Choosing necessary tools must go hand in hand with the idea of making life easier for yourself. Choose good quality tools that are durable and versatile.
Choose a shovel that is strong and one that won’t bend and chip when digging heavy going material such as rocks and clay. Shovels will endure lots of work in their time and come in different shapes and sizes for different purposes. Big, square ended shovels are perfect for moving large amounts of loose matter or spreading compost or fertiliser but not so handy when digging into tough earth. This is where spades come in useful. Spades are particularly useful for all sorts of jobs and are perfect for digging holes of all sizes.
Gardening shears are another must for the tool shed. Be sure to purchase one that feels comfortable in the hand as you will be using them for all sorts of trimming and pruning. They have curved blades – one concave and the other convex – for effective usage and many brands of shears are available. They often come with a lockable switch to keep them safely closed when they aren’t in use.
You might not think that an ordinary rake is an essential tool for gardening but rest assured this handy tool will come in useful for all sorts of jobs. Even when you have other, more advanced tools for the task, you will often find yourself reaching for the trusty rake. They are available in a range of materials, such as bamboo, plastic and metal so choose a rake that you think will be better suited for the work you have in mind. If unsure, go for the metal rake as this will last for years and can be used for light or heavy work.
Where would we be without the wheelbarrow!? They can be used for carting absolutely anything that will fit, compost, fertiliser bags, potted plants and more. No gardener should be without one. They save many hours of back ache trying to hoist heavy bags or objects from one spot to another – simply lift into the wheelbarrow and be on your way.
These are only the basics. There are hundreds of useful gardening tools and products available and there are many outlets or online stores around to buy garden tool kit so have a look around and get that garden shed stocked up. |
