This one is great for getting rid of small weeds next to plants.
Posted on 04/05/2009 6:15:03 PM PDT by Diana in Wisconsin
Spring is here, and gardeners soon will be knee-deep in chores.
Before you get ready to tackle any gardening tasks, you probably should take stock of your tools.
There are all sorts of gardening items, but with so many to choose from, where should you begin?
If you already have tools, check whether they're in good, usable condition.
Gardening and landscaping experts suggest buying the best tools you can afford. Why? Think of the adage "You get what you pay for." Quality tools aren't cheap. But when well cared for, a good tool can last a lifetime.
If you need to build a collection of gardening tools and are starting from scratch, assemble a list based on your basic yard duties. That list likely will include digging holes for plants or seeds, weeding and pruning.
Here is a list of tools to get the basics done and tips for caring for, storing and using your tools.
DIGGING, MOVING SOIL
Spade: This tool has a long, narrow head with a pointed tip, which makes it good for digging narrow trenches or pruning roots. Its handle is shorter, which makes it lighter.
Trowel: It's a small, hand-held tool that can be used to dig holes for seeds, seedlings and small plants.
Round-point shovel: The pointed tip makes digging easier and minimizes the amount of bending one has to do. When shopping, look at the shovel's lift, the angle formed between the ground and the handle when the shovel head lies flat on the ground, according to the Sunset Western Garden Book. A shovel with a generous lift means less bending over when digging, something folks with back issues can appreciate.
Square-nose shovel: Shovel heads with a flat edge are not meant for digging, but for moving or scooping loose soil, leaves, gravel, etc., on flat surfaces. Look for a shovel that can hold the largest amount of material you can lift repeatedly.
WEEDING
Hoe: A conventional hoe has a flat front edge that is used to break up soil prior to planting, weeding and other tasks. Hoes specifically used for weeding have heads that come in an assortment of sizes and shapes.
Cultivator: A hand-held tool that typically has a forked tip, it's used to literally pop weeds out of the ground.
PRUNING
Lopper: This tool resembles a hand-held pruner, but has a much longer handle. Loppers range from 1 to 3 feet. A lopper is good for those who might have physical limitations such as arthritis that make using a hand-held pruner difficult.
Hand-held pruning shears: For small tasks such as trimming shrubs, vines or very thin and flexible branches on young trees, this is a must-have for gardeners because of its versatility. Hand-held pruners should not be used on any branch thicker than your pinkie, as to not damage the tool or plant.
Pruning saw: When hand-held pruning shears are too small for a cutting job, use a pruning saw. It can cut branches that are 1 to 5 inches in diameter. Some models can be folded like a Swiss army knife.
Pole pruner: This extendable-handle pruning tool comes in handy when you need a little extra reach for cutting high branches, even when standing on a stepladder. It is most effective on branches with a diameter less than 1 inch.
OTHER MUST-HAVES
Rake: Even if you have a leaf blower, a rake comes in handy for cleaning fallen leaves. Look for one with the largest fan-shaped head you can find. Rakes with metal tines are more durable than plastic.
Spreader: This is used to evenly apply fertilizer or seeds when reseeding a thin lawn.
Knee pads or a kneeling pad: These cushion your knees and keep them clean.
Soil probe: Take the guesswork out of watering. Stick a probe in the ground to determine how dry or moist soil is before watering. That way, you don't water too much or too little.
Soaker hose: Haven't had the time or money to install a drip irrigation system? Consider using a soaker hose, which allows water to seep out through small holes slowly and steadily and delivers water directly to plant, grass and tree roots.
Wheeled cart: Use one to keep all the tools you'll need within arm's reach, so you won't have to go back and forth to the garage or shed. If all you have are a few hand-held tools, a tool belt can do the trick as well.
TOOL-CARE TIPS
Though high-quality garden tools can cost a pretty penny, experts say it's worth spending as much as you can afford on good tools that will hold up under frequent use and last many seasons. So it pays to treat tools with care. Here are some tips to help keep your garden tools in good condition:
• Wash tools after using them. Do not allow caked mud, dirt or debris to sit. Doing so can cause tools to deteriorate or cause damage faster than expected.
• Allow tools to dry completely before storing to prevent rusting and handle rot.
• Rub wood handles with linseed oil several times a year to protect their finish.
• Keep pruning tools and shears sharp. Sharpen only the cutting edge.
• Lubricate tools' moving parts with a light oil, such as WD-40, to keep corrosion at bay.
• Remove rust with a dab of oil.
• Another rust-prevention tip: Store cleaned shovels, hoes and other digging tools in a five-pound bucket filled with builders' sand and a quart of oil. The oily, grainy solution will help prolong your tools' life.
What about the tool in the White House?
I just got a little tool called the Ames 7 in 1 Planter’s Buddy. It’s a useful little thing - a sort of serrated transplant trowel with a weeding tip.
My favorite tool is the straight hoe - also called stirrup hoe, saddle hoe, ratchet hoe , and other names. I see some other poster’s like it too.
The ground is so wet here right now - but I can’t wait to get out there.
I bought one of those and have already transplanted my basil into a larger pot. The basil is going crazy. The catnip and mint aren't far behind.
Great! There’s hope for me, yet!
Hey! Don’t spill the beans about my secret gardening devices. You DO know that beer is an essential gardening chemical - it’s used to attract and drown slugs.
I’ve been drowned more than once. :-)
Well, I suggest you move, then, LOL!
You’re Zone 5/6 I’m sure. Same rules of nature apply. :(
Here are a few you can try, but I’m not promising anything:
Lettuce, arugula, broccoli, cauliflower, peas, beets, brussels sprouts, radishes, swiss chard, collards, mustard greens, spinach, kale and bush beans.
You can grow a lot of these in pots with no problem; maybe you can place them in the sunniest spots in your yard?
Good luck!
“...but I can’t wait to get out there.”
I have Thurs/Fri off this week for my ‘weekend.’ The weather report looks good, so I’ll be digging up my rock/herb garden which is going to be converted to a Salad Garden this spring.
I can’t wait, either! :)
This one is great for getting rid of small weeds next to plants.
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