Essential Tools For The Gardener

There's an appropriate tool for every garden project.compacted soil and preparing garden beds. Pitch forks
Using the right tool will make your job much easier.are also used to divide grasses and perennials. In
When shopping for garden tools make sure they'readdition to this these gardening projects the pith fork
comfortable. Tools which are too heavy can quicklyis often used to spread mulch in the spring.
become tiresome while tools which are not heavyReel Mower
enough seem to be poorly made. The handles of wellEngineless push reel mowers are great for the small
made tools are made from high-quality wood such aslawn. They use no gas, don't pollute and actually give
ash. The following are the tools which everya cleaner cut than a power mower. One drawback is
gardener should own.that this type of mower tends to get bogged down
Grading Rakea bit in taller grass so more frequent mowing may be
The grading rake is essential for smoothing soil afternecessary. The modern version of this type of
it has been tilled. Ideal for finish work when preparingmower is light weight and easy to maneuver.
planting beds or a new lawn, it enables you to giveHand Pruners
your garden a finished smooth grade.For cleaner, more precise cuts, look for hand shears
Cultivatorwith bypass blades, which slip past each other when
These modern gardening tools are available withclosed and cut the branch cleanly. Hand pruners are
patented tines to help in cutting the hard compactedable to prune branches of 1 inch (2.5 cm) and smaller
soil smoothly. Some cultivators include a border edger.diameter. Select a pair of garden shears that fits
It is perfect for perennial gardens which often end upcomfortably in your hand.
with compacted soil due to frequent maintenance.Loppers
Cultivators are great for preparing vegetable gardensThese are basically pruners with long handles which
and annual beds.provide leverage and the ability to prune branches up
Edgerto 2 inches (5 cm) thick.
This gardening helps flower gardens and shrubCompact Pruning Saw
borders retain their shape. Over time lawn grassThis is a very convenient and useful tool which is
begin to encroach on the these gardens and as asmall enough fit into the middle of a shrub to cut a
result the gardens lose their crisp lines. Edging abranch.
garden a few times over the course of a season willOver the winter, head out to the shed and take an
prevent grass roots from taking hold in the plantinginventory of your gardening tools. Be sure you have
beds.what you'll need for next season's garden projects.
Pitch ForkMore than likely there's a tool on this list you'll need.
The pitch fork is the perfect tool for aerating