Container Garden 411

It doesn’t matter what size your garden is, there’s no doubt that gardening tools can help make looking after your garden heaps simpler.  But there are so many tools available that it is very hard to know which equipment you really need, particularly if you’re new to gardening.  It’s tempting to avoid making a mistake by just buying everything, but then you’ll be left with no money and a storage area full of stuff you don’t need.

So which tools are worth buying?  Gardening involves shifting dirt around, so a digging tool is always a useful choice.  If you’re mostly working in pots or containers, then a sturdy trowel is a worthwhile investment.  A shovel is better if you’re going to be moving large amounts of soil around, or to assist you with planting trees, vegetables and flowers.  It might be tempting to save yourself some effort by choosing a power tiller or plough, but unless you have a very big garden, they probably involve more expense and trouble than they’re worth.

Another excellent tool to buy is a rake or hoe.  Again, if you’re going to mainly be working in smaller areas, a pot-sized equivalent is a good idea.  These tools can be used to smooth soil and remove weeds.  This sort of work can be done by hand, but it’s easier with the right tool, particularly in a big garden.

Although they’re not technically a tool, good gardening gloves are also useful.  It may be a good idea to have a couple of pairs – some heavy duty ones for rough work, and some thinner ones when you need to feel what you’re doing. 

Once your garden is established, then at least one pruning tool is necessary.  Depending on the size of your plants, choose anything from pruners or secateurs through to large tree loppers.  It’s worth spending a little more to buy a solid, reliable pruning tool, otherwise it may be ruined the first time you try to cut anything with it.

A few more tools that you can probably survive without, but will make gardening easier depending on the style of your garden, include:

- Wheelbarrow
– Garden fork
– Watering can
– Hose & hose reel
– Rake

Again, it’s not hard to buy cheap tools, but if you want to use your tools for a long time, think of choosing good quality tools as an investment.  Cheap tools don’t mostly work as well, and tend to be less sturdy and easier to damage.  Happy gardening!

To get more information about buying the right gardening tools, check out http://www.gardeningzoneonline.com