Today we are going to present 4 basic gardening tools that you must have, as well as the gardening machinery, which facilitates the work in the garden. What are the basic gardening tools is a complicated question to answer, because it will depend on the type of garden you have and the use you are going to give. We are going to leave you the most common ones and they are used more often.
Basic Gardening Tools
If you want to have the best garden possible, it is not enough to have desire and much enthusiasm, it is also necessary to have the necessary garden tools, to make it easier for you to work and to help you carry out your ideas, optimizing time and effort.
In garden shops you will find many tools for the garden that can be useful in your task, however, there are four of them that are basic and that you should know, in this article we talk about them.
To successfully plant your plants you must invest money in a good set of tools for the garden. The equipment for the basic garden is:
Hand Tools
1. Trowel – A trowel is a small handheld tool with a pointed, scoop-shaped metal blade and a handle. It is essential for digging small holes, transplanting seedlings, and mixing soil. Look for a trowel with a comfortable grip and a sturdy stainless-steel blade to prevent bending or rusting.
2. Hand Fork – A hand fork, also known as a cultivator, has three or four short, sturdy tines. Choose one with a durable metal head and an ergonomic handle to reduce hand strain.
3. Pruning Shears (Secateurs) – Pruning shears are designed for trimming small branches, deadheading flowers, and shaping shrubs. Bypass pruners, which work like scissors, are ideal for live plants, while anvil pruners are better for deadwood. Keep blades sharp and clean to ensure precise cuts and prevent disease spread.
4. Garden Knife (Hori-Hori) – A garden knife is a versatile tool with a sharp, serrated edge for cutting roots, weeding, and opening bags of soil. Some models have measurement markings on the blade, making them useful for planting bulbs at consistent depths.
5. Weeder – A weeder is a specialized tool with a narrow, forked tip designed to remove deep-rooted weeds like dandelions. It minimizes soil disturbance and reduces the likelihood of weed regrowth.
Digging and Soil Preparation Tools
6. Spade – A spade has a flat, rectangular blade and is primarily used for digging, edging, and moving soil. Unlike a shovel, its blade is straight, making it better for precise work. Opt for a spade with a sharp edge and a comfortable handle for efficient digging.
7. Shovel – A shovel has a curved, pointed blade, making it ideal for scooping and lifting materials like soil, mulch, or compost. Choose a durable, rust-resistant shovel with a long handle for better leverage.
8. Garden Fork – A garden fork features four sturdy tines and is used for turning compost, breaking up heavy soil, and aerating garden beds. A stainless-steel fork is more durable and resistant to rust.
9. Hoe – Hoes come in various shapes, including the traditional flat hoe and the stirrup hoe. They are essential for weeding and breaking up soil before planting. A long-handled hoe reduces bending, making it easier to work for extended periods.
Watering Tools
10. Watering – Can A well-balanced watering can with a detachable rose (sprinkler head) ensures gentle watering for seedlings and delicate plants. Metal cans are durable, while plastic ones are lightweight.
11. Garden Hose with Adjustable Nozzle – A high-quality garden hose with an adjustable nozzle allows for varying water pressure, from a gentle spray to a strong jet.
12. Sprinkler – Sprinklers are useful for watering large areas efficiently. Oscillating sprinklers cover rectangular spaces, while rotating sprinklers provide circular coverage.
13. Soaker Hose – A soaker hose releases water slowly along its length, providing deep irrigation to plant roots while conserving water.
Pruning and Cutting Tools
14. Loppers – Loppers have long handles and strong blades for cutting thicker branches (up to 2 inches in diameter). Bypass loppers are best for live branches, while anvil loppers handle deadwood more effectively.
15. Hedge Shears – Hedge shears have long, straight blades for trimming hedges and shaping shrubs.
16. Pruning Saw – A pruning saw is necessary for cutting thicker branches that loppers cannot handle. Folding saws are portable, while fixed-blade models offer more stability.
Miscellaneous Tools
17. Garden Gloves – Durable gloves protect hands from thorns, blisters, and soil-borne pathogens. Leather gloves offer excellent protection, while synthetic ones provide better dexterity.
18. Rake – A leaf rake gathers debris, while a garden rake (bow rake) levels soil and removes clumps. Adjustable rakes are versatile for various tasks.
19. Soil pH Tester – A soil pH tester helps monitor soil acidity or alkalinity, ensuring optimal conditions for plant growth. Digital testers provide quick and accurate readings.
Riverside arborists to prune trees
Once you have your garden tool kit, you only need to choose the plants you prefer to start creating that idea that you have in your head. In addition to the basic tools, it is necessary that you first make a scheme of how you want to design your garden.
You may just want to put flowers or trees, but you also have the option of planting a small urban garden in your home, something that will give you the privileges of being able to eat your own organic vegetables.
Another important issue is garden machinery, such as the lawn mower or the composting machine, which involves a fairly high financial outlay. As advice, if you do not want to start with new tools you can look for second hand garden equipment as long as it is in good condition and its price is agreed. Another option is to opt for the rent of gardening machinery more economical and does not require you to have a space to store it.
This is only the first step, as you acquire the tools to become a gardener, you will have to think about buying a garden tool room but better go step by step without spending too much money at first. In short, if you want to start creating the garden of your dreams, first start by having your own set of garden tools.
Tool Maintenance Tips
– Clean tools after use to prevent rust and disease spread.
– Sharpen blades regularly for efficient cutting.
– Store tools in a dry place to prolong their lifespan.
– Oil metal parts to prevent corrosion.
Conclusion
Investing in high-quality gardening tools makes gardening more enjoyable and productive. By selecting the right equipment and maintaining it properly, gardeners can achieve healthy, thriving plants with minimal effort. Whether cultivating a small flower bed or managing a large vegetable plot, having these essential tools ensures a successful gardening experience.
