Oxo Garden Bulb Trowel Versus Sentora Company, Ltd. Garden Knife

Spring Planting Tasks

Although May is a little late to plant bulbs, starts and divide perennials, some work can still be done for long-term results. And then, of course, there's the endless battle against weeds. The two tools I use most are the Oxo Garden Bulb Trowel and the Sentora Company, Ltd. Garden Knife while planting and weeding. The big issue in choosing one over the other is the quality of the soil. Much of my soil has heavy clay content but planters are filled with a sandy based mix or potting soil.

When planting hanging baskets I fill them with new potting soil to maximize the bloom. With old, large planters filled with potting soil, I first remove about half of the previous years' soil then add new potting soil, stirring it well. This often means I need to pull out bulbs and replant them I like to plant bulbs such as tulips or bluebells in a planter because it ensures they will be safe from my pet squirrels that browse through my gardens at will, dining on any tasty morsel.

The Oxo Garden Bulb Trowel is ideal for planting bulbs because it has an inset measuring guide that allows you to check the hole you've dug against the depth recommended for planting each bulb. Bulb depth varies from 1 inch to 4 or 5 inches. The sharp end helps you dig into previous soil. The concave blade allows you to scoop soil and place it carefully. This is a handy feature when planting baskets since I usually fill to the level that a start will sit nicely on top the dirt, then fill in dirt around the plant.

In working in my gardens, though, because of the heavier clay content, I love the Sentora Company, Ltd Garden Knife. Because of its handle length, the heavier heft of the blade, and the sharp digging end, Sentora Company, Ltd Garden Knife really saves my hand and wrist. When I weed, I often use a shovel to loosen the area around the spot I am weeding and planting, then use the Oxo Garden Bulb Trowel or the Sentora Company, Ltd Garden Knife to dig beneath plants and weeds. The Sentora Company, Ltd Garden Knife is especially handy to cut through large sections of perennials. Doing so, allows me to take sections around the yard and multiply the plants I have without spending extra.