Name of Tools For Gardening

Having the right garden tools is one thing that no gardener, however amateur or experienced, can go without.

Here’s a helpful list of must-have tools for every gardener. Having these different varieties of digging tools can help you to minimize the work you have to do.

One note: Gardening tools don't have to be expensive. Flea markets and garage sales can be excellent places to pick up great tool bargains.

Spading fork. This tool is usually the first tool that you will use when spring rolls around. They are used for turning and aerating compost and breaking up lumps of soil. The cheaper ones are often not strong enough for heavy soil, so go for sturdiness instead of price.

A spading tool looks like a smaller version of the pitchfork farmers have used for years. Unlike the pitchfork, a spading fork has wider tines and a smaller handle.

Shovel. There are many types of shovels but if you have to settle with only one go for the round point shovel. A shovel has a scoop blade and is best used to move around and break up dirt and garden soil, dig up grass or weeds, and dig deep holes for planting the vegetables.

Choose a shovel with a smooth and sturdy handle that fits well in your hand. You should also make sure that the height of the handle is comfortable for you. Round point shovels come with either a long handle or a short one. Long handles save you from bending while short handles provide more balance. Quality shovels may be a bit expensive but they are sturdy enough to last for many years.

Hoe. There are many useful varieties. The onion hoe is very lightweight and ideal for small cultivations and weeding. The warren hoe is a larger model, with a pointed end. If you need to make a hole or dig out a pesky weed, this is the one for you. As you progress in your gardening skills, you will find the need for more types.

This tool is very helpful for tearing weeds out of your soil. A hoe is also a great device for cultivating the surface of the soil so that water and feed can penetrate to your plant roots. If your hoe is dull, get a new one or have the blade sharpened.

A chipping hoe is a handy tool for getting rid of small weeds. The dutch or push-hoe is slightly more user-friendly, as the action required to use it does not jar the neck and shoulder quite so much.

Rake. There are several different types of rakes. Experts agree that in terms of durability, the best choice is a metal rake. Rakes with metal tines are also sturdier.

A lawn and leaf rake is a flexible rake that can be retractable. It is used mainly for cleaning up leaves and grass clippings.

In the garden, use a bow rake, which is much different than the fan rakes that sweep up debris. A bow rake will provide you the maximum control and accuracy, so you don’t accidentally tear up your precious plants. It has short tines on one side attached to a metal frame, traditionally called a bow, and where the name bow rake originates from.

The sturdy tines are great for sinking down beneath the surface of your soil and pulling out the things you don’t want in your garden. It is used for removing large clots or rocks from the soil.

A bow rake is also a great tool for leveling and smoothing your garden after you have hoed and dug it up, getting out all the bumps and weeds. The flat side of a hoe rake can be run along the soil (tines up) to flatten and pack your dirt into a smooth pattern. The tines can also be traced lightly against the flattened soil to prepare planting trenches for seeds such as radishes, carrots or onions.

Spade. It is used for planting and transplanting. Smaller than a shovel, the spade has a flat blade. Because of its flat head design, it is ideal for digging holes or removing plants from the ground. It’s also great for cutting edges, digging and dividing plants. The edge of a spade should be kept sharpened for clean and efficient cutting, so it will cause the least amount of damage to plants. A garden spade is better suited for loose soil that is not compacted or rocky.

Gloves. They protect your hands from blisters, thorns and cuts while doing rough work like digging or pruning in the garden. Investing in one or more pairs of quality gloves is a good decision.

Certain plants give off chemicals that could be irritating to the skin. These could include, but isn’t limited to, the nightshade family (tomatoes, peppers and potatoes), onions and some herbs. Wearing garden gloves can help protect from these irritations.

Tips for gloves: Look for quality faux leather gloves with a cloth back; this will let the gloves breathe and keep your hands dry, cool and comfortable.

If mud bothers you, select rubber gloves with cotton lining.

When spraying pesticides or chemicals choose gloves that are made from neoprene. Gloves made from latex or any type of plastic may not offer the best protection.

When pruning roses or other prickly plants, use gloves that reach up to the arms.

If you usually operate large garden machinery, buy gloves in brown instead of red as the latter may dye your hands.

Light cotton or even fingerless gloves may be useful for transplanting seedlings. They will allow more dexterity and so help to prevent the tiny roots from being crushed.

Make sure that the gloves you buy actually fit your hands. If you have small hands, try the children’s gardening section.

Garden pruner. They are like scissors. They are needed to cut branches back and even harvest fruit and produce. There are different sizes from the smallest to larger branch pruners often called shears.

A sturdy strong set of garden pruners is best. You also might want to consider the grip. Make sure the blade always stays sharp to avoid damaging the plant. Look for models that have blades that can be sharpened or replaced and models with tension control and with sizes that best fit your hands.

Shears. Having a good pair of garden shears or clippers is essential for the care of your plants. Make sure that you get a sturdy pair that feels comfortable in your hand. This tool is used for pruning, shaping, and clipping away old foliage so new growth can flourish.

Trowel. For small planting holes and weed removal, a trowel will work perfectly. 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.

Lopper. This tool can be used to trim shrubs and bushes. 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.

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 have to make an investment on this one as cheap hoses often kink. 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 untangling the hose just because you bought one that is too long.

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. 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.

Garden journal. This isn’t an absolute necessity, but it can help in future gardening endeavors. Write down thoughts on the garden, seeding instructions, experiences, and even make the garden supply list in the journal.

Care and Repair of Garden Tools

Knowing how to properly use and maintain garden tools will increase their life, help prevent personal injury, and increase your gardening enjoyment. For example, properly uncoiling a hose will prevent you from tripping or catching your foot in the coil.

The points of an upturned rake can inflict painful and sometimes serious puncture wounds when stepped on, and the possibility of the handle flying up and striking you in the face.

Tools must not be left where their edges or point may be hidden by grass, leaves, or other material.

A small, slight crack in a wooden handle can be repaired by wrapping the handle with tape. A glass filament tape is particularly useful for such a job.

Splinters in wooden handles of rakes, hoes, and shovels can be cured by sanding the surface until it becomes smooth again. This not only protects your hands, but keeps the cracks from spreading and causing the handle to break. A good way to preserve a wood handle is to apply several coats of quality varnish or to paint it.

The metal parts of the tool may be painted, with a primer coat, and two coats of exterior paint. However, any metal part which goes into the ground should not be painted.

Aside from preservation by paint, the tools are easier to find when their handles are of a color which makes them conspicuous if left lying on the grass: The color, therefore, should not be green or brown, but a bright contrast to the grass such as red. yellow, blue, or white.

The metal edges of shovels, hoes, rakes or other garden tools may become nicked. These may be smoothed with a metal file. Any rough surfaces should be gone over with steel wool or other abrasive which is good for metal.

Dents may be straightened out by hammering with a mallet.

A wheelbarrow break, in the wood or metal parts, should be repaired at once. Painting the wheelbarrow helps preserve the wood. The moving parts need occasional oiling, to run smoothly.

For winter storage, keep tools in a dry spot as dampness could be harmful. Wipe all tools clean of any dirt or grass before being stored. The metal parts should be coated with a mixture of petroleum jelly and light oil, to prevent rust.

Caring for your garden tools will help them last year after year.