Whether you are just starting out or an expert gardener, having the right gardening tools for the job is essential. Not only does it make life easier for you, but it makes gardening safer, creates healthier plants and helps keep weeds at bay, just to name a few.
Here’s just some of the essential tools you will need in the garden. Plus some handy tips on how to care for your tools, to ensure they work and last for years to come.
Gloves
Never underestimate a good pair of gardening gloves. Whether you a pulling up weeds or pruning roses bushes, a good pair of gloves will protect your hands.
Gardening gloves come in all sorts of shapes and sizes and suitable for different jobs around the garden. However, a good quality pair of multi-purpose gloves will be ideal for most tasks.
Secateurs
Secateurs are used for pruning and tidying plants and is the one tool I use the most. They are easy to use, with one hand, and are a worthwhile investment.
Hand trowel and fork
A good quality hand trowel and fork is essential. A trowel can be used for hand weeding, planting and potting on. While a hand fork can be used for breaking up compacted ground.
Watering can
Whether it’s watering seedlings or young plants, or watering containers, a decent watering can can make or break your garden. Choose a watering can with a rose as this will help when you water seedlings and young plants by distributing the water more lightly, protecting them from any damage.
Spade and fork
A spade and fork are perfect for those bigger jobs. Use the spade for digging holes while a fork can be used for breaking up soil and preparing your beds and borders ready for planting.
Hoe
A hoe is used for clearing weeds. I prefer a Stirrup or Oscillating Hoe. The blade cuts below the soil level and sharpens itself as you go along.
Caring for your gardening tools
Regular maintenance of your tools is essential to ensure good performance but also their longevity.
Make sure you clean your tools after every use. Remove any soil or debris and if necessary, use a wire brush to remove any stubborn soil. Dry your tools before storage.
Store your tools in a dry cool place to avoid any rust build up and never leave them out in the garden.
Any tools that have a blade, regularly sharping them will make them easy to use. Blunt tools are harder to use and could damage your plants. Oiling your tools will also make them easier to use.