Have you always wanted your own garden and finally decided to give it a shot? Gardening is a rewarding experience indeed, but it’s easy to feel overwhelmed about what you need to start. 

 

In this guide, we compiled a detailed list of every essential gardening tool to do all the basic tasks. They’re everything you currently need to create a beautiful garden. 

What Are the Gardening Tools You Need

The following tools will make it easy for you to tackle any task, no matter how big it is.

Gardening Gloves

Wearing the proper gloves when gardening is crucial for protecting your hands. You are shielding them from dirt, debris, and sharp objects like thorns or splinters no matter what task you’re doing.

 

If you’re looking to buy the least expensive option, basic fabric gloves will work well for short tasks in warm weather. However, they are not suitable for harsh outdoor conditions.

 

For year-round gardening tasks, consider coated or heavy-duty gloves. These types of gloves offer waterproof protection from rain or sweat. 

 

Usually made from coated canvas or leather, they breathe better than plastic and will withstand heavy use without tearing. 

 

Their thick material is perfect for pruning and working with thorny plants. Make sure your gloves fit perfectly on your hands to avoid them being too loose or tight.

Pruning Shears

Mostly known as secateurs among gardeners, pruning shears are quite important for your gardening venture. 

 

You will find yourself using them on every plant you have to shape and maintain its growth. 

 

Look for shears that have a bypass blade design. It consists of one sharpened blade that slides past the other to allow for clean cuts without crushing or tearing the plant apart. 

 

This mechanism results in cuts that help promote the healing process of your plants.

 

One more thing to pay attention to is the handle, which is important for comfort and control as you use the tool. Pruning can require a lot of cuts, so you’ll want shears with handles that fit your hands well. 

 

Padded or textured grips provide extra comfort and prevent slipping. Adjustable handles are also useful if more than one person is going to use them. 

 

High-quality steel blades are another must-have feature. You’ll want sharp, durable blades that hold their edge through many cuts. 

 

Lastly, consider the overall size of the shears. Larger shears can cut through thicker branches faster but may not fit well in tighter spots around plants. 

 

On the other hand, smaller shears are more manoeuvrable but tire out hands with many cuts of thick wood. As a beginner, you should choose the most appropriate size as per the specific pruning jobs you’ll be doing in your garden.

Garden Fork 

The right fork is your go-to gardening tool, whether you’re weeding, turning compost, or preparing soil for planting. 

 

When shopping for a suitable garden fork, consider the tines. Longer ones (6-8 inches) are perfect for heavy digging and loosening clay-like soils. However, for more delicate jobs, they feel a bit clunky in your hands. 

 

Smaller tines of about 4-6 inches provide more precision and perfect control, if that’s what your gardening tasks require.  

Hand Trowel

Ideal for seedling and transplant work, a hand trowel is a reliable tool every gardener needs. It makes tasks like planting seeds, dividing perennials, and weeding pots much easier. 

 

You want to look for a sturdy stainless steel trowel with a comfortable grip handle for a secure hold. In addition, you’ll benefit from high-quality steel, which will not bend or rust over time. 

 

Consider a D-shaped handle if you will do a lot of digging work. It provides better leverage than flat, round shapes. Furthermore, a trowel with a pointed end is much more precise than square-shaped ones.

 

Rake

A useful gardening tool every beginner should have is a ground rake, which will help you tremendously in bed preparation and seed starting. 

 

Most ground rakes feature a flat, rectangular head that’s about 12 to 16 inches wide. This allows it to easily access narrow and curved areas in the garden. 

 

Mounted closely across the head are numerous thin steel tines spaced only a fraction of an inch apart.

 

It is this tight configuration that gives the ground rake its stirring power. By making multiple passes across unbroken soil or loose compost, the tines are able to break up any clumps and large particles into ultra-fine tilth. 

 

Sifting through the soil, no undesirable chunks or air pockets are left behind. The substantial flat back then lets you gently tamp the created seedbed flat and firm. 

Hoe

An invaluable gardening tool for keeping weeds at bay and preparing the soil, a hoe is another strong tool in your arsenal. 

 

One of its primary functions is weeding beds and borders. The sharp blade easily skims just beneath the surface to uproot young weeds before they have a chance to take hold. 

 

In addition, the hoe is perfectly suited for cultivating the soil. It breaks up the crusty topsoil and brings loose layers up from below with ease, improving water penetration and airflow to plant roots. 

 

That way, you are also burying any existing weed seeds deeper, where they are less likely to sprout. 

 

For beginners, an adjustable angle hoe provides the needed versatility that allows cultivation at various depths. Its lightweight and durable design, combined with a comfortable handle length, makes it a good choice. 

Garden Hose

A durable garden hose is every gardener’s best friend! You should plan to have reliable access to clean water, especially during the summer months. 

 

You will not regret investing in a high-quality hose when starting your home gardening project. Consider vinyl or rubber hoses, as they are more resistant to cracking from sunlight exposure and harsh weather. 

 

Furthermore, aim for a thickness of at least 5 to 8 inches, as thinner hoses will burst more easily under pressure. 

 

You also want to consider a good spray nozzle capable of varying the water pressure as needed. Adjustable nozzles definitely help make watering more efficient for you. 

How to Take Care of Your Gardening Tools

  • Wipe tools clean. After use, you should wipe down the tools, especially those with metal components, to remove any soil or debris. This prevents rust from forming. 

 

  • Store in a dry place. Your best bet is to always store your tools in a dry, shaded place. They can rust if exposed to moisture and heat for too long. 

 

  • Oil moving parts. Use a light machine oil or silicone spray on scissors or shears, as well as any tools with hinges. This will keep them moving smoothly, but make sure to avoid rubber grips. 

 

  • Sharpen blades. Periodically use a file to maintain a clean, sharp edge on blades. Dull tools require more effort on your part and will not get the job done as precisely as you need it. 

 

  • Replace handles. If wooden handles become cracked or splintered, replace them for safe, comfortable use. 

 

  • Fix issues promptly. Make it a habit to attend to any minor issue on time. If you notice any loose screws or bolts, repair them right away.

 

As you start out your beloved home garden, a professional gardener can advise you on where to start and help you maintain it. This will remove all the hassle from your hands if you don’t have the time to do so yourself. 

Conclusion

It’s time to create a beautiful garden. Rather than feeling overwhelmed by all the options for gardening tools, focus first on the essential ones outlined in this article. It’s the perfect beginning to accomplish what you’re looking for.