Gardening can be a delightfully gratifying hobby that gives a lift to both the body and mind. However, it can just as easily become a source of frustration if the correct tool for a particular task is not available. The following guide endeavours to advise the novice gardener on the appropriate tools that form a basic gardening "tool kit." In purchasing gardening tools, cost is obviously important. However, as with most buys, generally you get what you pay for. In the long-term, one high-quality tool that lasts for years is an inexpensive option compared to a succession of cheap tools that break easily. A tool's design, material and construction are all determining factors in its quality. Tools constructed from forged steel are preferable to those of stamped steel. Forged steel can be shaped to account for high-stress areas, whereas stamped steel has a single thickness, making it much weaker.

Basic gardening tasks (and hence the appropriate tools) can be loosely grouped into the following areas:
  • Digging and Soil Preparation
  • Cultivation and Weeding
  • Planting / Transplanting
  • Cutting and Pruning
DIGGING AND SOIL PREPARATION
Proper soil preparation forms the foundation for a successful garden. Garden soil must have good aeration and drainage, along with moisture retaining ability.

Spades and Shovels
A good digging spade is vital to any gardener. When purchasing a spade, it is important to look for a solid blade and comfortable handle. The top of the blade should be flat, allowing for better leverage. A garden shovel has a rounded, pointed blade. It can be a useful alternative to a spade for moving soil, digging holes and planting.

Forks
A digging fork is useful for breaking up compacted soil, clay etc. and can often be used where a spade cannot. The strongest forks have tines that are square in cross-section and less likely to bend under stress.

For all types of garden tools, but digging tools especially, long handles provide more leverage. Shorter handles allow for more control, but may also lead to backache. Higher-quality tools have added thickness where maximum stress occurs. For example, in the case of a digging tool made with a wooden shaft and a metal head, the primary stress point is the place where the two materials are joined.

CULTIVATION AND WEEDING

Hoes
No garden will ever be entirely weed free. However, a Dutch hoe can make short work of cutting through stubborn roots. Generally, the blade width is about six inches, but narrower blades are available for weeding between plants. A good quality hoe should have a steel blade, riveted to the handle.

Rakes
For breaking up lumps of soil and levelling / smoothing newly dug areas, a heavy rake is ideal. Better quality rakes have stainless steel heads, with teeth about two and a half inches long. Additionally, a "grass" or "lawn" rake can prove useful in clearing up leaves or general organic rubbish. The tines are flexible, so any damage to plants is minimal.

PLANTING / TRANSPLANTING

Trowels
The majority of planting tasks require kneeling down with a trowel. (A good quality kneeling mat is a good investment). Forged steel blades last longest (if looked after properly, see below). Trowel handles come in various types, rubber being easiest on the hands. Blade width depends on the job in hand. Most gardeners acquire several different types / sizes of trowel for different jobs.

Warren Hoe
A "V" shaped, small hoe that is perfect for making a planting furrow. Once seed is sown, it can be used to pull the soil over the seed. Its durability and sharp, pointed blade also make it useful for loosening compacted soil.

CUTTING AND PRUNING

Shears and Pruners
Pruning, deadheading and shaping plants are year round tasks for the gardener. Good quality shears and pruners will cut more cleanly, without tearing or ripping. When purchasing cutting / pruning tools, try to ensure those purchased have replaceable parts, and in the case of shears, can be sharpened.

TOOL CARE
With the correct care, a high quality garden tool will last a lifetime. As a general rule, remember : CLEAN, OIL, SHARPEN!
  • Use a wire brush to clean tools after every use.
  • Keep wooden handles from drying out by treating with linseed oil.
  • Sharpen your tools before storing for the winter.
  • Protect them with a coat of oil or vaseline.
WHERE TO BUY
If possible, buy your tools from a shop where you can handle them and see if they suit you. If a tool develops a fault, you can take it back. Most quality garden tools carry a warranty (up to twenty years). Some manufacturers offer a return and repair service and will sometimes replace tools after many years of use
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10 June 2008
WE CAN DO YOUR GARDENING..
Do you wish you had more time to take care of your garden? has ill health stopped you or maybe your work commitments do not leave you enough time in the day. let us come and cut your grass, prune and tidy your garden. we are a small family run concern, who are willing . .
£13
SS12
03 June 2008
Weed zapper brand new ..
Weed zapper brand new . great item for getting rid of unwanted weeds on driveways pathways flower bed etc . simply fill with weed killer place over the weed and zap it . one full tube treats over a 1000 weeds . you can e-mail me 24/7 or visit i take paypal payments cheq o. .
£8
CW11
26 May 2008
hozelock micro irrigation kit..
Great kit for watering patio containers and hanging baskets. , simple to install, once installed can be extended using the hozelock accessorites, the kit contains ten meters of micro tube, fifteen adjustable drippers and other accessories, supplied with complete fitting. .
£10
B68
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