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Garden Tools Shovels Hoe Fertilizer
   
It is often difficult for the beginner gardener to know what tools to buy. There is a vast array available and they don't come cheaply. Tools are a long term investment so should be selected with care. Every gardener has their favourite, "couldn't live without" tools, and experienced gardeners are the best source of advice. Always handle tools before purchase and "try them for size". Look for a tool that feels comfortable in the hands, is a suitable weight, is an appropriate length and is well-balanced. Choose a good, well-respected brand, maintain the tool well, and it could last longer than you do!
The following is my personal list of "essentials":
1. Spade - This is the tool I use most often. I use it for digging, chopping, lifting and edging. Make sure your foot fits comfortably on the spade because this determines how much pressure you can apply when digging. A sharp edged spade is a powerful tool for severing roots and dividing large clumps of perennials.
2. Fork - This tool is used for breaking up the soil prior to planting. Once again it needs to accommodate your foot comfortably. A fork can also be used for aerating the lawn, turning the compost heap and spreading materials like leaf mould and pea straw. Tines should be kept clean and sharp.
3. Pick - Though not used often in my garden, the pick is still an essential tool for those tough jobs. Without a pick, removal of tree stumps and large roots is very difficult. Because a pick is swung over the head, it can be driven in deeply. The stout handle then provides the necessary leverage.
4. Rake - A rake is essential for tidying leaves and lawn clippings. I also reverse mine and use it for carrying bundles of clippings, etc.
Hedge Clippers5. Secateurs - A pair of top quality secateurs is a great investment if you can trust yourself not to lose them, (I have been through more pairs than I care to remember), otherwise choose a middle-of-the-road pair. They are essential for pruning and harvesting fruits, flowers and some vegies. I also have a pair of heavy duty, long-handled secateurs that I would not be without. If you like to shape plants then you will also need some hedge clippers .
6. Pruning Saw - There are many pruning jobs that are too tough for the secateurs and these require a saw. Keeping the blade clean and well-sharpened, will make using this tool much easier.
trowel7. Trowel - A hand trowel is necessary for small planting jobs, weeding, mixing and fertilising. This is another tool that I frequently misplace. My solution has been to buy a bright yellow all metal model which, for several years now, has resisted all my attempts to lose it.
8. Knife - An old kitchen knife ranks as one of my essential tools. It makes the division of punnets of seedlings a breeze.
There are new tools coming on to the market all the time and you may well find that some of these suit your purposes very well. The above list represents the very basics, but they allow most jobs to be achieved.
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