gardening gardens garden


Gardening for Beginners – The Basic Tools for the Job


Articles on Gardening  |  Topics: gardening, gardens, garden


by Eliezer Ellison

When gardening first began, the tools were simple. There was a shove, a pitchfork, and a rake. Gardeners made use of these tools regardless of how cumbersome they may have been. These tools were utilized for several tasks and the results were not always optimal. Hundreds of years ago when a gardener needed a specific tool, they did not jump in their car and run to the gardening store for that special tool.

Definitely, times have changed and we have an assortment of tools, styles, colors, and sizes from which to choose. Gardening is a very popular hobby and with that, manufacturers have created effective and unique tools that make gardening a pleasure to undertake whether or not you are a beginner or an expert. Gardening tools today are made with fiberglass handles and padded handgrips. They will not rust if you leave them outside to face the weather and are virtually indestructible. They come lighter and even in special colors if you so desire.

With the choices of gardening tools so immense, short of going out and buying all of them, how do you know which ones you need? Before you go and buy a tool, know why you need it – assess your needs. If it looks like weeds are overtaking your yard, then do not go and by a shovel – invest in a weeder. Another way to decide what gardening tools are right for you is to talk to your neighbors. What do they use, ask to borrow their tools. If it works for you then you know you can put that on your list, as one to buy and if it does not you did not waste money buying something you know will not work for you.

Something to remember when you do buy your tools is to buy tools that are made of high quality. There is nothing more frustrating than buying a piece of gardening equipment only to bring it home use it a few times and then have it break. You may spend more money up front but it will be worth it in the end. Here is a list of a few tools to get you started:

Shovels – these are necessary for moving soil and planting.

Trowels – the majority of planting will take place on your knees and you will probably end up with a few different size trowels in your gardening arsenal.

Pruners – it is important to invest in good pruners, as this will make your job much easier. You want to find pruners that have replaceable parts and blades that you can sharpen. A good set of pruners may be costly but it is well worth the expense.

Hoes – there has not been a garden constructed yet that does not have its share of weeds and a hoe is very important. They come with both large and small blades which will help you get in between plants as well as break up soil


 Historical Quote
Typical of Iowa towns, whether they have 200 or 20,000 inhabitants, is the church supper, often utilized to raise money for paying off church debts. The older and more conservative members argue that the “House of the Lord” should not be made into a restaurant; nevertheless, all members contribute time and effort, and the products of their gardens and larders.
—For the State of Iowa, U.S. public relief program (1935-1943)



Garden Forks – these are a bit smaller than a pitch fork and are great for breaking up the soil often times you can use a garden fork in place of a spade

Rakes – great for getting those fall leaves out of the garden along with any debris that may be around. Rakes come in different sizes and with stiff or limber tines so find the one that will meet your needs

Wheelbarrows and Carts – unless you plan to carry the various items you need for gardening this is a great investment. Be careful with your choice, if you get one too large and fill it to capacity then it will be too heavy to lift and move around.

Two-wheeled Garden Carts – these are great if you heavy loads because they are very stable.

Water Cans – as the majority of gardeners know you cannot always count on the rainfall to do the trick so having a watering can on had is a good choice. As with other tools, determine the size that will most efficient for your gardening needs.

Hose – when you purchase your hose you want to find one that will not knot up as you are winding your way through your garden. In addition, you do not want one that will burst under pressure. Look for one that is approximately 5/8 of an inch and you should be fine.


We strive to provide only relevant articles on our website. If there is a specific angle on gardening that you would like us to cover, please contact us here.

Please note: All personal opinions expressed in the "Gardening for Beginners – The Basic Tools for the Job" article belong to the contributing author and are not necessarily shared by FlowersPlantsGardening.com.


Inexpensive Flowers
By Uriel Kane
Flowers are something that add beauty to almost any environment, but many can’t afford to buy fresh flowers for the house every few days. There are inexpensive flowers you can buy, but they can add up in prices after a while....

The Art of Miniature Gardening
By Xandy Tyler
Miniature plants often are nowhere to be found among the larger plants that most people prefer. Many small plants go unnoticed but have their own special characteristics....

Window to Nature – Creating a Window Box Garden
By Cardinia Justice
Do you want to have beautiful flowers but do not have a garden to plant them in? There is hope out there for your flower desires. If you have a window you are set....

Five Favorite Flowing Hedges for your Home
By Ismael Mayer
When there is talk of flowing hedges; the first thing that comes to mind is beauty. The five favorite flowing hedges all happen to be flowering varieties....

Read more articles about gardening...

Google

Flowers Articles   |   Plants Articles   |   Gardening Articles   |   Terms   |   Privacy   |   Contact
Copyright © 2010 Articles on Flowers.  All rights reserved.