Last modified on October 15th, 2020 at 6:00 am
The Hand Tools for a Garden You Need to Jump-Start Your Quarantine Garden
Right now, you’re spending more time at home than ever before. Until the pandemic passes and there are fewer quarantine restrictions, many people are finding themselves bored and with little to do.
This is the perfect opportunity to make use of such extreme downtime by doing those things you keep planning but never get around to, like starting a garden!
There are so many good reasons to have a productive garden. You’re growing fresh vegetables or plants that can be used in cooking, you’re spending more time out in nature, and you’re doing something good for the planet.
You may have been putting this off as a daunting task. Well, it isn’t! You can check https://www.thelocaltreeexperts.com/al/huntsville/ for tree services. And once you have the right tools, gardening is simple, relaxing, and very satisfying.
If you’re concerned with the expense, don’t be. Tools don’t have to cost a lot. Loads of websites have discounts or promotions like this online offer by Easy Digging.
So how do you get started? Here are some of the most useful hand tools every gardener needs in their set.
Hand Trowel
Probably the most versatile tool you’ll ever use is the hand trowel. This item helps you transfer soil into pots, dig, turn up the earth, plant seeds or bulbs, and pull out weeds.
It’s excellent for indoor gardeners who have potted plants on their balcony. Here’s a tip, get one with a colorful handle, so you don’t misplace it when putting it down on dirt or grass.
Weeders
Weeds are the enemy of all gardeners. One of the first tools you’ll want, and one that will get plenty of use is a hand weeder.
This item is designed to remove weeds right from the root. The prongs easily penetrate the soil and drag the offending plants completely out.
Pruning Shears
Not just for rose enthusiasts, pruning shears have a multitude of uses. They are especially useful for harvesting fruits, vegetables, and herbs.
Their most common use is for cutting small branches, vines, and thick stems. You can also use them for breaking down plants ready for the compost heap. You can get tips for how to sharpen pruning shears if you find yours are getting dull.
Rakes
A garden tool collection wouldn’t be complete without a rake. A bow rake is not only handy for clearing leaves, but it also helps to break up dirt and spread mulch.
Use it to mix dirt and compost before evenly spreading it out. The beauty of a rake is that you can use it standing up, giving your back some welcome relief.
Garden Hoe
A garden hoe is designed to help get your garden started. Most likely, you’ll need to clear out your garden beds ready for use. The blade is designed for chopping through unwanted growth and weeds.
Choose the blade based on the size of the area where you’ll use it. For small gardens, use a delicate edge. For vegetable gardens or large areas of dirt, you’re best to use a wider one.
Garden Fork
Looking like a mini pitchfork, a garden fork has a variety of uses too. The four heavy-duty tongs make it very handy for lifting soil, loosening hard dirt, and mixing mud with compost.
It’s also ideal for breaking up clumps of dirt or digging out weeds in very tight places. They’re available in full-size versions as well if you want to stay upright.
Wheelbarrow
For those of you with a bigger space, you’ll find a wheelbarrow invaluable. Firstly, you can use it to transport your tools to the gardening area.
Remove unwanted soil and compost in one trip by loading up the wheelbarrow as much as you can. Just fill it, move it, and dump it. It’s that easy.
The Right Time is Now
So what are you waiting for? It’s time to stop procrastinating and put this valuable home-time into good use.
Now that you know which tools are the most helpful, you’re ready to get started. You don’t even need them all, to begin with.
Start with a trowel, a rake, and a hoe, and build your collection from there. You’ll be a budding gardener in no time!