GARDEN TOOLS EVERY GARDENER NEEDS

Stock your shed with a selection of garden supplies and tools that help take the work out of gardening.

Gloves

Every gardener should have a few pair of affordable nitrile-coated gloves. Nitrile offers excellent dexterity (you can even pick up seeds), and knit backs to keep hands cool, plus they're machine washable. Nitriles aren't warm enough for cold-weather gardening, though, so you may also want to invest in a sturdy pair of lined waterproof work gloves.

Pruners

Sharp pruners are necessary for chores like clipping stems and harvesting vegetables. It's one tool you'll reach for again and again. In fact, many gardeners wear them on their belts to keep them close at hand. Invest in quality pruners that will last a lifetime. (A clue you're buying quality is that replacement parts are available.)

Trowel

You'll want a trowel to make digging small holes a cinch. Look for a handle that fits your hand comfortably, and a high quality construction that features seamless metal solidly joined to the handle.

Watering Gear

Select a watering can with a detachable "rose" (sprinkler head) and a large opening for filling up. You'll also want a high-quality hose (look for one with a lifetime replacement guarantee) and adjustable hose nozzle (with a gentle "shower" setting) with an ergonomic grip.

Shovel

For a vegetable garden, you may want a traditional spade to help turn soil. Don't overlook specialized shovels, like a sharpshooter spading shovel (with a narrow blade for working in established beds and rocky soil) or a Hantechn shovel (with a toothed blade ideal for digging in heavy clay) if your garden calls for it. As with any long-handled tool, make sure it is the right heaviness and height for your body type. If you're doing raised bed gardening, choose smaller, short handle versions of shovels and other long-handled garden tools.

Garden Fork

Also known as a digging fork, this handy tool is what you grab for turning soil in new or existing beds, including breaking up clods and sifting out stones. It's also a great garden tool for turning compost. In raised beds, use a digging fork to loosen and aerate soil prior to planting.

Rake & Hoe

In large vegetable gardens, a standard bow rake comes in handy for working soil and smoothing out beds prior to planting.    A hoe is a go-to tool for weeding and working soil, especially in vegetable gardens.

Wheelbarrow

Every gardener needs a wheelbarrow, heavy-duty wagon, or garden cart to help haul plants, garden tools, and bulk materials (think soil, compost, mulch, etc.) around the yard.    Invest in a higher grade construction-type wheelbarrow with a strong bucket so you'll be able to use it for years to come.

What tool does every gardener need?

There are several tools that every gardener should have in their tool kit, but if I had to pick just one tool, it would be a good quality, versatile hand trowel. A hand trowel is a small, handheld digging tool that is used for a wide range of gardening tasks, including planting, transplanting, weeding, and digging up small areas of soil.

A good hand trowel should be sturdy and durable, with a strong, comfortable handle and a sharp, pointed blade that can easily penetrate soil. Look for a trowel that is made of high-quality materials, such as stainless steel or carbon steel, and choose a size and shape that feels comfortable and easy to use.

Other essential tools for gardeners may include a hand pruner or shears for cutting back plants and shrubs, a digging fork for aerating soil and removing weeds, a garden rake for leveling soil and removing debris, and a watering can or hose for keeping plants hydrated. But if you're just starting out and need to choose just one tool, a good hand trowel is a great place to start.

What tool does every gardener need?

There are several tools that every gardener should have in their tool kit, but if I had to pick just one tool, it would be a good quality, versatile hand trowel. A hand trowel is a small, handheld digging tool that is used for a wide range of gardening tasks, including planting, transplanting, weeding, and digging up small areas of soil.

A good hand trowel should be sturdy and durable, with a strong, comfortable handle and a sharp, pointed blade that can easily penetrate soil. Look for a trowel that is made of high-quality materials, such as stainless steel or carbon steel, and choose a size and shape that feels comfortable and easy to use.

Other essential tools for gardeners may include a hand pruner or shears for cutting back plants and shrubs, a digging fork for aerating soil and removing weeds, a garden rake for leveling soil and removing debris, and a watering can or hose for keeping plants hydrated. But if you're just starting out and need to choose just one tool, a good hand trowel is a great place to start.

What is the most used garden tool?

The most used garden tool may vary depending on the specific needs and preferences of the gardener, as well as the size and type of garden they are working in. However, some of the most commonly used garden tools include:

Hand trowel: A versatile tool used for digging, planting, transplanting, weeding, and other small-scale tasks.

Pruning shears: Used for cutting back plants and shrubs, deadheading flowers, and shaping hedges.

Garden fork: Used for aerating soil, breaking up clumps, and removing weeds.

Garden rake: Used for leveling soil, removing debris, and spreading mulch.

Shovel: Used for digging, moving soil and compost, and planting trees and larger plants.

Hoes: Used for breaking up soil, weeding, and creating furrows for planting.

Watering can or hose: Used for watering plants and keeping them hydrated.

Of these tools, the hand trowel is perhaps the most versatile and widely used, as it is essential for a wide range of gardening tasks, from planting and transplanting to weeding and soil preparation.

How do I choose the best garden tools?

Choosing the best garden tools can be overwhelming, especially if you're new to gardening. Here are some tips to help you choose the right tools for your needs:

Consider the type of gardening you will be doing: Different types of gardening require different tools. For example, if you have a large vegetable garden, you may need a hoe, a digging fork, and a wheelbarrow, while a small flower garden may only require a hand trowel and pruning shears.

Look for quality: Investing in high-quality garden tools can save you money in the long run, as they will last longer and perform better than cheap, poorly made tools. Look for tools made from durable materials, with sturdy handles and strong, sharp blades.

Choose the right size: Garden tools come in a range of sizes, so it's important to choose tools that are the right size for you and the tasks you will be performing. For example, a small hand trowel may be easier to handle than a large digging spade, especially if you have a small frame or limited strength.

Check for ergonomics: Gardening can be hard on the body, so it's important to choose tools that are designed with ergonomics in mind. Look for tools with comfortable, non-slip handles that are easy to grip and reduce strain on your wrists and hands.

Read reviews and ask for recommendations: Before making a purchase, read online reviews to see what other gardeners have to say about the tools you are considering. You can also ask for recommendations from other gardeners, or seek advice from a local garden center or nursery.

Remember, the best garden tools are the ones that are comfortable to use, durable, and designed for the tasks you need to perform. With a little research and some careful consideration, you can find the tools that are right for you and your garden.

What is the best garden tool to turn soil?

The best garden tool to turn soil depends on the size and type of the garden you are working in, as well as your own preferences and physical abilities. Here are some tools that are commonly used for turning soil:

Garden fork: A garden fork is a useful tool for turning soil, as it can penetrate deeply into the ground and break up hard clumps of soil. It is also helpful for loosening soil around the roots of plants.

Spade or shovel: A spade or shovel can be used to dig up and turn soil, especially in larger gardens or when dealing with compacted soil. A square-bladed shovel is particularly useful for cutting through tough roots and removing stubborn weeds.

Hand cultivator: A hand cultivator is a small tool with multiple tines that is used for turning soil in smaller areas or around plants. It is also useful for removing weeds and aerating soil.

Rototiller: For larger gardens or when dealing with very compacted soil, a rototiller can be an efficient tool for turning soil. However, rototillers can be expensive and heavy, so they may not be the best choice for small gardens or for gardeners with limited physical abilities.

Ultimately, the best garden tool to turn soil will depend on your specific needs and the size and type of your garden. Consider the amount of soil you need to turn, the type of soil you are working with, and your own physical abilities before choosing the tool that is right for you.