If you want to start your vegetable garden, it is easy to go overboard while purchasing gardening tools as most of the times, beginners have no idea which tool they would be needing. No matter how excited you are to start plowing and arranging your soil ahead of the growing season, without proper tools your vegetables might not grow properly. As we all know, gardening tools can cost a fortune and might take up a lot of space, that is why it is wiser to buy basic tools that can easily assist you during your gardening sessions.
Since I have been nurturing the passion for gardening for years, I have made a list of all the essential tools which can come handy. Read on…
1. Gloves
Gloves are the first things to put into your cart while you are shopping for gardening tools as while gardening can be a satisfying hobby, it comes with thorns and splintery hassles. Gardening gloves are a must for every gardening beginners. You will never know what you will come across while digging soil or plowing, that is why it is better to be safe by protecting your hands with gloves than sorry. Even though a thin pair of gloves can keep your hands safe but it is advisable to choose one that is durable but not bulky. Always keep your gloves in a cool and shady place to keep them intact.
2. Hand Trowel
A hand trowel is a perfect option for planting herbs, removing weeds or digging soil. If you want a durable and have a good gardening budget, I would recommend that you buy a hand trowel which has been forged from stainless steel as it guarantees longevity. They come in different shapes and sizes, you can choose according to your comfort and needs.
3. Pruning Shears
Pruning shears can be multi-functional as you can use them for pruning plants, clipping garden twine, harvesting vegetables, and fruits. It is an essential tool for daily chores of a gardener as it helps to reign over plants that are going out of control. I would recommend that while buying a pruning shear, you choose a bypass-type over anvil type. Both are likely the same but the reason I prefer the bypass one because its cutting blade does a cleaner job. You can buy pruners with replaceable blades which will allow you to have sharp pruners all year long.
4. Spade
If you are planning on starting a home garden, it would be wise to buy a spade. Owning a spade would make it easier to dig holes and moving soil from one place to another. Always remember to choose a spade with a strong steelhead even though, it might be pricey, a good spade will be of good use for the rest of your gardening life.
5. Rake
Having a rake can really come handy to get rid of unnecessary leaves and debris which will fall in your garden. Having a clean garden is never disappointing.
6. Watering Hose
Water is the lifeline for plants. If you want a healthy and plentiful garden, it is important to water your plants daily or according to the needs of the plants. One of the most essential tools to buy would be a watering hose that can reach your every area of your garden. It is necessary that your whole garden area is properly hydrated else your plants can die out. You can even invest in an adjusting nozzle which can control the water pressure and flow. While watering your plant, always make sure that no water is floating on the soil, as it means that your water is not penetrating the soil properly.
7 . Loppers
If you are trees or shrubs are causing nuisance, there is a high chance that they need to be lopped. You can buy a lopper just in case this situation arises. Better be prepared than regret it later.
8. Stakes and Ties
While you are deciding to start growing vegetables or flowers, it is necessary to find out whether you need stakes or ties for plant support. Some plants while growing start becoming heavy and they tend to grow crookedly which can damage the plants. By installing stakes and ties, you can secure the growth of the plant as with the correct support, the plant will continue to grow vertically. Some varieties can need a taller or stronger stake, make sure that you research well on your plant.
9. Hoe
If you are starting a new garden, a lot of digging would be included in your process. The size and type of your garden will determine which type of hoe you would be needing. If you are planning to have a vegetable garden, you will be needing a wide and sturdy hoe while thinner and delicate hoes will be needed for a perennial garden.
10. Fertilizers
Last but not least, you will be needing nice and balanced fertilizer. After all, plants need to eat too. Make sure that it is full of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium.