What Gardening Tools Do You Really Need?

It doesn’t matter what size your garden is, there’s no doubt that gardening tools can certainly make maintaining your garden much simpler.  But there are so many tools you can buy that it can be hard to know which equipment you really will use, particularly if you’re new to gardening.  It’s simple to avoid making a mistake by just buying everything, but then you’ll be left with no money and a garden shed full of stuff you don’t need.

So which tools are worth buying?  Gardening involves moving dirt around, so a digging tool is always a good choice.  If you’re mostly working in pots or containers, then a sturdy trowel is a fabulous investment.  A shovel is better if you’re going to be shifting large amounts of soil around, or to assist you with planting trees, vegetables and flowers.  It might be tempting to save yourself some effort by choosing a power tiller or plough, but unless you have a very large garden, they probably involve more expense and trouble than they’re worth.

Another good tool choice is a rake or hoe.  Again, if you’re going to generally be working in smaller areas, a pot-sized equivalent is a good idea.  These tools can be used to smooth soil and remove weeds.  This sort of work can be done by hand, but it’s quicker with the right tool, particularly in a big garden.

Although they’re not technically a tool, good gardening gloves are also useful.  It may be worth having a couple of pairs – some heavy duty ones for rough work, and some thinner ones when you need to feel what you’re doing. 

Once your garden is established, then at least one pruning tool is a necessity.  Depending on the size of your plants, choose anything from pruners or secateurs through to large tree loppers.  It’s worth spending a little extra to buy a solid, reliable pruning tool, otherwise it may be ruined the first time you try to cut anything with it.

A few more tools that you can probably survive without, but will make gardening easier depending on the size of your garden, include:

- Wheelbarrow
– Garden fork
– Watering can
– Hose & hose reel
– Rake

There’s no doubt, it’s not hard to choose cheap tools, but if you plan to keep your tools for a long time, consider choosing good quality tools as an investment.  Cheap tools often don’t last as well, and are frequently less durable and easier to damage.  Happy gardening!

To get more information about buying the right gardening tools, check out http://www.gardeningzoneonline.com