At present, there is a broad spectrum of gardening tools. Each has a unique configuration and offers different functionality.
Before you purchase any gardening equipment, take time to evaluate your requirements.
Remember, gardening equipment can take up a lot of storage. Knowing the right gardening appliances to purchase can save you money and storage space.
It is also essential to buy high-quality gardening equipment. Doing this lowers your equipment repair and replacement costs.
Vital gardening tools that every gardener must have
In this article, we look at the best gardening equipment you should have as a gardener.
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Gloves
One of the primary pieces of gardening appliances you should have is gloves. It can be easy to overlook gardening gloves, but they are essential. Gloves protect your skin from irritation and blisters. Below are a few factors to consider when purchasing gardening gloves.
- Durability: Your gardening gloves should offer great longevity. I mean, you don’t want to keep on replacing your gloves from time to time. Even so, your gloves should not be too heavy.
- Size: The gardening gloves should fit your hand properly. Otherwise, it would be uncomfortable to use them when gardening.
- Fabric: The glove should be waterproof and breathable at the same time. They should not allow penetration of water into your hands. Also, they should keep your skin cool.
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Pruning Shears
Pruning shears are the best gardening equipment for pruning. They help you keep your plants in good shape. Today, there are different types of pruning shears, from anvil pruners to bypass pruners. Always purchase the one that matches your needs.
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Loppers
Another gardening gadgets you should purchase is loppers. Loppers are long-handled cutting tools that enable you to trim hard-to-reach areas in your garden. There are different types of loppers. Note that loppers with long handles are generally bulky. Also, you need to take good care of them if you wish to boost their durability.
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Garden Fork
Gardening with a garden fork is a great alternative to gardening with gardening spades. Unlike spades, garden forks can dig into heavy soils. Curved garden forks are ideal for turning organic compost in the garden.
On the other hand, straight garden forks are perfect for digging through heavy soil. Note that square forks are stronger when digging on hard surfaces. All in all, always purchase a garden fork that matches your requirements.
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Hand Trowel
Another gardening piece of equipment you should not miss in your garden is the hand trowel. Hand trowels are one of the best gardening tools you can use for transplanting and digging planting holes.
Additionally, you can use them to get rid of weeds. Purchase a hand trowel with a wide blade that will help you move soil easily and dig into rocky soil. Also, ensure that the hand trowel feels comfortable in your hand.
A good hand trowel often incorporates stainless steel and offers high longevity. Feel free to consult a gardening expert on the best trowel to purchase. One of the best hand trowels you can buy is the Garrett Wade Tulip Trowel. This trowel is strong enough to penetrate through a stubborn root system.
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Spade
A spade is also must-have gardening tool. This equipment is mainly used for digging and edging. You can also use it to move soil from one place to another. Spades can act as cleaning equipment. They can help you get rid of excess dirt in your pallet garden.
Nonetheless, note that garden spades can be pricey. But they offer value for money since they are highly durable. Spades are comfortable to use, thus helping you to perform gardening jobs effectively. This equipment also comes in different designs and sizes. You can always choose a design that caters to your requirements.
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Rake
Rakes are essential for cleaning up when dirt particles, debris, and leaves fall from trees. This equipment is robust, hence it offers maximum longevity. Also, this equipment comes in a broad spectrum of designs and sizes. Fortunately, some rakes are flexible; thus, you can adjust them to match your requirements and clean up the hard-to-reach areas. This equipment has solid steel tines that can last for years.
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Garden Hoe
Hoes are one of the most popular gardening equipment among gardeners. Hoes are ideal for cutting weeds on your lawn and garden preparation. There are many types of hoes. Your best option will depend on your gardening requirements. For instance, if you have a vegetable garden, you may need a robust wide hoe.
On the other hand, weeding hoes are best used for weeding. Buy a hoe with a comfortable handle and a sharp blade. This way, you won’t have a hard time completing your gardening tasks. Gardening experts mostly recommend using the Rogue Garden Hoe 575G. This hoe is user-friendly and delivers excellent functionality.
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Garden Hose
The next must-have garden tool is the garden hose. We all know how water is essential for plant growth. Thus, you have to keep watering your plants from time to time. A garden hose with an adjustable nozzle can help you water all your plants. However, you have to make sure that the garden hose is long enough to get to all sections of your garden.
The diameter of your hose should be approximately 0.5 inches or 0.75 inches. Adjustable nozzles help you control the water pressure. Currently, one of the most recommended garden hoses is the Tuff-Guard Hose. This hose is robust and flexible to provide excellent functionality.
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Watering Wand
Another gardening equipment you can use to water your plants is the watering wand. The watering wand provides tiny holes that give a gentle shower to your plants. There are different watering wand sizes. The one you choose often depends on your requirements.
Always evaluate your needs before purchasing a watering wand. For example, if you have a vertical garden, always choose a longer watering wand. This equipment also allows you to adjust water flow, thanks to its built-in shut-off valves. One of the best watering wands you can purchase is the Dramm One-Touch Rain Wand.
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Watering Can
Watering cans are also important gardening tools because they allow you to promote healthy plant growth. Watering cans come in different materials, designs, shapes, and sizes. Plastic watering cans are popular due to their affordability and lightweight nature. However, they are not as durable as metal cans.
Metal can last for a long time but is highly susceptible to rusting. Always choose a watering can that caters to your requirements. Currently, the most recommended watering can is the Bloem Deluxe Watering Can.
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Wheelbarrow
Another essential gardening equipment is the wheelbarrow. Wheelbarrows offer easy transportation from one place to another in your garden. You can carry and transport soil, organic mulch, etc., in a wheelbarrow.
Wheelbarrows make it easier to transport bulky things with ease. It is essential to choose a suitable wheelbarrow model that matches your requirements. Also, note that wheelbarrows require high maintenance.
Always clean it and store it in a dry place. Failure to do so would shorten its durability. One of the best wheelbarrows you can purchase is the Marathon Dual-Wheel Yard Rover.
How do you maintain gardening equipment?
Every gardener needs to take good care of their equipment. This is the only way they can boost the durability and efficiency of their equipment. There are many ways you can maintain your gardening equipment.
Some of them include:
Cleaning your gardening equipment:
Every time you work in the garden, take the time to clean your tools. You can use a clean cloth to wipe the equipment. Alternatively, you can use clean water to rinse off all the dirt particles on the equipment. After washing your gardening equipment:
- Leave them to dry completely.
- Remember, storing your gardening tool when wet makes it more vulnerable to rust.
- Never use dirty gardening equipment on your plants. You might transfer pests and diseases to the plants.
Sharpen your tools frequently:
Ensure you sharpen your tools regularly. Having blunt blades lowers the durability of the equipment. Besides, it makes your work harder since you won’t be able to make clean cuts.
Gardening equipment tends to lose its sharpness over time. So, make it a habit to sharpen them constantly. After sharpening your tools, lubricate them and store them well.
Store gardening equipment properly:
Ensure you keep your gardening equipment in a safe place. Keep them out of reach of the children, since they can cause cuts and other injuries. Some gardening equipment comes with storage pads or bags.
So, you can place them here. But it would be best to store your gardening equipment in one room. This way, you’ll be able to access them easily. Consider hanging sharp gardening tools in one corner. Doing this will keep all this equipment safe.
Now you are ready to be a serious gardener
Gardeners should have the right gardening tools. This way, they’ll be able to garden easily and boost healthy plant growth. Some of the most common equipment every gardener should have include hoes, rakes, pruning shears, and hand trowels.
It is essential to take good care of your gardening gadgets. This way, you’ll be able to boost their durability and functionality.
