Picking the Right Gardening Tools
If you’re thinking about taking your gardening seriously and going out there each day to increase the appearance of your garden, then you will need to find the right gardening tools to help you in this. You may be tempted to look out to the shop and simply pick the closest items you see, but you’ll be much happier when you put a great deal of thought into the styles and types of tools you’re getting. There are styles designed only for gardening, and you’ll be better off getting those.
You will find most of the tools you should have in your nearby gardening or home improvement shop. Most of the employees will be thrilled to assist you in finding the proper tools. If you go to a shop that specializes in gardening, you can typically get some ideas in addition to service. Gardening store staff are commonly an untapped wealth of wisdom, and they’re how I learned almost all that I know about gardening now. In case you are having a hard time choosing the right gardening tools, or if you wish to save some money, you could try browsing online for the items you need. You’ll need to pay the delivery costs and wait an extra week or two, but typically if you buy several tools, the total savings will likely be worth it. It is best to purchase from a respected seller, though, and check around in advance for anything negative that people had to say about their buying experience.
The Right Gardening Tools
What are the Right Gardening Tools? I’m glad you asked.
What kind of gardening tools you need depends on what type of garden you are trying to grow. Basic garden tools can be found at your local hardware store, while high quality and specialty tools can be found in shops that cater specifically to gardeners. Here are a few tips on gardening tools to help you get started:
The first thing to take into consideration is the size of your garden. Obviously, large, heavy duty equipment may not be necessary for a smaller garden. There’s no need to purchase a ride-on lawn mower for a small patch of grass. Speaking of larger equipment, make sure that you have enough space to maneuver around your garden while using bigger tools. Also make sure that you are physically capable of using the equipment before you make your purchase.
So far as basic searching for tools go, you might currently have all you’ll need. There are numerous types that you should have though, for a variety of specific tasks. A round point shovel is perfect for digging holes for plants. A spade is necessary for all the intricate work. A garden fork you might not use as much, but I have one in my tool shed and I’ve been grateful for it on multiple occasions. Obtaining these different types of digging tools can help you to minimize the work you need to do. For example, if you try digging a huge hole with a little spade then you’ll end up rather exhausted. The same goes if you are trying to do more detailed work with a big clumsy shovel.
A rake is an overall basic need. You probably already have one, but I’m guessing it’s a lawn rake rather than a garden rake. There is definitely a difference, and if you try to use a lawn rake in a garden then you will not be happy with the results. Same if you buy a grading or a contractor’s rake. You’ll wish to get a bow-head rake. I’ve found these are the ideal for gardening purposes. They will provide you the highest control and accuracy, so you don’t accidentally tear up your precious plants.
As far as hoes go, I don’t believe any gardener needs to have less than 3. There are so many useful varieties out there which i have a hard time recommending only one, and that’s why I’ll let you know all the ones I usually use. The one I use the most is the onion hoe, which is really lightweight and ideal for small cultivation and weeding. The Warren hoe is a bigger model, with a pointed end. If you want to make a hole or dig out a pesky weed, this is the one for you. There are many other types, but I recommend beginning with the ones I mentioned. As you progress in your gardening savvy, you will find the need for more types.
Here is a list for the right gardening tools:
• Keep the blades of your secateurs sharp, so that you don’t damage your plants unnecessarily. Look for models with tension control that fit your grip. Secateurs typically cost about $50 – $130.
• When trimming your plants, remember that a pruning saw is for trees and larger shrubs, while secateurs are for smaller plants, such as roses. Pruning saws are usually $27- $55.
• Shovels are best for moving around dirt and soil, while spades have a flat blade that is best for digging, cutting edges and dividing plants. Like secateurs, make sure the edges of your spades stay sharp. These are basic garden tools that everyone needs and usually cost from $30 – $50.
• When buying a Fork for turning compost and breaking clumps of soil, look at quality, not price. If you skimp on price, then your fork will most likely not be strong enough and will break in areas of heavy soil. Expect to spend between $30 – $100.
• A chipping hoe is a fantastic for tearing out little weeds. A Dutch or push-hoe is a bit easier to use because the action required to use it doesn’t strain the shoulder and neck as much.
• A rake is a common necessity for the garden. Use a strong rake with a flat head and sharp metal prongs for leveling a garden bed and keeping it smooth. Only use a plastic rake is used to collect loose, light debris.
Most people believe that gardening just consists of a simple spade. But there are many, many tools with many variations that you will use in your gardening career. Typically you can start with just a few different tools, but you’ll always find that you may use more varieties for special situations. It’s only a matter of recognizing when one tool could be more efficient than another.
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