Gardening is a big undertaking, even if you just want to grow a small patch of vegetables in the yard. To get the job done right, you have to have all of the right tools. The best gardening tools are strong, durable, and built to last a long time. Most gardening tools won’t need to be replaced for years, or even decades, and some can serve you a lifetime if you take care of them. Let’s take a look at some of the best and most essential garden tools every gardener should have.
The Basics
You need to be able to work with the dirt and water your plants. At the bare minimum, you’ll need a gardening hand tools like a shovel or a gardening trowel to dig and plant your seedlings. A lot of gardeners, however, have turned to the Japanese hand knife, the hori-hori. One of the best garden tools, a hori-hori is good at digging, planting, weeding, and cutting roots. Another great tools is a good garden kneeler.
You’ll also need to decide between a watering can or a garden hose. Watering cans are easily the best choice for indoor plants and window boxes. Garden hoses make it much easier to water a large patch of soil at once. However, plants that need to get only a little water can get too soaked with the heavy flow from a hose. Consider your setup and your garden’s needs. A good garden hose will also good garden hose nozzle.
A good pair of sharp hand shears isn’t just one of your landscaper’s tools. You need some in your home garden to prune your plants. Get a pair that’s durable and easy to use. You’ll want to keep them clean and smooth- the best oil for gardening tools is linseed oil. And, of course, you’ll want to wear the best gardening gloves that feel comfortable and easy to work in.
The Best Gardening Tools for Weeding
Pulling weeds is one of the most frustrating battles in the garden. Traditionally, you could just dig them up with a hoe or trowel, but this is another excellent use for your hori-hori. You’ll also find that there are sharp tools called weeders, but these aren’t the best gardening tools for weeding. If you want something a little more effective, you can get an asparagus knife (sometimes called a fishtail weeder). It has a sharp, V-shaped tip that makes it a breeze to dig deep under the roots of tough weeds like dandelions and pluck them right up.
Other Common Garden Necessities
Some of the best gardening tools are things you can survive without, but enhance the ease and convenience of the process. Many gardeners like to use long-handled shovels and rakes. Shovels can make it easier to plant larger bulbs and trees, while rakes help you clean fallen leaves and debris from the soil bed. If you prefer to do more work standing than sitting, you can use a hoe to destroy weeds from the top instead of digging them up from your knees.
If your garden is on the larger end, you’ll want a wheelbarrow for hauling dirt, mulch, stones, branches, and other heavy bulk products you need to transport around the garden. This is far faster and easier than carrying loads by hand. The best oil for garden wheelbarrows, like your other tools, is linseed oil- don’t be tempted to use motor oil!
Photo Courtesy of Tonniedixon
Finally, don’t forget about proper care. Garden tool storage is easy- you can keep them on a rack in your shed or garage, but don’t leave them outdoors! Proper garden tool storage is the simplest way to make sure your tools stay in great shape for years to come.
