Garden Tools

Essentials Nearly Every Gardener Needs

A good tool is essential to any gardener. It takes more than a few seeds in the ground to grow a garden, and every gardener relies on his/her own garden tools to accomplish this task. You usually do not need that many garden tools to get started, especially if you are only planning a small garden. In fact, you can usually get by with only a few basic garden tools such as a spade, rake, watering can, and small hand cultivating tool. If you are new to gardening, you should consider each gardening tool purchase with great care and base each garden tool on your specific gardening needs.

A rake is one of the most valuable garden tools found in nearly every gardener’s tool shed. Select a rake that is light weight with a handle that is suitable to your height. When I first began to garden, I didn’t realize that there were so many types of rakes to choose from or that each one served a particular purpose. I always thought a rake was just a rake. Not so. Selecting a rake, or any gardening tool, should match its intended purpose. When you have the right gardening tool for the task, the project is much easier and the results are more satisfactory. Large plastic rakes are lightweight, and because they are plastic, they will not rust. They have a wide sweep and are effective for clearing small to medium sized dry leaves. Flathead rakes are essential garden tools for any gardener. These rakes are typically used for breaking up soil clods, removing small rocks and stones, or smoothing surfaces by flipping them over with the tines facing upward. The welded bowhead is another good garden tool and similar to the flathead; however, bowhead rakes are often lighter and easier to use than the more heavy-duty flathead rakes. Bamboo rakes are both lightweight and durable. Bamboo tines are less likely to spear leaves too, making it less likely that you’ll have to stop every so often to clean out the tines. A well constructed bamboo rake will last for years and never rust. Adjustable metal rakes are garden tools that range in width from 12-18 inches. The tough metal tines are effective for raking leaves or de-thatching the lawn.