Essential Tools for the Beginner Gardener

Gardening is a great hobby, not to mention productive too. You can grow a wide variety of plants – from flowers and shrubs, to your own fruits, herbs and veggies. It requires a lot of dedication, patience, knowledge, and the right gardening equipment. If you want to practice horticulture, you need to have the following tools:

Gloves

Gardening can turn from an enjoyable activity in to a thorny hassle before you notice it. A lot of gardening beginners forget that they need gloves. They protect your hands from all the thorns and splinters. You can even cut your palms and fingers while you pull out weeds. Gloves aren’t exactly a gardening tool, but they are a must. They should be at the top of your garden shopping list. They come in different sizes, colours and patterns that could fit any taste.

Hand trowel

This is a handy garden tool when you want to plant herbs, dig around corners, or get rid of weeds. If your gardening budges allows it, get yourself a hand trowel. The ones that are forged from stainless steel are the best. If you can’t afford one, try to at least buy a trowel with stainless steal head. This way you will be sure that your new garden equipment won’t brake easily or go rusty with the time.

Spade

The spade is a short-handled square shovel. It’s really easy to dig plant holes with it. You can move small mounds of soil from one place to another. The perfect spade has a strong steel head and a thick handle, made of fiberglass. This handy gardening tool may seem a bit pricey for the beginner gardener, but it’s worth it. It’s a lifelong investment, because you won’t need to buy a spade a second time.

Rake

This is probably the most common tool for gardening. You can find it in every gardener’s shed. It can be plastic or made from some kind of metal. It’s cheap and really handy when you have to deal with fallen leaves and debris. The rake is an essential tool when it comes to garden maintenance. You can also use it to make rows for seeds.

Hoe

You buy your hoe according to your lawn type. Most gardening newbies don’t know it, but a vegetable garden may require a sturdy, wide hoe. On the other hand, gardens with perennial plant require the use of a thinner hoe. You can always consult the clerks at the gardening store when you buy your equipment. They will help you choose the right type of lawn maintenance gear that your yard needs.

Hose

Water is the source of life for your garden. Without it your precious plants will wither and die. You need to buy a long hose, with adjustable nozzle and rain wand. It’s really impressive how far this handy gardening tool can spray water. You can effortlessly irrigate even the unreachable parts of your lawn. The adjustable nozzle of the hose allows you to control the water pressure. You can forget about winding your hose manually. With the rain wand it’s really easy to do it, and to mention fast.

Loppers

The word "loppers" may sound unfamiliar to the gardening rookie. This is a tool you use to prune trees and shrubs. Think of it like tree scissors – you can use them to remove branches that are up to 5cm in diameter. It’s and essential gardening gear that you should have in your garden.

Wheelbarrow

Gardeners around Abingdon remind you not to forget the wheelbarrow. This is probably the most convenient thing for your garden. It’s not exactly a tool, but you can use it for many things. When you have some extra soil you need to move, or maybe distribute compost to your yard, the wheelbarrow is your best buddy. You can load it with garbage, fallen leaves, debris, even construction materials. You can even give rides to your children, just make sure the inside is clean.

What are you waiting for? Spring is approaching and this is the perfect chance to start your adventures in the gardening world. Head to the nearest gardening center and get your lawn maintenance gear! Load your new wheelbarrow with the other essential tools and enjoy your new hobby!

Desiree Thomson is a professional gardener and aspiring blogger. She's interested in home improvement, gardening and nature.