Whether you’re just starting out as a gardener or a seasoned professional, searching for the best gardening tools can feel like a never-ending task with infinite options. With so many garden tools available, from hand to power tools and even cordless ones, it’s tricky to figure out which equipment to pick. But don’t worry, you don’t have to be Monty Don to know what’s what. With this essential guide to gardening tools, you’ll be an expert in no time!
Table of contents
- How do you protect your hands when gardening?
- What is the most essential tool of gardening?
- What tools do I need as a gardener?
- What tools are used to water the garden?
- What equipment do I need to maintain my lawn?
- How do I organise my garden tools?
- Final thoughts
How do you protect your hands when gardening?
Before you begin, you’ll want to protect your green fingers and thumbs. Never underestimate a reliable pair of garden gloves. Not only will they keep your hands clean, but they’ll also protect them from thorns, splinters, sharp edges and pesky insect encounters. Whether you’re planting, weeding or handling soil, they’ll ensure your hands stay safe and comfortable while you work in your garden.
Make sure you get the right fit for your hands. Otherwise, you might get blisters, or the gloves may slip off and cause accidental injuries. There are many types of gloves available to suit various jobs and weather conditions. So, let’s see if the glove fits.
Fabric gloves
A budget-friendly option, fabric gloves are breathable, so your hands will stay cool while planting, preening and digging. However, they can quickly get wet, so are ideally suited for you to use during the summer. They are also suitable for fiddley tasks, such as handling seeds and transplanting seedlings.
Coated gloves
Coated gloves offer a hard-wearing and waterproof solution and are suitable for all seasons, making them perfect for most gardening tasks.
Leather gloves
For the utmost protection, leather gloves will shield your hands from the sharpest rocks, roughest bark and even the harshest stinging nettles.
What is the most essential tool of gardening?
If you asked various gardeners to pick one basic tool that they couldn’t live without, you might not get the same answer from everyone. However, if you had to choose, secateurs, also known as pruners, pruning shears or clippers, are an incredibly versatile option. They are ideal for deadheading as well as pruning, trimming and cutting small branches from trees, shrubs and perennial plants.
Secateurs are useful garden tools that will effortlessly fit in your hand. They are also incredibly straightforward to use. They will help to keep your garden neat and under control, preventing your plants from taking over, and you can even use them to harvest your fruit or vegetables if you’re growing your own produce. Decent pruners will easily cut through tough branches, while a safety catch will keep them closed so you don’t accidentally cut yourself.
Whether you’re tackling overgrown branches or carefully shaping hedges, pruning shears are a must-have for any gardener. They will help to shape and sculpt your garden to promote healthy growth and stunning aesthetics. There are two types of secateurs, so cut to the chase and read on if you want to know more.
Bypass pruners
As your go-to tool for everyday gardening, bypass pruners are used for pruning green wood and live plants. You will likely use these the most as they are the ultimate option, working similarly to scissors. They function by slicing the top blade past the bottom blade for swift, tear-free cuts, ensuring your plants can heal rapidly.
Anvil pruners
On the other hand, anvil pruners are perfect for dead plants or small branches that need a bit more strength. They will cut through dead wood as well as crush fresh, green branches and stems. This action is accomplished by forcefully bringing the upper blade downward onto the lower blade, resulting in a chomping motion.
Loppers
When it comes to tackling thicker branches and woody stems, loppers are a heavy-duty alternative to secateurs. These long-handled cutting tools offer superior leverage and power, trimming larger branches and harder-to-reach areas with ease. Likes pruners, they come with either bypass or anvil blade types.
What tools do I need as a gardener?
When buying gardening tools, you’ll want to invest in the right ones to suit your needs as a gardener. To keep it simple, we’ve curated a comprehensive list of essential gardening tools every garden requires and their uses. As you embark on your journey to create a flourishing paradise in your backyard, you can do so with confidence. So, let’s dig in!
Hand trowel
A gardener’s best friend, the hand trowel is an indispensable tool designed to handle an array of tasks. From digging small holes for bulbs or delicate seedlings to transferring bedded plants and removing weeds, the humble hand trowel makes gardening a breeze. Its ergonomic design ensures comfortable handling, making it an extension of your hand.
For rocky soils and digging up weeds, a pointed, slim-bladed trowel is perfect for precise holes and cutting through hard spots. Conversely, if you’re moving a large quantity of soil, you should pick a broad blade. For optimal performance, trowels made from stainless steel are highly durable and will last for years.
