If you are new to the world of gardening, you likely don’t have a single tool, which can make getting started quite the challenge. Regardless of your experience level, here are a few must-have gardening tools in which to invest.
Gloves
Gloves protect your hands and the integrity of your plants, which is why they should be at the top of your shopping list. After one gloveless garden session – and your nail beds full of dirt – you’ll find they are much more helpful than they are an extraneous expense. Plus, gardening gloves can be purchased relatively inexpensively, so they aren’t going to break the bank.
Pruning Shears
Shears don’t just keep your plants from growing out of control; they are needed for regular maintenance, as plants periodically need to be trimmed back in order for them to thrive. That said, the types of shears can be overwhelming to a newbie. For that reason, select a pair of simple hand pruners. You can always make adjustments as you learn more about what you need.
Handheld Shovels
There are so many types of shovels that buying one can be overwhelming. Ignore the noise, and pick a handheld spade to begin. While other shovels are better suited for specific jobs, a spade is a great starting point to get your garden growing.
Gardening Forks
In most entry-level gardening sets, you’ll find a gardening fork, which is used to turn over or loosen dirt so you can shovel a space for your plant to live. Gardening forks are also better equipped than shovels to handle denser soil, saving you time and energy.
Watering Tools
Planting a garden is one thing, but maintaining it is another entirely. Typical watering tools are hoses, watering cans, or watering wands. For apartment dwellers, watering cans are ideal, while homeowners can typically rely on a hose with a watering tool attachment. Either way, you’ll want to consider how your plants are going to receive this much-needed resource.
Wheelbarrows
Specifically for homeowners, a wheelbarrow is a great investment for a new gardener. While it’s not a requirement, it does make moving mulch, dirt, and numerous plants at a time a lot easier. The idea is to work smarter, not harder!
Every new gardener should have these essential tools to get started. From there, you can always invest in additional tools as you become more acquainted with your garden and what it needs.