How to Buy Gardening Tools

How, What and Care

With such a large selection of gardening tools on the market today, competition between manufacturers is fierce as they battle for the consumer's dollar with better design and equipment features.

How to Choose the Best Tool for You

When choosing your gardening tools you want to make sure that they are right for your size and age, and are suited to your level of gardening experience.

When buying garden tools, test them out by practicing as if you were in the garden. See how they feel.

You should experience comfort in the grip – many manufactured have improved the grips by padding them.
The size should suit what you will be using it for and should be relative to your height and size.
The heavy weight of the object should not impede your motion nor should it be so heavy that it will begin to cause any back, arm or wrist pain when using it.
Ergonomic tools have handles with adapted shapes that prevent (or at least reduce) muscle or joint pain related to specific movements.

What Do You Need?

Gardening tools can be broken down into the fundamental and useful categories. The fundamental tool kit consists of few items and can be cared for easily.

Fundamental
- Protection: don't risk over-exposure to the sun – wear sunscreen and a hat.
- 2 x rakes: a wider version is necessary for raking leaves and grass, as well as a narrower, flatter rake for raking the flower beds and vegetable gardens.
- Spading Fork: is fitted with four sharp tines and is used to weed and turn over soil.
- Garden Spade: is used to separate plants in the transplanting process. Its sharp blade and blunt shape cuts roots rather than tearing them.
- Weeding Hoe: loosens soil for air and water circulation, as well as weeding. A smaller hoe is best for flowers, while vegetable gardens call for a larger model.
- Shears: essential for pruning and cutting back foliage.
- Wheelbarrow: transports garden material and tools. Tires are best as they handle better in the garden. A flatter, shallower tray will also provide stability.
Useful
- Round Shovel: for digging deep holes to plant trees and for other landscaping work.
- Lawn Edger: cleans up lawn around flowerbeds. Look for a model with foot support.
- Fertilizer Spreader: used to evenly spread fertilizer and can double up to spread lime and seeds too.
- Garden Cart: transports and stores gardening equipment. Some models convert into a bench.

Caring for Your New Gardening Tools

Correct cleaning and storage of your gardening tools are essential for their longevity.

Clean with a dry rag and then brush with oil to prevent rust.
Have your round shovel, shears, and garden spade sharpened in preparation for the Spring.
Ensure tools are completely dry before storing.
Store with handles down.

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