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Gardening is more enjoyable when the gardener has good tools. Home gardeners will also be more successful when they have the right tool and accessories for the task. Gardening tools can be divided into those that are essential and those that are nice to have because they save time, do the job better or are gentler on the plants.
Tools work with the soil and plants, whereas accessories help the gardener help maintain cleanliness, move items to and from the garden, protect fingernails and skin, and aid plant growth. A home gardener can choose to invest in these accoutrements or offer them as gift suggestions to those that want to help.
Contents
Tools for the Soil
A gardener will be working in the soil from the first scratch of the hardpan to planting and gentling removing weeds from around seedlings. The basic soil tools include a level-head rake, sharp-shooter or drain spade, cultivating fork, mulch fork, and broad spade. These tools are used from a standing position to dig, move, and flatten soil.
One less-used by many, but delightful for those that have ventured to purchase it is the Garden Weasel. This tool has a set of interspersed tines that roll over and break up surface dirt easily. Think of it as a manual tiller with a small footprint.
Tools for Plants
Hand tools that are essential in vegetable gardening include trowels. Preferably a home gardener would like two sizes: one wide and one longer, but narrow enough to accommodate different transplant sizes. A hand rake helps to move out weeds gently around established plants. Clippers for pruning, choose straight blades for small, delicate jobs and curved or eagle-beak clippers for harder cutting.
Select hand tools that are one piece with plastic hand grips. They are studier and easier to use than tools with two-part construction. Many hand tools have a slightly bend ergonomic design that is easier on wrists. A Cape Cod Weeder is nice for clearing weeds from soil near growing plants. It comes in left and right-hand variations. Sharp scissors and a knife also come in handy.
Accessories for the Garden
- Wheelbarrow or garden wagon
- Basket to carry harvested produce
- Soaker hoses or drip irrigation
- Path stones
- Tomato cages/pick study ones that fold up for winter storage. They are square ones from Gardener’s Supply and the new Texas Cages that can be built up to six feet without tipping over.
- Spray watering can for spot watering and containers
- Fences or strings with frames for vertical crops
Accessories for the Home Gardener
As a home gardener, you know that having the right accessories can make all the difference in the success of your garden. From gloves to hand tools, there are a variety of accessories that can help you keep your garden in top shape. One of the most important accessories for any home gardener is a good pair of gloves.
Whether you are pruning, digging, or weeding, gloves can help protect your hands from scratches, cuts, and other injuries. Additionally, gloves can help keep your hands clean and dry, which is especially important when working in wet or muddy conditions.
- Kneeling pad
- Garden shoes
- Sun hat
- Gloves – a pair of thick ones for thorny plants, thin ones that let the gardener feel the soil through the fabric, and a pair of waterproof ones.
- Dust mask
Another must-have accessory for home gardeners is a set of hand tools. Hand tools, such as trowels, cultivators, and pruners, are essential for planting, weeding, and pruning. Look for high-quality tools that are made from durable materials and have comfortable handles that are easy to grip. Additionally, consider investing in a tool belt or apron that will keep your tools organized and within easy reach.
Many thoughtful and creative retailers have developed and promoted other clever gardening tools and accessories, but the ones suggested above will provide an excellent set of basics for a new vegetable gardener.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, whether you are a seasoned home gardener or just starting out, having the right accessories can make all the difference in the success of your garden. From gloves to hand tools, and kneeling pads to watering cans, there are a variety of accessories that can help you keep your garden in top shape. So, invest in high-quality accessories and get ready to enjoy a beautiful and bountiful garden!
Win A Garden Kneeling Mat
To help ensure that the home gardener in your life is comfortable whilst they are planting, pruning or pulling weeds, we have a Garden Kneeling Mat to giveaway.
PRIZE: Garden Kneeling Mat
To enter simply complete the Gleam widget below, all entries are optional and each one completed will gain you more entries into the random draw.
Garden Kneeling Mat (AFFT)
