Whilst some tools and equipment that our tree surgeons use, such as stump grinders and chainsaws are too much for the average person to store in their home, there are some essential tools that every budding gardener show own.
You probably have a variety of tools stored for home renovations and improvements, so why not have the same essential equipment for jobs in the garden? We’ve listed 8 essential garden tools below.
Hose/Watering Can
Without regular watering, your plants will die, so first on your list needs to be a hose or watering can. Watering cans are fine for smaller gardens and better for the environment, but if you have a large garden a hose or even a sprinkler will be needed.
Gloves
If you’ve ever tried gardening without a pair of gloves, you’ll know why they’re essential. They keep your hands protected, warm and clean and as soon as you put them on you know you’re ready for business. Heavy duty ones are a must if you’re going to be dealing with a lot of brambles or plants with spiky stems (we’re looking at you, roses).
A good pair of secateurs
Secateurs will quickly become one of your favourite garden tools when it comes to pruning, shaping and maintaining you plants. A quick trim of loose stems on a bush can completely transform it, as well as promote healthy growth.
We recommend spending a bit extra on your secateurs as you want them sharp, as well as sturdy for good clean cuts. We would also recommend cleaning your secateurs after easy use to avoid spreading any infection from one plant to another.
Gardening scissors
As well as secateurs, a pair of dedicated garden scissors are a must for trimming small plants and tidying up small stems. Use your secateurs for any bigger stems and branches and your scissors for anything smaller.
Trowel
Digging small holes with your hands isn’t the most effective, so a small trowel for planting, as well as digging up weeds is a must. Aim for one with rounded sounds, rather than square as this will make it much easier to dig even holes.
A Dibbler
One you may not have heard of before but one we class as essential for planting seeds and bulbs is the dibbler, which allows you to make easy, straight holes in your soil. You can use things you may have lying around the house instead for this, but with a name like dibbler, why wouldn’t you want one?
A spade
A spade will always be needed from time to time, especially when you’re digging up or moving plants. Typically spades will be used less than some of the other items on this list, so opt for a stainless steal one to avoid it rusting whilst it’s stored away.
A rake
Even for small gardens, rakes are essential not only for clearing leaves and levelling soil but for turning over your soil. Soil that has a high proportion of clay in it should be regularly turned over as tight and compacted soil can limit the amount of water reaching your plants.
Other tools that aren’t essential, especially in small gardens, but will really help if you’re doing a lot of work and have the space to store them are:
Garden Fork
A large garden fork is ideal for breaking up and hard bits of soil, especially if it’s mixed with clay. Forks can also be to break up you soil, similar to a rake, but reaching much further below the ground.
Wheelbarrow
Finally for any big gardening jobs, a wheelbarrow will save you a lot of time and heavy listing and can be used time and time again for jobs in the future. If you don’t have enough storage for one, check with your neighbours before purchasing one, as it’s likely someone will have one lying around somewhere.
For any jobs that are too big for a regular gardener, or require larger equipment call today on 0161 338 4455 or 07917 798 459