Did you know that 77% of American households were gardening in 2018?
Gardening is a great hobby that many people worldwide enjoy, it can also help you become self-sufficient when you grow your own fruit and vegetables.
Keep reading if you’re just starting out with gardening or if you’re an experienced gardener looking for tips on the essential gardening tools that you’ll need this summer.
6 Gardening Tools You Need to Have
There are many tools that you can purchase to help your garden function and look great. However, it can be confusing for beginners to know what essential garden tools they need. Have a look at our essential gardening tools list and make sure you have all of these handy tools in your shed.
1. Gardening Gloves
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener, you need to make sure you have a good pair of gloves. Gloves can help protect your hands from getting dirty and from sharp thorns.
Find a pair that fit your hands well, as you want to avoid them falling off or causing blisters. You also need to find a pair of gloves that aren’t too bulky because you’ll want to use them for working with seeds as well as cleaning your gardening.
Other features to look for in a good pair of gloves include durability, breathability, and ones that are waterproof.
2. Watering Can
Up next in the gardening tools list, is the watering can. This essential item comes in a variety of styles, colors, sizes, materials, and nozzle options. You can easily use a watering can to ensure your plants get the water they need to grow.
Watering cans can either be made from metal or plastic. Plastic watering cans are lighter but might not last as long. Whereas metal watering cans can be a lot heavier but will be more durable over the years, providing that you protect it from rusting.
Another key thing to consider when looking at purchasing a watering can is the nozzle type. A larger nozzle will provide more water for a larger surface area, so is better for larger plants and those plants that are outside. While a smaller nozzle is better for smaller plants and indoor plants because it provides a more precise water outlet.
3. Secateurs/Hand Pruners
Secateurs (or hand pruners) are one of the none negotiable garden hand tools that you need. You can use your secateurs to control plants that are growing everywhere and need a little trim. You can also use them to de-head flowers to ensure the plant keeps on flowering.
You can get bypass secateurs, which cut with a sharp blade that passes a sharp-edged flat surface (similar to a pair of scissors). Bypass pruners are best for live plants and green wood.
Or you can get anvil secateurs, which cut with a sharp blade that meets a flat surface (similar to a knife on a board). Anvil pruners work better on dead wood, as they can cause damage to green stems and branches.
It is important to keep your secateurs, or pruners, sharp to ensure cleaner cuts and reduce damage to your plants, so make sure you sharpen them regularly.
4. Loppers
Loppers are similar to pruners, but they provide a longer handle which is handy for those hard to reach places. Loppers are also good for cutting thicker branches, that pruners might have problems cutting.
You can get various sized loppers, ranging from a handle length of 16 to 36 inches. There are also two types of loppers, known as bypass and anvil loppers. Bypass loppers provide a more precise cut than anvil ones.
If you get a good pair of loppers, they should be able to last several years. You’ll need to sharpen them regularly though, to ensure they stay in good condition.
For thicker branches and trees, you might want to consider getting an axe, such as the pulaski axe. Have a look at the uses of pulaski axes to see whether this is the right choice for you. Alternatively, if you have large trees in your garden, you might want to get a professional tree surgeon to help cut your trees.
5. Spade
Digging is a common task you can expect to do in your garden, so you need to have a good spade to hand. Spades are ideal for digging holes for plants, moving dirt around so your plants have the best ground to grow in, and edging your borders.
Some spades can be expensive, however, the initial upfront cost of a high-quality stainless steel spade is worth it because they can last a lifetime. Remember to maintain the spade and prevent it from rusting, otherwise, it might need replacing sooner rather than later.
The best type of spade is one that comes with a longer handle because it provides more leverage when you’re digging. However, these can be heavier than shorter handled spades.
6. Wheelbarrow
The wheelbarrow is every gardener’s friend as these handy tools make it easier to transport heavy items around the garden. For example, you can use a wheelbarrow to carry soil and compost and to carry plants from one spot to another. You can also carry heavy garden items, such as chopped tree branches.
Remember to store your wheelbarrow in a dry location, such as a shed. This will help to prevent it from rusting. Another maintenance tip is to keep the wheels inflated and regularly check that they’re okay.
Stock up on These Essential Gardening Tools and Transform Your Garden
The changes of the seasons are incredible to see in your garden, so make use of your space by planting seasonal flowers and shrubs. But before you do that, prepare your garden for its beautiful transformation by ensuring you have these essential gardening tools.
Remember to always maintain your tools and look after them because this will save you a lot of money in the long run. Well looked after gardening tools can provide a lifetime of use.
Check out some of our other articles to find out more about how to make your garden look prim and pretty this summer.
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