Technically speaking, all you need to start gardening is soil, seeds, sun and water. However, having the right home gardening tools and equipment can make the job a lot easier. If you are new to gardening, you may be tempted to do it as cheaply as you can. Although you may end up saving some money, chances are you will lose a lot of your valuable time. But what kind of gardening tools and equipment will you really need to do some basic gardening? Well, the truth of the matter is, it all depends on what you grow, where you grow it, and how you grow it.
First Things First
As you know, the soil is what provides food and water to plants. However, when the soil is in poor physical condition, the plants won’t grow and develop properly. To make sure that your plants develop well and thrive, it is important to prepare the soil before planting by adding fertilizers. So, when buying your home gardening tools and equipment, get yourself a good fertilizer as well. You should apply the fertilizer before you do the planting. In order to choose the right fertilizer, you should test your soil first. However, if you don’t want to do that, you can add around 500grams of an all-purpose fertilizer such as 13-13-13 per 10 square meters. Spread the fertilizer over the garden area and rake it into the top 10 centimetres of the soil before planting the crops.
Pruning Tools
Also called pruning shears, clippers or secateurs, pruning tools are necessary to properly trim and shape your plants, prune out dead or damaged foliage and small branches, deadhead, and to cut back perennials. You will find pruning tools in a variety of styles and price points. I suggest you get a bypass pruner with overlapping blades, like scissors, when you cut and not an anvil pruner style that crushes the plant’s stems instead of making a clear cut.
Spade vs Shovel – What is the Difference and Which One to Choose?
When it comes to moving soil, plants, gravel, mulch, or other materials, having a shovel or spade is essential. Shovels come in different styles and what you need will depend on what you want to do with it. Consider your own size and strength when buying a shovel or spade, and remember – bigger is not always better! You may be able to get the job done more quickly using a smaller tool that lets you lift lighter loads. For moving soil, digging holes, and various planting jobs, a round-tripped shovel with a long handle works best. If you have decided to buy only one digging tool, a round-tipped shovel is probably your best option. For lighter tasks, such as transplanting, many tend to find the square-tipped shovel with a short handle easier to use. This shovel type also works well for squaring off trenches, leveling areas for walkways or patios, and scooping up piles. A spade is similar to a square-tipped shovel but its blade is longer and narrower and it is designed to cut through roots and heavy soil. It is ideal for working in crowded flower beds, transplanting and dividing perennials, as well as for edging.
Trowels
This is one of the best pieces of home gardening tools and equipment that are extremely helpful for performing smaller jobs, like container gardens where a spade wouldn’t fit, as well as for planting seedlings and bulbs. When choosing a trowel, look for a model that has a sturdy handle with a contoured grip. There are several options to choose from, including ergonomic designs that prevent wrist strain and soft rubber handles, which are the easiest to grip. A trowel with a rounded blade will remove soil more quickly while a trowel with a narrow blade works best in compacted or clay soil, or between tightly-spaced plants. Depending on your needs, you may need to get more than one trowel.
Watering Tools
In other to provide water for your plants, you will need a garden hose. Get the best garden hose you can afford, preferably one with brass fittings, that is thick and kink-free. Garden hoses come in different types, lengths and qualities. For a patio or a deck, consider getting a coiled hose that can be stored away easily. For a smaller garden with a spigot readily available, a 6-metre hose may be fine. For larger gardens or those with spigots placed farther away from plants, there are hoses that reach up to 30 metres. You may also need a spray nozzle to attach to the end of the garden hose. This will allow you to control the flow of water from a light sprinkle to a forceful jet so that you can water everything from seedings to container gardens to trees.
