Being a beginner gardener can be overwhelming. With so many
different types of tools out there, you might be tempted to go overboard.
Purchasing garden tools can be very expensive.
That’s why, staying focused on the basics can not only save
you money but also keep your shed clean and organized. As you gain more
gardening experience, you will start buying more specialized gardening tools.
But for now, here are some of the key tools you’ll need as a
beginner gardener.
Gloves
The first tool, or rather a piece of gardening equipment
you’ll need as a beginner is a pair of gardening gloves. When working in the
garden, you can easily cut or stab yourself on thorny plants. That’s why gloves
are the best hand protection.
When choosing gardening gloves, make sure you choose a pair
of durable gloves that fit you well. Stay away from bulky gloves, especially if
you’ll be working with seeds or transplanting seedlings.
Always opt for gloves made of water-resistant and breathable
fabrics. These types of gloves will keep your hands comfortable and cool. You
can also go for gloves with longer cuffs to safeguard wrists and forearms from
scratches and prevent soil from getting inside.
When storing gardening gloves make sure you keep them out of
sunlight and water, and also insects.
Hoe
Hoe is a type of gardening tool that every gardener needs.
The kind of hoe you’ll need will greatly depend on the type of garden you have.
There are many different types of hoes from digging hoes and drawing hoes to
sweeping hoes and everything in between.
A vegetable garden might need a robust, wide hoe, whereas
perennial gardens may benefit from a more delicate touch and a thinner hoe.
Hoes are essential for preparing garden and flower beds as well as for weed
control.
When looking for a hoe, go for the one with a comfortable
handle that has a long reach, and a sharp blade for easier use.
Pruning shears
A pair of trusty pruning shears is something every gardener
needs no matter if they are a beginner or not. Pruning shears can help you keep
your plants from getting out of control.
There are 4 types of hand pruners - bypass pruners, straight
blade pruners, anvil pruners, and ratchet pruners.
Bypass pruners are ideal for trimming small shrubs, roses,
and small branches on trees. They come in a wide variety of sizes so you can
choose which size fits your hands best.
Straight blade pruners are great for cutting flowers for a
vase and trimming leaves from stems. We can place these shears somewhere
between floral shears and bypass pruners in terms of strength and function.
Anvil pruners are bulkier and much more uncomfortable than
any other type of pruners. With them, you can cut thicker stems and woody
pruning.
Ratchet pruners are similar to anvil pruners but with the
addition of a mechanism that provides increased cutting strength which makes
these shears perfect for anyone with reduced hand strength or arthritis.
Loppers
Loppers are another essential cutting tool, featuring long
handles that allow you to trim hard-to-reach areas and cut through thicker
branches.
The extended handles offer the leverage needed to slice
through branches up to an inch or more in diameter. Like pruners, handy loppers come in
two main types: anvil and bypass. Compared to anvil loppers, bypass ones cut
more precisely.
However, anvil loppers can cut through branches up to 2
inches in diameter and are ideal for cutting through dry or woody growth.
To maintain them in good condition, you need to clean lopper
blades and sharpen them regularly.
Spade
When you need to dig holes, lift sod and move small amounts
of dirt, a good old space can come in handy. A spade can be described as a
short-handled square shovel that will serve you well in many gardening
feats.
Opt for ash hardwood handles because they are more durable, and effectively absorb shock and vibration. Also, choose stainless steel heads that are robust and resistant to rust. A spade can also come with either a long or short handle. However, keep in mind that longer handles provide greater leverage but are heavier.
Hand trowel
Trowels are must-have hand tools ideal for digging,
smoothing, and moving small amounts of soil, as well as removing weeds. When
looking for a hand trowel, opt for one with a broad blade for moving larger
amounts of soil. If you need the trowel for digging up weeds from hard soil,
opt for trowels with long, narrow blades.
Ensure the handle fits comfortably in your hand. Trowels
made from stainless steel or featuring a stainless steel head are more durable
and tend to have a longer lifespan.
Rake
Rake is a tool perfect for removing dry leaves and debris
from your lawn and garden. Rakes are available in numerous styles and sizes,
with a standard leaf rake being an excellent choice for beginners.
However, you can opt for adjustable rakes that offer
versatility by allowing you to work in narrow spaces or collect large piles of
leaves. When choosing a first rake for yourself, keep in mind that steel tines
are more durable but can be harsher on delicate lawns compared to plastic
tines.
Garden hose
Watering your garden regularly will keep it green, lush, and
blooming. That’s why it’s essential to invest in a high-quality garden hose. A
garden hose that can reach and water every area of your garden.
Hoses come in many different lengths, some typical length
goes between 25 and 100 feet but you can also find other lengths. You should
also get an adjustable nozzle which will allow you to control water
pressure.
The size of your garden will determine the length of the
hose you need. However, keep in mind that the length of a hose impacts water
pressure - longer hoses tend to have lower pressure.
Vinyl hoses are lighter and more affordable but are prone to
kinking and have a shorter lifespan compared to rubber hoses. To extend their
longevity, store hoses coiled and out of direct sunlight, as leaving them with
kinks can lead to weak spots.
Conclusion
And there you have it, some of the key tools every beginner
gardener needs. By investing in these essential gardening tools, you'll ensure
your shed is fully equipped to maintain a beautiful and thriving garden.
