Garden Tools You Should Have on Hand
Whether you’re just starting out with your first garden or have been gardening for years, it’s always worth keeping the right tools on hand.
Having the right tools can save you time and money, making it possible to spend more time enjoying your garden and less time worrying about its maintenance. Here are a few key garden tools you’ll want to add to your arsenal:
Shovel
A shovel is a hand tool that can help with a variety of garden tasks, such as digging, transplanting, and making shallow trenches. It can also be used to remove dirt or debris.
A good shovel should be comfortable to use and strong enough to withstand regular use, and it should not be too heavy. It should also be made from a material that is not susceptible to rust or water damage.
The blade of a garden shovel is usually made of aluminum or steel, and the handle is typically wood. Some models have a fiberglass handle, which is lightweight and shock-absorbing.
Trowel
Trowels are a handy tool to have around the garden. They can be used for transplanting, planting seeds, and digging up weeds. They can also be helpful when working in rocky soil, so be sure to choose one with a narrow blade that won’t snag or damage the soil.
The handle should be comfortable to hold for long periods, and it should also have a non-slip grip. Make sure the blade is sharp and won’t rust or bend.
Some trowels have a narrow, flat blade for moving small amounts of dirt, while others have a longer blade that can dig deeper holes for planting seedlings or removing weeds. Some have a serrated edge for cutting roots or tough soil.
Hoe
The Hoe is a handy tool that can help with a variety of garden tasks. From weeding to tilling soil before planting new seeds, a good hoe will help you get the job done quickly and with minimal strain on your back and hands.
A hoe with a sharp blade is the best choice for removing weeds and loosening the soil. However, some gardeners choose to use powered cultivators instead of a hoe.
A garden hoe can help you break up tough, clay soil, which is especially important for vegetables and flowers. You can also use it to clear weeds between rows and in between plants.
Digging Fork
The Digging Fork is a great tool for digging out and turning soil. It is ideal for aerating and mixing in soil nutrients, moving mulch and sod, turning compost and harvesting potatoes and other root vegetables.
A digging fork can also be used to replant perennials, particularly those with large, undamaged roots. This can be more effective than using a spade for transplanting because the tines of the fork are stronger and penetrate problem soils easier than a spade could.
A digging fork is usually made out of steel, though it can be made out of other materials as well. The handle is often wood or fiberglass to reduce weight and increase durability.
Rake
The rake is one of the most important garden tools, as it can help you with many of your gardening tasks. You can use it to level soil or sand, rake up flower beds, and even scrape away weeds.
There are different types of rakes to choose from, depending on your needs. If you need a heavy-duty rake, look for one made of metal.
If you want to use it for lighter work, consider a plastic-bodied leaf rake. These are light and easy to move, but they don’t have the heft or durability of steel-bodied rakes.
A landscaping rake is another type that can be used to smooth ground surfaces, such as tarmac and concrete. A lake rake is also available, and it’s a great tool for cleaning up debris in water gardens.
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