What do you really need for gardening?
While many people would love to start gardening they are often put off by the numerous items that are found in the gardening section of their local home improvement store or garden center. The gadgets and tools seem to go on forever and can cause a beginning gardener to reconsider whether they really want to take up gardening. But the good news it that while there are essential tools that you must have for gardening they are not as numerous as you might expect. So be sure to check out our list of must haves for gardening to get you started and you may then find that you love it so much that all those "extras" suddenly turn into must haves as well. Here is what you really need to begin gardening-
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- Garden fork-This is a very versatile tool in the garden. A garden fork makes digging in tough soils easier and you can use it to dig planting holes in dense clay, mix additions with your planting soil, break up clods in a seedbed, and pry plants out of the ground with possibly a bit less root damage than with a shovel. It is important to make sure you get one with an extra-durable shaft that is either fiberglass or ash.
- Circle hoe-This tool is used for raking the weeds out of perennial and vegetable beds. The circle hoe is an old gardening favorite and that has been used for decades by both beginning and experienced gardeners. You can get a circle hoe with either a long or a short handle, and you might want to have both. Be sure to handle each at whatever store you are shopping at to determine what is most comfortable for you.
- Hand pruners-Keep in mind that you will want to have a set of good hand pruners with you at all times. You may be asking exactly what a good set is. The pruners need to feel comfortable in your hand, they need to open easily and lock securely. You will be using them for deadheading flowers and snipping off dead growth (anything up to about 1/2 inch in diameter). You will also want to make sure your hand pruners have curved blades. It is sometimes helpful to have a couple pairs of these around for ease of use or to enlist some helpers for your garden.
- Loppers-This is the tool that will take care of branches up to 3/4 inch in diameter. A well-made pair will also make clean cuts on small branches that are three feet farther than your normal reach, and you will not have to return to even out the cut.
- Garden cart-Keep in mind whether your garden measures two acres or 20 square feet, a cart really comes in handy. You will use it for hauling mulch, top soil, weeds, and transplants. Try to pick a version that has large wheels to help make negotiating over rough terrain a bit easier, and an easy-dump front end. Be sure to "test drive" some before settling on one since you want that handles easily.
- Hose attachment-You should keep in mind that having a good sprayer at the end of your hose can make all the difference in how you efficiently you deliver water to your plants. Ideally, you will want to be able to deliver a fine spray to fragile seedlings or full throttle to wash out a planter. In addition you will want to be able to go from fine to full force without a lot of effort.
- Protections for you-Avid gardeners often forget that gardening can take a toll. A nice pair of gloves and some sunscreen are a must for the time that you will be spending outdoors.
