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Searching for the Best Gardening Tools

Different types of gardening tools are required for different kinds of gardens. The average hardware store mostly stocks a wide range of tools, but there are specialty shops that stock the more expensive kinds of quality garden tools that will pay for themselves throughout the years. Wherever you decide to shop, here are a few pointers to advise you.

The size of your garden is the first thing to consider when selecting your tools. A smaller garden won't require the same type of large equipment that would be used in an extensive one. A ride-on tiller is unnecessary if you only have a small garden. Another point to consider is who does most of the gardening? Some tools such as roto-tillers can be too difficult for use by most women.

When you buy secateurs (more commonly called pruning shears) a self-sharpening blade will help you avoid damaging the plant. Look for models that have blades that can be sharpened or replaced, models with tension control and for the proper size that fits your hands. Secateurs usually cost around $35 - $130.

A Garden Claw is a handy tool for weeding small areas and for keeping the soil loose and airy. These can be purchased for for aound $35-$55.

Digging forks 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. Forks usually cost around $30 - $100.

A shovel has a scoop blade and is best used to move dirt and garden soil. A spade has a flat blade that's great for cutting edges, digging and dividing plants without damaging them. The edge of a spade should be kept sharpened for clean and efficient cutting. This condition will cause the least amount of damage to plants. Shovels and spades are a basic garden necessity and usually cost from $30 - $50.

A pruning saw is used for pruning trees and larger shrubs, while secateurs are for smaller plants like roses. Pruning saws have a narrow curved blade that fits between stems or branches and easily and cuts them as you pull the saw backwards. Handle sizes vary and models are now available with telescopic handles. They are approximately $27- $55.

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.

A wheel hoe can be useful for weeding inbetween rows and is a real back pain saver as you do not have to bend with this tool.

A pronged rake is also a basic requirement for the garden. The strong rake with the flat head and sharp curved or straight metal prongs is used for smoothing and leveling a garden bed and removing the last of the bumps and weeds. The plastic rake is used to gather leaves and grass clippings only.

Second hand or used gardening tools can save you some real money. Flea markets and yard sales can be excellent places to pick up great tool bargain.