For all new homeowners just starting out as freshly-minted gardeners, there are a few essential items that must be acquired in order to have a successful garden. Even the most seasoned plant pundits will attest to the necessity of these handy tools of the trade. Depending on the size, location, and landscaping of your garden, you might need some of these items more than others. For example, if you choose to plant bulbs, you will need a bulb auger. On the other hand, a trellis might benefit vine plants and those requiring extra support.
It’s a good idea to draw up a plan for your garden before you start. Keep in mind which plant types you are hoping to include and the seasons in which they will grow. You can then use this blueprint as a guide for determining which tools will suit your needs best. To get you started, here are the top 13 essential gardening tools.
Gloves
Before digging into the dirt or pruning any plants, good gardeners will always put on their protective gloves. These may be of a colorful cloth or a stitched protective leather variety. Some outdoor gloves may include a rubber grip inside the palm for the purpose of gripping tools. Gloves provide an important layer of protection between your skin and any insects, residues, or pesticides.
Hat
Particularly if your garden doesn’t have much shade, a hat is helpful against the blazing sun. Sunburns can ruin the fun of gardening and lead to greater health risks. Opt for a wide-brimmed hat rather than a baseball cap to fully protect your neck, shoulders, and face from harmful rays.
Watering Can or Hose
Any garden will require a reliable water source. Consider either a portable watering can or a hose sprinkler system. If you will be out of your home often and unable to water your garden on your own every day, you might invest in a smart sprinkler system on a timer that will water your garden for you every day or as needed.
Seat or Kneeler
Supportive sneakers and a comfortable seat will do wonders for any gardener’s back and feet. Particularly advisable for those with lower back or joint issues, a garden seat or kneeler is ideal to take the weight off while you tend to your fresh garden plants.
Garden Hoe
A garden hoe is a very simple tool with an important purpose. Its flat head is used to cultivate the ground and pull up weeds before the new seeds are planted for the upcoming season. Garden hoes are often long so that they can cover larger areas more quickly and efficiently.
Pitchfork
A pitchfork is usually not necessary for small gardens, but it may be more effective in larger gardens and on agricultural farms to move bulk hay and feed. It has three prongs typically and is often used to lift and toss loose material.
Rake
As you prepare the yard space for your new plants, a rake is important for clearing the area of all leaves, scraps, and dead foliage from the winter. Rakes are particularly useful for collecting leaves in a pile before disposing of them. Be wary of kids (and adults!) taking a leap into the fresh pile to spread them everywhere for fun.
Bulb and Bedding Plant Auger
If you plan for any bulb plants such as tulips, a bulb and bedding plant auger is helpful for drilling deep holes. The bulb and bedding auger will be helpful in digging out flower beds that previously had bulbs in the ground.
Hori Hori Garden Knife
The Hori Hori knife is a Japanese invention that serves as a multipurpose tool for digging and cutting. The steel knife is pointed and sharp at the end with blades on each side. With its small size, it’s often the most versatile and easy to carry.
Pruning Shears
As plants grow and new sprouts take form, the old and dying parts of the plant must be removed in a process known as “deadheading.” This is critical to direct the plant’s internal water and nutrient distribution only to the places that need it, not to the dead parts of the plant. There are simple tutorials online for how to deadhead plants in your garden using household pruning shears. Deadheading without pruning shears may risk damage to the stem and leaves.
Gardening Hand Tools Set
Many hardware stores will sell a cost-effective kit with several hand tools for gardening. These items are the perfect size for handheld use as you dig out small holes for seeds and lightly move around loose soil. These typically include a trowel, transplant trowel, weeder, hand rake, and cultivator.
Tool Bag
When moving all around the garden as well as to and from the storage shed or garage, it can be a challenge to carry all of your smaller handheld tools. A neat bag to carry all of your items is helpful to keep everything stored together and easily accessible.
Basket for Harvest
Finally, when you’re ready for some fresh flower-picking and vegetable gathering, it is most desirable to have a basket for collecting your harvest. With the proper care and the right tools, your garden will take off without a hitch and flourish throughout the growing season.
Melanie Theriault is a writer, counselor, and lifelong learner. She holds a B.A. in Sociology from Southwestern University, where she discovered her passion for fostering human connection through storytelling.
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