When you decide to set up a garden or even work in one you need to have some basis tools.

Remember the major tasks in Gardening are: Tilling, which is soil preparation, Cultivating (weeding and pruning); Planting ( which is putting your plants in the ground); and Watering.

Each gardening task has its own set of special tools that make the task more manageable.

Tilling At Your Garden Site

The most practical and basic tools and equipment for this task is the metal shovel or metal spade. If you have a large area and the soil is especially hard or rocky then you may consider renting a  roto-tiller.

The mattock, spading fork and pry bar are other gardening tools useful in tilling your garden site.  A wheel barrow or garden cart is also helpful accessories in removing unwanted items and also for carrying your tools to your garden site.

Note: If you have a large yard and have space, a mini tool shed is a handy place to store your gardening tools and equipment, along with pesticides and fertilizers (rather than letting them clutter the garage).

Cultivating Tools

The main item here is the Hoe.  There are many types such as the draw hoe, the long hoe, the scuffle hoe and the double action hoe.  Look at the various hoes in the stores and chose 1 or 2 that suit your needs. 

The “cultivator” tool comes with either a long or short handle.  The long handle will save you from back strains and is advisable.There is a neat device called the Weed Wrench which is useful in removing woody type weeds around the border or edge of the garden.

Cutters and Pruners

Cutters and pruners are also basic and necessary cultivating tools and should be part of your tool shed gear and equipment.  Again the specific type of  pruner or cutter will depend on the type of flowers, plants or shrubs in your garden.

You will inevitably purchase many variations of these tools over time; therefore I suggest you start with the basic ones if you are just beginning your gardening hobby.

Note:  Always wear gloves when working with most tools.  Gloves will prevent injury to your hands and save a lot of wear and tear.  Canvas cloth or leather gloves are the best.

Planting Tools  Once you have cleared your site and have cultivated and tilled the soil it’s time for planting.

The spade, spading fork and trowel are the basic starter items required for this phase of gardening.  Remember to choose your tools carefully.  Ask questions of you local nursery person or hardware sales representative.  Do a little research on the internet or library.  Even reading the tools description at the nursery or hardware store may give you a better handle on the garden tool that fits your specific need.

Got Water?

Needless to say, water is the source of all life and in your garden it is by far your most important gardening task.

Your basic watering tools should include: a good rubber hose, a watering can, a sprinkler head to attach to your hose (one with a sprayer feature is divine).

Watering is like baking a cake.  If you over do it you will spoil the results. 

Be careful not to over or under water your garden.  Easier said than done, and practice and patience will be your main guides here.

Remember your garden tools are your friends.  Treat them with care and respect.  Chose your tools based on your basic needs.  Don’t go overboard at first.  There are no short cuts in gardening and try to buy the highest or best quality tool you can reasonably afford.  They will last longer and over time pay for themselves many times over.

Remember to enjoy the time you spend in your garden.  If you lend your tools out be sure to set time limits on the “loan”.

So tool around in your Garden, if you must and…Good Gardening…to you all.