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Getting the best gardening tools in hand
Propelled by the perennial popularity of gardening, a staggering variety of implements have made their way to market. Consider the following a survival guide for selecting the most important hand tools for your gardening needs:
1. Lawn cart: Used to haul dirt, mix cement, or collect debris, this workhorse is a frequently overlooked necessity. A small wheelbarrow can work for simple jobs, but a more expansive, heavy-duty cart can handle higher payloads and rougher conditions.
2. Shovel: Many sizes and shapes abound, but experts recommend a spade for digging and a flat-head shovel for picking up clutter. The length of the handle depends on the user's comfort; a longer handle makes moving dirt easier.
3. Hedge shears: Most homes have shrubs that require a periodic trim. Long-handled, flat-bladed hedge shears are designed to cut evenly across a plane, either horizontal or vertical. Although electrical varieties promise convenience and accommodate super-sized yards, purists insist on the handheld variety.
4. Pruning clip: This tool shapes rose bushes and shrubs. You rarely need to buy the most expensive pair of pruners on the market, but the cheapest models often prove less than durable. Look for a pair that feels substantial and easy to hold.
5. Loppers: This long-handled cutting tool is versatile enough to use for trimming rose bushes or cutting through thicker branches-especially those higher branches inaccessible with clippers or small shears. Invest in a pair with blades that can be sharpened or replaced.
6. Rake: Metal rakes last longer and work better, but they can cost more than plastic. The tines of a metal rake won't bend or break under a heavy load or when they strike a solid object underneath a pile of yard waste.
7. Tank sprayer: Perfect for distributing fertilizer, weed killer, or any other liquid chemical. A one-gallon sprayer generally suffices for a residential yard, but larger tanks can accommodate even the grandest lawns. Use separate tanks for each chemical to avoid contamination.
8. Garden hose: Larger lawns require a bigger hose. Conversely, a hose 200 feet long would be a hassle in a small yard. Consider a rack and reel for the hose, to keep it functioning correctly and extend its life. Check for a hose made of nontoxic materials that won't render the water that comes out undrinkable.
9. Spreader: This tool helps every area of a lawn or garden receive the optimal amount of fertilizer, a task almost impossible to accomplish without mechanical assistance.
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