If you have finally decided to put in a little effort to cultivate your backyard and turn it into a low-maintenance garden, then you will require a few basic garden tools to ensure that you get the job done right and fast. Your low maintenance garden should not require care on a daily basis. The garden should have grass, plants and trees that are sturdy, long lasting and also pleasant to look at. Here are some tools that can help you to construct and maintain your low maintenance garden.
You should first make a detailed plan based on your garden size. If you are planning to lay a lawn, then that area should be demarcated. If you have planned to put in paving stones or walkways, then that too should be clearly specified. You will then require a small manual lawn mover to trim your grass on a regular basis or if your garden size is slightly bigger, then even a powered one. For your planting needs, you will require a bulb planter or a trowel that will create holes in which you could plant your bulbs. Another basic tool that you would require is a garden spade. Go in for a stainless steel one even if it slightly costlier since it will not rust at all and also quite easy to clean. A garden fork and a rake will also be required as your plants and trees start growing and shedding leaves and also to loosen any tightly packed soil.
You will also require the right type of gloves during gardening. Cotton gloves are good enough for light work. But if you are planning to do delicate gardening jobs that require your hands to be wet all the time then opt for latex gloves. These are not only waterproof but also provide for a better feel. If you have to construct a fence to keep out animals and other pests that could damage your garden, then you will also require plastic gloves to paint the fence along with the proper woodworking tools. If you will be working with thorny plants such as roses, then you will require leather gloves that prevent any thorns from piercing your fingers. You will also need a small pair of pruning shears to keep your plants well trimmed.
You will also require a watering can that has a spout for reaching those hard-to-reach places in your garden. Since you might be on your knees as you tend to your plants, it would be a good idea to get a pair of soft knee-pads that will protect your knees from scrapes or any undue pressure. If your garden is quite large, then you will also require a sturdy-yet-light wheelbarrow to haul any soil, fertilizer or other material around. You will also require a sturdy shovel to remove any debris or shift any soil in your garden.
These garden tools are a basic necessity for any low maintenance garden. Get yourself some high quality tools since you will be storing and using them for years to come. You can find these tools in any local gardening store or even online stores.
Shovel
Gardening always starts with planting and that means digging holes on the ground. This is why the shovel tops the list. This is also one of the tools that are frequently used. There are many types of shovels but if you have to settle with only one go for the round point shovel. It is able to dig holes, move dirt and lift plants. Round point shovels come with either a long handle or a short one, which one to use is a matter of choice. Long handles save you from bending while short handles provide more balance. As you’ll be using this tool often, go for quality shovels that may be a bit expensive but sturdy enough to last for many years.
Trowel
You guessed it right, another tool for planting. Sometimes you do not really have to dig deep into the ground. For small planting holes and weed removal, a trowel will suffice. Look for a trowel that is lightweight and has a handle that provides for easy and comfortable grip. It is also important for a trowel to have a sturdy blade – stainless steel is your best bet. Trowels with narrow blades are more convenient to use when digging small holes for seedlings while those with a wider blade are able to dig the soil faster.
Pruning Shears
Hand shears are primarily used for pruning and trimming shrubs and bushes. Like the garden shovel, you may have to invest a little on this one. You do not have to buy a really expensive pair but cheap ones need to be replaced more often.
Garden Hose
This tool sustains the life of your garden plants and depending on the plants that you have, you may get to use this everyday. You again have to make an investment on this one (Yes, gardening can be costly.) as cheap hoses often kink which is really frustrating. Rubber will be able to better withstand changes in weather. Also go for a hose reel. It’s easier to put the hose away and it helps keep the hose in good condition. Before making a purchase, measure the length of your lot. You do not want to keep disentangling the hose just because you bought one that is too long.
Rake
Gardening experts agree that in terms of durability, the best choice is a metal rake. This, however, costs a bit more than a plastic or wooden one. Rakes with metal tines are also sturdier. Whether into gardening or not, every household should have a durable rake which becomes a must when fall comes.
Loppers
This tool can also be used to trim shrubs and bushes but with its long handle, it is ideal to use in branches that cannot be easily reached by a hand shear or clipper. The handle is made of either metal or wood – choose one with a comfortable grip. You do not have to buy expensive loppers as the blades can be easily sharpened or replaced.
Wheelbarrow
As you progress on your gardening, you realize that you need to move a lot of things around – dirt, compost, plants and concrete. Such a chore will not be possible without a wheelbarrow. Make sure that the one you purchase is not too heavy for you and the handles can be gripped comfortably. You may also consider a four-wheeled cart, which is cheaper, if you intend to move only light objects.
Broom or Leaf Blower
You need to sweep away the dirt and garden debris that your gardening activity has generated. For smaller lawns, a broom will do just fine. It’s a good exercise and will definitely leave the neighbors in peace. Some yards, however, are just too big for an ordinary broom and a leaf blower is necessary. This costs more especially on your electricity bill.
It may not be possible for you to use all these tools very often especially if you're only a casual gardener, but it pays to have the tools ready when you feel like gardening rather than rushing to buy them from the hardware at the last minute.
Whatever garden tool you'd like to buy, look out for ergonomically designed tools. That is, tools that are specially designed so as to lessen as much as possible the discomfort you may feel while gardening.
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