Welcome to the wonderful world of gardening! If you’re a beginner, you might feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of gardening tools and equipment available. But fear not; we’re here to help. In this module, we’ll walk you through the top 9 must-have tools for any beginner gardener, so you can confidently cultivate your green thumb. While you can certainly start gardening with sun, soil, and seeds, having the right tools can make the process much easier and more enjoyable. So, let’s dive in and explore the world of gardening tools together!
Lesson Objectives:
- Identify the key tools gardeners need
- Understand the usage of each tool
- Learn the correct way to clean your garden tools
Trowel
A trowel is a small hand tool that can be used to move, apply, smooth, or dig small amounts of material. The task at hand dictates when to use a gardening trowel. Small holes can be dug with a garden trowel when planting bulbs, annuals, or perennials. Using a garden trowel to dig a hole for a tree or shrub would take much time and effort.
Weed removal also requires a garden trowel. A blade with a narrow width is better for digging out weeds or installing small plants or bulbs in small, tight spaces. On weeds with long taproots, flat trowel blades are more effective. The best tools for digging up small plants, making holes for perennials, and scooping up soil when potting plants are wider trowel blades and scoop-shaped blades.
Spade
The shape of the blade on garden spade tools helps cut sod, reshape beds, and dig out deeper planting holes for light cultivation. Many individuals know about utilising a nursery spade during developing vegetable or blossom beds. The state of the cutting edge cuts into the dirt and helps blend in revisions. Its long, narrow blade makes nice, deep holes in plants’ well-developed root systems.
Digging Fork
A fork with four to six flat, straight tines is known as a digging fork. The purpose of a digging fork is, as the name suggests, digging. When digging into a compacted, clay, or rocky bed, you should use a digging fork rather than a pitchfork or compost fork.
Digging forks also removes tough, massive root structures from plants. These can be garden establishes that you expect to relocate gaps or fix troublesome weeds. Digging forks’ tines can cause less damage to root structures, making it possible to remove more roots than with a spade.
Rake
A garden rake is built to be strong and last a long time. It can save your back while working in the nursery on account of the length of the shaft. Because it has 12 rigid tines, it is ideal for use when a large open area needs to be raked over. Whether levelling off a bumpy border or cultivating a new vegetable bed, the sturdy tines make working any soil a breeze.
Other Gardening Tools & Supplies
Lawnmower
A lawnmower is a machine for cutting and trimming grass in a garden. It helps to keep the grass at a consistent height, preventing it from becoming too tall and unsightly. Regular mowing also promotes healthy growth and helps to keep the grass dense and lush.
In addition to keeping the lawn neat and healthy, a lawnmower can also prevent the growth of weeds and other unwanted plants. By cutting the grass regularly, you can prevent the growth of weeds and other invasive plants, which can take over a lawn and make it difficult to maintain.
Garden gloves
Not just to keep your hands clean when gardening, but gardening gloves can save your hands from injuries if you have nettles or thorns in the garden. More importantly, some plants can harm humans, so gloves add an extra layer of protection.
Kneeling pad
For a beginner gardener, a kneeling pad can be an incredibly useful tool when working in the garden. Here are a few reasons why:
- Comfort: Kneeling on hard or uneven ground can be uncomfortable and can lead to knee pain or injury over time. A kneeling pad provides a cushioned surface that can help reduce the pressure on your knees, making working more comfortable for longer periods.
- Protection: A kneeling pad also provides a barrier between your knees and the ground, protecting them from rocks, sharp objects, and rough surfaces that can cause cuts or bruises.
- Convenience: A kneeling pad is lightweight and portable, making it easy to carry around the garden as you work. You can use it to kneel on when planting, weeding, or pruning and then easily move it out of the way when you’re done.
- Hygiene: A kneeling pad can also help keep you clean while working in the garden. Using a pad can avoid getting dirt and mud on your clothes or skin, which can be especially important if you have allergies or sensitivities to certain substances.
Watering can
Water is vital to the health and growth of plants. Watering cans can make it easy to water plants evenly and gently, preventing overwatering or underwatering that can harm the plant’s growth. Watering cans also allow you to target the root zone, which is where the plant absorbs water and nutrients.
A watering can allows you to control the amount of water you use, preventing wastage and saving water. This is especially important during times of drought or water scarcity.
Watering cans are easy to use and come in different sizes and shapes to suit different needs. Small watering cans are ideal for indoor plants, while larger ones are suitable for outdoor gardens. Shop our watering and irrigation collection here.
Secateurs
While there are many tools to choose from, one essential tool that every gardener should have is a good pair of secateurs. Secateurs are handheld pruning shears for cutting small branches, stems, and flowers. They come in handy for various jobs throughout the year, from shaping hedges to deadheading flowers. As you become more experienced, you’ll soon realise that secateurs are one of the most frequently used tools in the garden, especially during the spring and summer months when plants are growing and flowering.
How to clean and maintain your garden tools
If you’re new to gardening, you might be surprised to learn how important it is to keep your garden tools clean and well-maintained. Dirty tools can harbour harmful bacteria and pests that wreak havoc on your garden, while dull blades and rust render them ineffective.
But don’t worry – cleaning and maintaining your garden tools is easy and a great way to ensure you get the most out of your gardening experience. Here’s a step-by-step guide to cleaning and maintaining some of the most commonly used garden tools: spade, fork, trowel, shears, and secateurs.
Let’s start with the spade and fork.
These tools are essential for digging and turning over soil, but they’re often the dirtiest after a day of gardening. To clean them, use a wire or stiff-bristled brush to remove any dirt and debris. If you notice any rust on the blade, use steel wool to remove it. Once clean, dry the tool thoroughly to prevent rust from forming. And don’t forget to maintain the blade’s sharpness using a sharpening stone or a metal file.
Next up is the trowel.
Which is perfect for planting, transplanting, and weeding. To clean it, use a damp cloth or a sponge to wipe off dirt and debris. Again, if you notice any rust on the blade, use steel wool to remove it. Once clean, dry the tool thoroughly to prevent rust from forming, and sharpen the blade if necessary.
Finally, we come to the shears and secateurs.
Which are used for pruning and trimming. To clean them, use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe off any sap or debris. If you notice any rust on the blade, use steel wool to remove it. Once clean, dry the tool thoroughly to prevent rust from forming, and sharpen the blade to maintain its effectiveness.
Maintenance
In addition to cleaning your tools, it’s important to take steps to maintain them. Keep your tools dry and store them in a dry place to prevent rust from forming. Apply a light coat of oil or WD-40 to metal tools to prevent rust, and replace any damaged or broken parts to prevent injury.
By following these simple tips, you’ll be able to keep your garden tools in top condition and do your part to ensure a healthy and thriving garden. So take the time to clean and care for your tools – your garden (and your back!) will thank you.
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Coming Next
That’s it for today. Hopefully, you have identified what garden tools you need to start gardening. Don’t forget; you can purchase almost all of the above garden tools and equipment on our website.
The next stage of our course is Module 6 – Introduction to Garden Design – Pt 2.
