Choosing The Right Gardening Tools

Different kinds of gardens require different kinds of garden tools. Hardware stores carry a wide range of tools, but there are stores that specialize in more expensive garden tools of better quality. No matter which way you go, here are a few pointers when shopping for garden tools:

How big is your garden? A larger garden will require bigger and more expensive tools. A small lawn may only require a push mower, while a large lawn might be easier to take care of if you have a riding mower. Also who does most of the gardening? Some tools are easier handled by men, not to say a women couldn’t but most women prefer the lighter weight tools.

When you buy clippers or pruning shears 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. Pruning shears usually cost between $20-$50.

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 $20-$30.

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 will cause the least amount of damage to plants. These are a basic garden necessity and usually cost from $10-$30.

A pruning saw is used for pruning trees and larger shrubs, while secateurs are for plants like roses. Pruning saws have a narrow curved blade that fits between stems or branches and easily and cuts them as you pull the saw backwards. They are approximately $20-$50.

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.

A rake is also a basic requirement for the garden. A heavy metal rake is used for smoothing a garden bed and getting out the last of the bumps and weeds. Plastic rakes are used to gather leaves and grass clippings only as they will break easily, or you can opt for the lighter weight metal rake which will last longer and not break as easy.

Don’t forget to check out your local flea markets and garage sales, even Estate Sales can be great places to find garden tools at great prices.

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