Getting The Right Gardening Tools

Depending on the type of gardening you do, you might need different kinds of garden tools. Hardware stores will have a large selection of tools, but specialty shops might carry the more expensive types of garden tools that have the best quality. Wherever you decide to shop for your tools, here are some pointers on how to pick the tools that are right for you.

Do you have large garden or a small one? A smaller garden will not require the large tools that you might need for a large garden. Also, think about who does most of the gardening. Some tools might be too heavy to be easily used by women.

With secateurs you must make sure that you always keep the blade sharp or you could damage the plant. Look for models with blades that can be replaced or sharpened. Also try to find models that have tension control and with sizes that best fit your hands. Secateurs usually cost around $50 - $130.

Hedge trimmers or shears are good to have for most gardeners that are trying to control a hedge. Some hedge trimmers have curved blades to stop branches from sliding out when cut and this can be a good feature to look for.

Forks are used in your garden for turning and aerating compost and breaking up big clumps of soil. Be aware that the cheaper ones are usually not strong enough to work on heavy soil, so when buying one of these babies, you should go for sturdiness instead of price. Forks usually cost around $30 - $100.

Do you need a spade or a shovel? Probably both. A shovel has a scoop blade and is better for moving around dirt and garden soil. A spade has a flat blade and is best used for cutting edges, digging and dividing plants. It is important to keep the edge of your spade sharp so it does not damage plants when dividing. These tools are basic garden necessities and typically cost from $30 - $50.

A pruning saw is useful to prune trees and larger shrubs, while secateurs are used for plants like roses. Pruning saws have a narrow curved blade which fits between stems or branches and cuts as you pull the saw backwards. They cost about $27- $55.

A chipping hoe is a great tool for getting rid of small weeds. The Dutch or push-hoe is a bit easier to use as the action required does not jar the neck and shoulder as much.

Another basic garden tool is the rake. The strong rake with that has a flat head and sharp metal prongs is great for smoothing a garden bed as well as getting out the bumps and weeds. The plastic rake is not too useful for gardening per se but is great when used to gather leaves and grass clippings.

You don‘t have to spend a fortune on your gardening tools. Flea markets and garage sales are great places to pick up tools at a fraction of the cost.