Like photography, there is no end of possible tools to acquire for pursuing this practical hobby. But there are some that are a must if you’re to achieve worthwhile results.

You’ll find that having a good shovel will save you hours of back breaking effort. A good shovel is one that doesn’t break the first time you hit hard dirt and yank back on the handle. It should also stand up well to rocks or clay, keeping a good edge. Since the purposes for which it’s used are basically the same, but vary in detail, you’ll probably find it best to have more than one style.

A square ended shovel will help you remove large amounts of earth more easily, but they are harder to force into the dirt. You’ll want to use them on soft earth or moving piles that have already been created. They also make good instruments for distributing manure-based fertilizer and compost over areas you want to focus on.

A triangular spade makes for a good all-purpose tool, and is especially good for creating those larger holes needed to plant trees or transplant larger plants. One great variation is a telescope-handle shovel with a very narrow blade - somewhat like a trowel but with a long handle. They can be used to make small holes while standing and are perfect for certain weeding chores.

Gardening shears are a basic necessity. They come in a dozen shapes and sizes, but be sure to get some that fit your hand. Most have moon-shaped blades, with one side being concave and the other convex. They’re great for trimming off dead flowers, stems and branches. The type that have a lock to keep them closed are good for an extra margin of safety and easy storage.

An ordinary rake is handy for more purposes than you might suspect. Even if you have a powered leaf blower, you’ll find there are times it’s easier and neater to use a rake. It’s also indispensable for de-thatching the lawn in the Spring, or preparing it in the Fall.

For small re-seeding jobs rakes are handy for working the seeds into topsoil. And, nothing beats a rake for scraping away those dead weeds, small rocks, and other unwanted material. Plastic ones are becoming more common, but the metal ones still stand up best under heavy use.

You’ll find that some kind of wheelbarrow will get used more often than you would have suspected. If you have a dozen annuals in small pots to transport, it’s often easiest just to lay them in the bottom and be on your way.

They can make distributing manure-based fertilizer a lot easier. You can pile the bags in the wheel barrow or empty the contents, then dump it over an area and spread with a rake. Much easier than holding a 40 lb bag in both arms and shaking the contents out.

Beyond the basics there are dozens of useful hand tools. A folding saw or a pole saw for pruning is helpful if you have trees. A mattock comes in handy for loosening earth during transplanting and weeding. A hoe will be used often. Gloves, of course, are useful for picking up those prickly plants even if you like to garden with bare hands. A watering can, trimmers, weeding tools… the list is endless.

Better get started today!

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