Have you always admired other people's gardens, while bemoaning your own lack of a green thumb? Does it seem like gardening would be too expensive, too time-consuming or too difficult of a hobby to pursue?
Tending a garden is a great way to grow your own high-quality produce and beautiful blossoms while also burning calories, busting stress and getting some beneficial fresh air. Just like the right kitchen equipment takes the hassle out of cooking, having good gardening essentials on hand will make your planting debut easier (and cheaper) than you might think. The best part is, you don't have to plant a money tree to afford these simple basics.
1. Hand Trowel
You'll need a trowel for planting herbs and flowers, removing weeds and turning over soil. Its small size and sharp edges make digging around corners a breeze. Made from rust-resistant cast aluminum, this Big Grip Trowel ($8.99) from Fiskars has an extra-large Softgrip handle to ensure comfort during even the longest gardening sessions.
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2. Gardening Gloves
Planting, digging and pruning is a lot more fun when you don't have to worry about dirt under your fingernails or painful scratches. These FoxGloves ($29.90) are made from a high-tech, breathable fabric that seals out moisture without overheating your hands. The longer cuff keeps out soil and protects you from thorns and brambles.
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3. Spade
With shorter handles and square heads, spades are perfect for digging thick soil, edging, moving dirt from one place to another and making trenches. The Fiskars 46-Inch Steel D-handle Square Garden Spade ($35.98) has an oversized handle and 14-gauge steel blade to easily cut through tough terrain.
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4. Rake
A basic rake is a must for spreading mulch and sweeping up leaves and other yard debris. This AMES True Temper 30-Inch Rake ($25.09) is strong, durable and has a cushioned grip for added control and comfort.
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5. Sun Hat
Damaging sun rays can wreak havoc on a gardener's skin, making a sun hat an essential accessory. This braided sun hat from Sloggers ($14.02) has a wide brim and built-in sun protection, so you can plant to your heart's content without worrying about getting burned.
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6. Pruning Shears
When you need to cut through small branches and stems, good pruning shears are a must. These Fiskars Traditional Bypass Pruning Shears ($10.76) feature a sharp steel blade that glides right through wood.
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7. Hoe
When you need to do some serious digging or break through tough terrain, a garden hoe gets the job done. This Rogue Garden Hoe ($69.99) is lightweight and manageable, but robust enough for even the most challenging tasks. Although a bit on the pricey side, this tool’s lifetime guarantee makes it worth it.
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8. Garden Hose
Just like you, a garden can't thrive without water. We love the Relaxed Gardener’s Watering Wand ($19.99)—it features a nozzle with eight adjustable spray patterns to irrigate the lawn, flowers, plants, shrubs, hanging baskets and more. The thumb-operated on/off switch is great for people with arthritis and other mobility issues.
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9. Wheelbarrow
You'll appreciate having one of these when you need to transport soil, flowers or compost. The Marathon Dual Wheel Residential Rover Wheelbarrow ($65.06) is easy to lift and maneuver with a cushioned handle, making it ideal for beginners.
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10. Shovel
While a spade is fine for digging, a shovel is a better tool for scooping larger amounts of dirt. A shovel is bigger than a spade and typically has a broader, curved blade. This Fiskars Long-Handled Digging Shovel ($22.49) is equipped with a sharpened blade to easily penetrate tough soil.
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Do you use any of these gardening essentials? What other must-have tools would you add to the list?
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