Spade
As the ultimate excavator, the reliable spade slices through the soil with precision and helps you transfer mounds of dirt wherever necessary. Whether you’re planting new saplings, uprooting weeds or creating well-defined garden borders, it makes every gardening task a picnic in the park. Not only are long-handled spades easier on your back, but they also provide more leverage.
If you’re looking to tackle tough soil and roots with ease, choose a spade that features an ergonomic grip and a strong, straight-edge blade. On the other hand, if you need to move soil or dig holes, pointed and rounded blades are the way to go. And for long-lasting performance, go for stainless steel, a low-maintenance and rust-resistant material.
Gardening fork
Digging, loosening soil or uprooting stubborn weeds, the garden fork is a trusty tool when it comes to soil management. Its robust prongs penetrate deep into the ground, providing aeration and facilitating vital nutrient absorption. It delivers an excellent solution for penetrating clay, rocky or compacted soil. In turn, it helps keep your garden soil healthy and your plants flourishing throughout the seasons.
Hand fork
Fitting securely in your hand, the hand fork is a handy tool for smaller garden tasks such as planting herbs or flowers. It will break up the soil, making light work of tough ground. Additionally, it will help you remove pesky and stubborn weeds.
Digging fork
Similar in appearance to a pitchfork, the digging fork is a convenient tool that will help you prepare your borders and larger expanses of soil, ready for raking. Like the hand fork, it can effortlessly cut through and break down stony or dense soil. It can also be used to scoop mulch or turn compost piles. Thanks to its long handle, you’ll have the extra leverage you need for easy and efficient gardening.
Garden forks with straight tines are better than spades for digging and hinging rocks. Alternatively, square tines are stronger and won’t bend when they encounter a root or rock.
Hoe
The faithful garden hoe is a fantastic addition to your gardening tool kit for cultivating the soil and weaving wonders throughout. With a sharp, flat blade on one end and a sturdy handle on the other, it flawlessly cuts through weeds, breaks up compacted soil and prepares the ground for sowing seeds or planting seedlings. Its lightweight and simplicity allows you to effectively cover large areas, saving you time and effort.
If you have a perennial garden, a thinner hoe might be more suitable for a refined touch.
Dutch hoe
Also known as hula or stirrup hoes, the Dutch hoe features an open square head. It cuts down top growth by pushing back and forth just below the soil surface. It can also be used to quickly clear weeds.
Draw hoe
The draw hoe has a hardy, flat, wide head that is perfect for breaking up and turning the soil into rows for your vegetable garden and is also ideal for tackling larger weeds.
Garden rake
With the assistance of a dependable rake, you can maintain a pristine garden by choosing from a diverse range of types and sizes that cater to your gardening requirements. It efficiently clears fallen leaves, debris and grass clippings, leaving your garden floor looking neat and inviting. Moreover, it serves as a superb soil-smoothing companion after planting, ensuring your garden bed looks picture-perfect. So, let’s cultivate some wisdom as we continue reading!
Leaf rake
A standard leaf rake does what it says on the tin. It can help you manage your leaves, debris and lawn clippings and be used to spread mulch. You’ll find that steel tines are sturdier and will last longer, while plastic tines are lighter and gentler on delicate lawns. Additionally, adjustable rakes will allow you to reach narrow spaces.
Ground rake
A ground rake breaks down the soil to a fine tilth so it’s ready for sowing seeds. The wide head and teeth open and level the top layer. With the back of the rake, you can tamp the ground to help compress the surface.
Wheelbarrow
With its single wheel, stable frame and deep basin, the traditional two-handled wheelbarrow is designed to carry heavy loads and transport essential garden materials. From hauling compost, soil and mulch to ferrying potted plants or garden tools, it is an invaluable asset that streamlines your gardening tasks and saves your back from strain.
For improved balance with unevenly distributed loads, you can opt for a single-handled two-wheel model which is suited for uneven surfaces or if your strength is limited. It can also be pulled or pushed with one hand, giving you more flexibility while you work.
What tools are used to water the garden?
The secret to a blooming garden is perfect hydration for your beloved plants. There are numerous watering methods to choose from to eliminate dry spells and encourage lush, vibrant foliage. So, let’s dive right in and explore the options for successful gardening.
Watering can
Not just a utilitarian tool, the watering can is also a charming addition to your gardening essentials. With its elegant spout, it ensures a gentle and even distribution of water. So, you can nourish your thirsty flowers and shrubs with the perfect hydration balance for a vibrant garden.
