Garden Tools For The Weekend Gardener Articles | Garden Information Center

By: Jeremy Martinez

When setting out on your gardening project it is very important to choose the right kind of tools.  Be sure to plan ahead, do your research before you buy your tools so you don't have to waste gas going back and forth to the gardening section of your hardware store. Here are some tips that should save you some time.

Is your garden small or large? Smaller gardens do not need the same type of large equipment that would be used in an larger garden. For example, a riding mower is not needed if you just have an bitty bitty lawn.  Additional things to consider are:  who is doing most of the gardening?  Do the gardening tools need to be geared more towards a man or woman?

When buying secateurs ensure that the blade is always sharp to prevent damaging the plant. When shopping for them look for models that have blades that can be easily replaced or sharpened.   Specifically search for models that have tension control, and find a pair  that best fits your hands, they do come in different sizes.  Secateurs have a wide range of cost, on the low end you could spend  $50 and on the high end you could spend $140.

Another useful tool for just about any garden are Hedge trimmers and shears.  They can be quite handy on hedges, trees and bushes. Some hedge trimmers have curved blades to stop branches from sliding out when cut.  I suggest getting the set with curved blades, yo
u never want any slippage with sharp blades.

Garden Forks for a variety of tasks including turning soil and compost,  aerating compost/soil and breaking up lumps of soil. The cheaper forks are usually not strong enough for really heavy soil, so if your budget allows for it go for a heftier pair of forks.
Forks range in price from $29 - $110.

A shovel is probably the most valuable tool in your garden tool set.  A shovel has a is a blade with a scoop.  It is usually used to move dirt and garden soil around.  Another handy tools iaa spade.  A spade has a flat blade great for cutting edges, digging and dividing plants. Be sure to keep your spade sharp.  Keeping your spade sharp means you will get more efficiency from your use of it.  As well, a sharp spade prevents unnecessary damage to plants when splitting them.  Shovels and spade cost from from $12 - $58.  They vary in size and quality.  Spending a little more will go a long way in the comfort on your hands.  When you are at the tool section
band the tool on something hard while holding it and you will see the difference in comfort.

If you plan on pruning trees, plans or shrubs you will need a pruning saw. Don't confuse a pruning saw with Secateurs. Secateurs are for plants like roses, while Pruning saws have a narrowly curved blade that fits between stems or branches and can easily and cut them as you pull the saw backwards from the plant. Pruning saws are approximately $25 - $56.

Got Weeds?  Then get a chipping hoe.  A chipping hoe is extremely efficient on small weeds. The Dutch or push-hoe is a bit more user-friendly because the action required to use it does not tweak the neck and shoulder.

A rake is also a basic necessity for your garden. A heavy duty strong rake with a flat head and sharp metal prongs is used for smoothing a garden bed and getting out the last of the bumps and weeds. A plastic rake is used for lighter duty such as gathering leaves and grass clippings.

With that said, keep in mind that gardening tools do not have to be expensive to be good.  Don't pay extra for name brand, if your local hardware store makes their own, give it a shot.  Also, don't forget to check your local craigs list section under "tools"!  Craigslist always has a plethora of garden tools for sale, you could pickup quite a bargain in your local area