaves.
Steel tines are more durable and can be more rough on lawns with delicate grass than plastic tines.
Our editors suggest the Gardenrite Adjustable Leaf Rake. The rake head can expand between 7 and 22 inches. When folded it occupies less space.
8. Hoe
Your garden’s type will determine what kind of hoe you need. A veggie garden may require a sturdy, wide hoe. If you’ve got perennial gardens it is advisable to use a delicate feel and a lighter hoe might be needed. Hoes are helpful in the preparation of the flower beds and garden beds as well as trimming the weeds.
Find a handle that is comfortable with a wide reach.
A sharp blade is more efficient and is much easier to use.
Weeding hoes also known as stirrup or hula hoes are equipped with an open head. They are moved forward and back just below the surface of the soil to trim the the top growth.
Flat hoes are ideal for turning the soil into rows in vegetable gardens.
Our editors suggest our readers the garden hoe from Rogue, 575G. It features a premium steel head, which is tempered and holds its sharp edge. It has been sharpened on 3 sides to allow it to be used at any angle.