There are a multitude of shapes, sizes, colours, nozzles and materials to choose from. Typically, watering cans will either be metal or plastic. While plastic watering cans are lighter, they won’t last as long. If you have a metal watering can, it should be galvanised to prevent rusting. The larger sizes are perfect for outdoor use, whereas the smaller ones are suited for houseplants or hanging baskets if you’re struggling to hold up a heavier can.
A sprinkler attachment, also known as a rose, will evenly and gently disperse water and is a great addition to your watering can if you have young plants or seedlings.
Garden hose
Serving as the lifeline that nourishes your garden, the garden hose is a crucial tool that ensures your plants thrive and bloom with vitality. It makes swift work of watering your plant beds and provides a hassle-free solution.
When choosing your garden hose, you should consider factors like length, material and diameter to maintain water pressure while accommodating your garden’s layout. The longer the hose, the lower the water pressure. A rubber hose is kink-resistant and long-lasting, withstanding different weather conditions. On the other hand, vinyl is lighter in weight and more affordable. Metal fittings will also likely last longer than plastic.
To make watering more efficient, you can complement your hose with adjustable spray nozzles or watering wands, allowing you to customise the water flow for different plants’ needs. With the right equipment at your disposal, you’ll be able to conserve water while delivering the right amount to each plant.
What equipment do I need to maintain my lawn?
To keep your lawn green and luscious, incorporating regular lawn maintenance into your gardening routine is a fundamental task. Let’s “mow”-ve on and see what tools you will need!
Lawn mower
At the heart of your lawn maintenance arsenal, the lawn mower is instrumental in keeping your grass at the perfect height and maintaining a uniform, manicured appearance. For smaller lawns, a push reel mower or an electric corded mower might be sufficient, offering quiet operation and eco-friendly benefits. For larger areas, consider a self-propelled gas-powered mower, which reduces physical exertion while covering extensive ground efficiently.
Edging shears
Edging shears can be used to craft well-defined garden borders. Their long handles and sharp, curved blades enable you to cut grass and create crisp, clean lines, providing a clear demarcation between the lawn and other elements in your garden.
Lawn aerator
For a healthier, lusher lawn, the lawn aerator breathes new life into your turf. It is a specialised tool that combats soil compaction by perforating the ground, creating small holes that improve drainage and allow nutrients, water and oxygen to reach the grassroots. Not only does it enhance nutrient absorption, but it also encourages robust root growth, making your lawn more resilient to environmental stressors, like heat and drought.
How do I organise my garden tools?
So, once you’ve acquired all your gardening tools, you’ll probably want somewhere to store them. Keeping them well-organised and properly stored is vital for their longevity. An efficient garden tool storage system ensures that your valuable equipment remains in top condition, ready to serve you whenever you venture into your green sanctuary. “Leaf” your worries behind and read on for some ideas for a functional and tidy garden tool storage solution.
Garden shed
Investing in a garden shed to serve as the central storage hub for your gardening equipment will provide ample space to house your larger tools, like lawnmowers, wheelbarrows and hedge trimmers. In addition, tools racks offer easy accessibility to hand tools, like trowels, shears and pruners. They’ll also help to declutter work surfaces and save on floor space, minimising trips and accidents. Consider adding hooks, shelves and storage compartments to keep everything in its designated place.
Wall-mounted organisers
Utilise wall-mounted organisers or pegboards to create a tidy display of your most frequently used tools. This not only keeps your tools within reach but also adds a touch of charm to your garden shed or garage. You can arrange your tools based on size and usage frequency, so you can grab what you need during gardening sessions.
Keep sharp blades protected
For tools with sharp blades like pruning shears and loppers, use blade guards or blade covers to protect edges and prevent accidents. Securely store these in a separate compartment or appointed container to avoid mishaps and maintain their cutting efficiency.
Tool hooks and hangers
Maximise space efficiency by using tools hooks and hangers on your shed walls. Hang shovels, rakes and other long-handled tools vertically to save space and prevent them from getting entangled.
Lockable storage
If you have valuable or hazardous tools that require further security, consider investing in lockable storage options. Lockable cabinets or tool chests offer peace of mind, especially if you have children or pets around the garden area.
Final thoughts
From essential hand tools, like trowels and spades, to specialised equipment, such as pruners and aerators, each tool serves a unique purpose in creating and maintaining a flourishing garden. And don’t forget, during the off-season or when not in use for an extended period, conduct regular maintenance on your garden tools. Sharpen blades, oil moving parts and inspect for any signs of wear and tear. Proper care ensures that your tools are in optimal condition when the gardening season returns.
Check out our articles on Top Garden Maintenance Tips and 10 Lawn Care Tips for your garden to grow your knowledge and let the seeds of wisdom blossom!