Searching for the Best Gardening Tools?

Different kinds of gardens require different kinds of garden tools. Hardware stores cater to a wide range of tools with average to good quality. There are shops though, that specialize in the more expensive kind of garden tool that shouts quality. You can find tools like this at your local Garden center. Wherever you decide to shop, here are a few pointers to help you in your decision making.

Do you have small garden or a large one? A small garden will not require the same large equipment that would be of use in an extensive one. A riding lawn mower is unnecessary if you only have a small strip of lawn. Another point to consider is who does most of the gardening? Some tools may be too heavy for use by women.

Pruners
When you buy pruners (secateurs) make sure the blade always stays sharp to avoid damaging the plant. Look for models that have blades that can be sharpened or replaced, models with tension control and with sizes that best fit your hands. Pruners usually cost around $50 - $130. I find there is a difference here. The quality ones stay sharp longer and just work and stand up a whole lot better.

Hedge trimmers
Hedge trimmers or shears are handy - but only if you have a hedge, or plan on growing one. Some hedge trimmers have curved blades to stop branches from sliding out when cut. You can buy manual or electric. If your job isn’t too big I would go with quality manual ones. They are safer.

Forks
Forks are used for turning and aerating compost and breaking up lumps of soil. The cheaper ones are often not strong enough for heavy soil, so go for sturdiness instead of price. Forks usually cost around $30 - $100.

Shovels
A shovel has a scoop blade and is best used to move around dirt and garden soil. A spade has a flat blade great for cutting edges, digging and dividing plants. The edge of a spade should be kept sharpened for clean and efficient cutting and will cause the least amount of damage to plants. These are a basic garden necessity and usually cost from $30 - $50. You can buy expensive ones with shiny blades that look great but don’t work any better than cheaper ones that are given the same maintenance.

Pruning saw
A pruning saw is used for pruning trees and larger shrubs, while pruners (secateurs) are for plants like roses. Pruning saws have a narrow curved blade that fits between stems or branches easily and cuts them as you pull the saw backwards. They are approximately $27- $55. Some are fastened to long poles for trimming small branches from trees. They work great.

Hoes
A chipping hoe is a handy tool for getting rid of small weeds. The Dutch or push-hoe is slightly more user-friendly as the action required to use it does not jar the neck and shoulder quite so much. These must be kept sharp to work easily and properly.

Rakes
A rake is also a basic requirement for the garden. The strong garden rake with the flat head and sharp metal prongs is used for smoothing a garden bed and getting out the last of the bumps and weeds. The plastic leaf rake is used to gather leaves and grass clippings only.

Here are some final thoughts. Gardening tools don't have to be expensive. Flea markets and garage sales can be excellent places to pick up great tool bargains. They may need some TLC but can really be worth the extra effort to get them back into shape. Again think of your garden or the garden of the person you are buying a tool for and buy accordingly. Having the right tool for the job certainly makes a job a whole lot easier and a joy to use.