Every garden project requires the appropriate tool. Using the right tool will make your job much easier. One thing to keep in mind when shopping for garden tools is comfort. Tools which are too heavy can quickly become tiresome while tools which are not heavy enough seem to be poorly made. Craftsmanship is also important. The handles of well made tools are made either fiberglass or from high-quality wood such as ash. The following are the tools which every gardener should own.
Grading Rake – The grading rake is essential for smoothing soil after it has been tilled. Ideal for finish work when preparing planting beds or a new lawn, it enables you to give your garden a finished smooth grade.
Dutch Hoe – These gardening tools are ideal for cultivating compacted soil as well as weeding flower gardens. It is perfect for perennial gardens which often end up with compacted soil due to frequent maintenance. Dutch hoes are also perfect for loosening soil prior to planting vegetable gardens and annual beds.
Edger - This gardening tool helps flower gardens and shrub borders retain their shape. Over time gardens lose their crisp lines due to encroaching lawns. Edging a garden a few times over the course of a season will prevent grass roots from taking hold in the planting beds.
Pitch Fork - The pitch fork is the perfect tool for aerating compacted soil, turning over and preparing garden beds and dividing grasses and perennials. In addition to being useful in these gardening projects, pith forks are often used to spread mulch in the spring.
Reel Mower – Engineless push reel mowers are great for the small lawn. They use no gas, don’t pollute and actually give a cleaner cut than a power mower. One drawback is that this type of mower tends to get bogged down a bit in taller grass so more frequent mowing may be necessary. The modern version of this type of mower is light weight and easy to maneuver.
Hand Pruners - There are 2 types of hand pruners. One type has bypass blades, which slip past each other when closed and cut the branch cleanly. Anvil type pruners have a blade which closes down on to a surface which cuts plant. Generally, hand pruners able to prune branches up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter. Select a pair of garden shears that fits comfortably in your hand.
Loppers – These are basically pruners with long handles which provide leverage and the ability to prune larger branches.
Pruning Saw – The pruning saw is a very useful tool which is small enough fit into the middle of a shrub to cut a branch or deadwood.
There are many tools which help gardeners maintain and build beautiful gardens. New gardeners, though, should have at least the tools on this list.
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