Green Thumb Corner

In order to create the kind of garden where blossoms bloom bright and your vegetables are the envy of all neighbors – it is important to become familiar with the basic garden tools and accessories needed to start off on the right foot. Today, we’ve come a long way from the earliest tools of wood, flint, and bone, as the use of copper, iron, and steel (coupled with the art of metal working) has created a wide-range of durable tools. In later years, a collection of cutting tools emerged, including grass and pruning shears. Below you will find a list of items every gardener should have in their possession:

1. Shovel: A shovel is the perfect tool for planting shrubs and trees, as it comes in two main types (square or rounded blade) – both able to remove large amounts of soil to prepare the ground for planting. Round points are best for cutting, breaking new ground, and widening the holes for plants. Square points work towards effectively transporting dirt and loose materials (like mulch) from one place to another.

2. Spade: Attached to a long handle, this square-based tool is great for breaking up clumps of earth, scooping soil, and transporting dirt, sand, or other materials. For digging tasks, the spade is quite handy – found in a variety of shapes and sizes. A couple of spade selections to consider include a square spade (for planting large plants) and drain spade (perfect for digging postholes).

3. Bow Rake: The long handle (usually wooden) of the bow rake is used to move about the short tines attached to a metal frame (or bow) that allows gardeners to level soil, remove rocks, and eliminate clumps of dirt before planting. The flat side of the rake is used to smooth soil in your garden.

4. Watering Can: Young seedlings and other plants respond better to a watering can rather than a garden hose that usually delivers a more powerful stream of water. Choosing one with a long nozzle increases the length of your reach, as well as water flow.

5. Garden Hoe: On the end of a long handle, a square blade set at a 90-degree angle allows gardeners to loosen and reach the roots of pesky weeds. It is suggested to strike the ground at a 45-degree angle when swinging the blade downwards. Various options include a warren hoe (handles tight spaces) and shuffle hoe (good for slicing weed stems).

6. Garden Shears: This particular tool is a must when it comes to maintaining plants. You should keep in mind that the sharper the blades – the better. Bushes, trees, and vines located about your garden will need a good pruning every once and a while. These clippers will help you shape and remove foliage and branches.

7. Trowel: This “mini-spade” assists in the planting of perennials and annuals with its pointed, scoop-shaped metal blade attached to a convenient handle. A trowel also breaks up soil and digs small holes for weeding.

8. Wheelbarrow: The transport of soil or fertilizer to meet the needs of your garden is easily accomplished when you have a wheelbarrow by your side. This accessory helps with the removal of leaves; transporting flowers and plants; weed collection; and even harvesting a vegetable garden.

9. Pitchfork: With a long handle and long, thin prongs (widely separated) – a pitchfork is used to lift and toss loose material like hay and leaves. The tool was first used in Europe during the early Middle Ages and was once made solely out of wood. Nowadays, hard metal is used to fashion the tines. In the past, this basic gardening tool was even once used as a weapon for those unable to purchase swords.

10. Spading Fork: Hold a spading fork by the handle to use the short, thick prongs to loosen and lift soil in a garden. Carbon steel or stainless steel has replaced older wooden versions. Similar to a pitchfork, a spading fork is known for displaying shorter, flat, and wide tines. Gardeners can use this tool to lift potatoes out of the ground.