During the pandemic, many people took up gardening. It’s a great hobby that’s good for physical and mental health, green living, and sustainability. Plus, it can be practiced safely in the comfort of your home. So, if you also want to join the green-thumb club, here are a few essential tools you’ll need to have in your shed before you can call yourself a gardener.
Gloves
Safety first, so make sure to avoid all sorts of thorns, splinters, cuts, and broken nails by invest in a good pair of gloves. Yours should be durable but not too thick so that you can’t handle seeds or young plants. The fabric should be waterproof yet breathable, which will keep your hands comfortable and cool. Lastly, make sure your gloves are the right size since gloves that are too big or too small can cause blisters and accidents.
Hose
No matter if you’re working in an open garden or a protected area like a greenhouse, you will need a suitable hose. The hose is a pretty straightforward piece of gardening equipment, but you still need to make sure it’s durable enough to push through your abuse of being dragged around and exposed to the elements. Once you have your hose (pay attention to the length so you can reach all your plants), you’ll need to invest in a nozzle. These attachments allow you to control the water flow, which is crucial for delicate plants and seedlings.
Watering can
If you’re an indoor or patio gardener, you’ll need to rely on a watering can instead of a hose (it also comes in handy for outdoor gardening). You can use a regular bucket, but watering cans come with spouts that eliminate drip and provide an easy-to-control flow that eliminates overwatering, so they are much more practical.
Pruning shears
Pruners will help you keep your plants under control. They come in different versions, but anvil and bypass pruners are the most common ones. The first ones are great for cutting deadwood, while the latter ones are better for live plants. You might also need a sharp and sturdy switch blade knife for all sorts of gardening tasks, from shaping your plants to cutting rope and opening bags of fertilizer. A switchblade will be your faithful companion because it can be safely carried with you all the time and quickly activated when you need it. To prevent plant injury and make your gardening task more leisurely, make sure your shears and knives are sharpened regularly.
Hand trowel
If you’re not planning to spend much on your gardening tools, you still need one investment—a quality hand trowel. They are affordable, versatile, and valuable. If you’re an outdoor gardener, expect to use your scoop to plant, move soil, dig holes, and everything in between. Even an indoor gardener, you will need this tool to mix in new dirt or repot your plants. When choosing your trowel, opt for a broad blade if you’re planning to move soil or a narrower one for digging and weeding. Your safest bet is to invest in something made with stainless steel since these models will last you practically a lifetime. For more heavy-duty work, a shovel will be perfect.
Spade
Small hand shovels or spades are great for various garden work-digging holes, edging, lifting sod, moving dirt, etc. Even though spades can be a little pricey compared to other similar tools, if you decide to invest a bit more, you will get a product that will stay loyal to you for decades.
Rake
A rake is a great tool that’s handy when gathering and removing fallen leaves and debris. This tool comes in different shapes, styles, and sizes, but a standard leaf rake is great for beginners and most chores. If you can find them, adjustable rakes are a great idea since they can reach into smaller areas and gather large piles of dead leaves. Experts usually recommend plastic tines for delicate lawns, but steel ones are stronger and more durable if you’re looking for a long-term investment.
Hoe
When you need to prepare your soil, create flower beds, and remove weeds, you will need a sturdy hoe. Hoes are helpful for many types of gardening. For instance, if you love to grow veggies and fruit, you might need a bigger and broader hoe. On the other hand, perennials require a delicate touch, so that a thinner model might be best for you. When buying a home, look for a sturdy handle with plenty of length for a good reach, as well as a sharp blade.
Conclusion
Don’t be scared to experiment with tools and use them freely. As your garden and your experience grow, you might also add
- Wheelbarrows
- Smart irrigation systems
- Intelligent irrigation systems
- A leaf blower, and a few other items to your list of tools.
But for now, you will do just fine with the ones listed above. Happy gardening!