Garden Tools Supplies Buying Tips
2008-08-14

                                                                                                                                                                Garden Tools Gardeners need a good selection of garden tools. You might not use them all every week, but having them on hand is better than running out to buy them at the last minute. If you're new to gardening, consider outfitting your tool shed with the following garden tools. Let's take an inventory of the tools you may need for your garden this year. In addition to those just mentioned, you may want to purchase the following: * Hoe--for weeding and cultivating; there are many types for light to heavy work and weeds * Leaf rake--for raking not only leaves but weeds and other debris; check out the new ergonometric ones. Avid gardeners agree that the best rakes are those with metal tines. They cost a bit more than plastic or wood style, but are much more durable. Whether to buy a rake with short tines or long is a personal preference * Pitch fork--for moving mulch, debris, or compost; closer spaced tines help with finer materials such as compost or bark * Shovel--Shovels are used for digging and lifting loose soil or other materials. A general purpose round point garden shovel works well for normal yard and garden digging. If you have a large amount of lightweight material to move, a wide scoop shovel works best. Spades are useful for cutting and digging heavy soil, digging straight-sided flat bottomed trenches, or removing a layer of sod. Garden forks have thick tines and are used for turning soil and breaking up soil clods. Pitchforks have longer tines which are useful for moving light, loose material. * Hand pruners--for pruning dead and winter-injured branches, shaping; check out both scissor and anvil types. A good pair of pruning shears should be in every gardener's shed. You can find inexpensive pruners for under $10—but you'll be replacing those often. Instead, consider investing in better quality pruners. With proper care, they'll last many years, and possibly a lifetime. * Hose --Hoes are used for cultivation and weeding. There are many types available. A general gardening hoe will work fine for cultivation and weed removal. Triangle shaped hoes are excellent for breaking into stubborn soil, weeding, and cultivation in tight spots. A warren hoe has a pointed tip and is used to make furrows. This type of hoe will produce disappointing results if used for weeding. A scuffle hoe is used for weeding. Its blade rests parallel to the ground and is moved back and forth to remove weeds just below the soil surface. * Sprinkler--If you have a small lawn, a simple sprinkler will suffice. For larger lawns, buy a sprinkler with more bells-and-whistles, such as a timer that shuts the water off, or one with adjustable spray patterns. How to Select Basic Garden Tools Step1 Select a spading fork as your first tool. Before you plant anything, you will need to open and improve the soil. A spading fork looks like a pitchfork but has a shorter handle and wider tines. It is used to dig down into hard soil and break up the ground. Step2 Choose a hoe. A hoe is useful for weeding and cultivating the surface of the soil to allow for penetration of nutrients and water. Step3 Choose a watering can. Long nozzles allow the water to come out at a very gentle flow rate and are useful for reaching across long distances. Select a watering can that has a detachable spray head - this type of watering can is perfect for watering young seedlings. Step4 Select a round-ended shovel for larger digging projects, such as planting shrubs and trees. Step5 Buy a good bow rake, which has short tines on one side attached to a metal frame or 'bow.' It's used for leveling the soil after it has been turned and prior to planting, or for removing large clods of earth or rocks from the soil. You can also turn a bow rake over and use the flat side to smooth soil in preparation for planting. Step6 Select a pair of garden shears that fits comfortably in your hand. Shears, sometimes called clippers, are used for pruning, shaping and removing foliage or branches. Don't buy the most expensive shears until you decide you like gardening. In addition to selection, tools require regular maintenance to work properly. Clean all tools after each use with water and a penetrating oil to prevent rust. Sharp tools are safer and more efficient to use. Various sharpening methods are used depending upon the tool. It is important to become familiar with the various methods so tools are sharpened properly. Check tools regularly for loose nuts and screws and tighten as needed. Sand rough handles and repair cracks as soon as possible to prevent injury. Store tools in a dry location away from the elements. Hanging them on a wall is an ideal way to organize the garage or shed. Proper tool selection and care will extend the life of your purchase for many years to come.