Things to consider before purchasing gardening tools

The first step to taking care of the landscape is to find the right kind of tools. Gardening can be convenient and relaxing if you have the right set of tools. These tools don't necessarily have to be expensive. Durable, affordable tools can get the job done just as well. Undoubtedly, the collection of these garden tools will grow over time, but to get started, stick to basic tools that can do multiple tasks.

Essential gardening tools and their uses:

1. Gardening gloves

A good pair of gardening gloves will protect your hand from chemicals, blades, thorns, blisters, and other harmful objects. There are various options in the market depending on your need like leather gloves (they are breathable and comfortable), rubber gloves (they will keep your hands dry while digging wet soil), cotton gloves (they are delicate with a loose weave, preferable for pruning flowers). Select gloves that are best suited for your gardening needs. Here is a detailed list of gardening gloves.

2. Lawn mower

If you have a grass lawn, timely pruning is key to keeping it lush. Large or small, it is an imperative tool for mowing your lawn. Depending on the budget and size of your lawn, there are three types of mowers – electrical, gas, and manual. If you have a medium-sized lawn, electrical or gas mowers are recommended as they are easier to work with (choose a cordless electric mower for easy movement). On the other hand, manual or push mowers are preferred for smaller yards as they're more energy-efficient and low maintenance. Home Depot offers various lawnmower options.

3. Pruners & shears

Timely trimming shrubs is essential in keeping them healthy and in shape.

Pruners:

Pruners are the go-to tool for clipping dead branches and twigs. They are stronger than shears and come with two blades. They help get rid of all the unwanted branches and cut up to 3/4th inches.

Shears:

Shears are the perfect tool for the decorative cutting of flowers, shrubs, and plants. They have a single blade that allows precision trimmings.
Here is a list of the best pruners and shears and other cutting tools, per gardening experts.

Tips:

• Check if these cutting tools have a self-lock system when closed to avoid accidental injuries.
• Keep them dry and cleaned to keep the blades rust free and sharp.
• Before purchasing, gauge the weight and shape in your hand (should not be too heavy, and the grip should be comfortable for you).

4. Rain sensor

To maintain a good water balance in the soil for plants and grass, a proper irrigation system is crucial. A rain sensor is an automated system attached to your sprinkler that turns off your garden irrigation system every time it rains to prevent overwatering. It is an intelligent, cost-effective, automated system that adjusts itself according to the temperatures, seasons, and weather conditions. Unlike the old-timer systems, rain sensors are easy to install, prevent overwatering, save money, and energy consumption.

5. Leaf blower

Leaf blowers are helpful in clearing the shrub clippings, dried grass, or leaves to keep the driveway clean. They are lightweight, easy to handle, and energy-efficient. The latest designs also come with noise-free options. If you prefer a cordless version, battery leaf blowers are great since they do not require fuel or electric power and are lower maintenance. There are a variety of great leaf blowers depending on your budget and requirement.

6. Shovel & trowel

A gardening tool kit is incomplete without a good pair of shovel and trowel. These tools are useful in removing unwanted plants or weeds. A plethora of choice is available in the market, of different sizes, colors, weights, and shapes. Here is a list of best shovels and trowels for garderners.

Shovel:

A shovel is a long-handled tool that is the go-to for gardening work. From digging the soil to removing weeds, and removing ice, shovels can do it all.

Trowel:

A trowel is a mini version of the shovel and is used to loosen the soil for planting and weeding. This tool has sharp edges to dig deep in hard soils. Trowels come in sturdy materials like carbon steel that can withstand wear and tear. Here are the best garden trowels on HomeDepot.

7. Gardening fork, leaf rake, & aerators

Both, garden fork and leaf rake have sharp teeth and look similar on the external but perform distinctive jobs when it comes to gardening.

Gardening Fork:

A fork is a great tool for weeding as it can turn, loosen and lift the soil easily. Gardening forks are also utilized to aerate the lawn soil.

Leaf rake:

As the name suggests, a leaf rake is used to get pickup dried leaves, twigs, and other dried plants falling from bushes. They are also helpful in leveling out the soil beds.

Aerator:

Another useful tool for aerating the soil are aerator machines. They are time-saving and convenient. Although they are expensive to purchase, you can always rent them according to your needs. Another affordable option are aerator shoes. These have long metal nails at the sole that poke into the soil as you walk across the lawn.

8. Wheelbarrow

A wheelbarrow makes outdoor hauling hassle-free and convenient. It is used to transport rocks, dirt, mulch, soil, and every other garden debris without any hassle from one end to another. There are multiple build quality options available, such as plastic, fiberglass, and metal. Unlike the old wheelbarrows, the newer ones are available with two wheels (to avoid tipping).

These were the few basic yet best gardening tools you should have to ease your gardening experience. While you may have these tools, some jobs might be difficult for first-timers, or you might need power tools to get the work done. At this point, do not hesitate to call a landscaping contractor to help you out. Safety first! As your garden grows, add more tools to your collection and equip your gardening shed with the necessary ones. Remember to invest in quality, useful and efficient tools.