Spring is now in full swing and with the sun shinning brightly many people will be taking to the outdoors to begin planting their gardens. I used to wonder how it was that two people of like intelligence could open a cookbook and follow the same recipe and produce two entirely different results - one heavenly, and one quite leaden. I began to understand it though, when I began to garden. I used the same book others who had beautiful gardens had used, I read it carefully, took notes, drew up plans, shopped carefully for the same gardening tools and practically used a grid to plant things, as they should be planted.

But whether your thumb is just beginning to green, or if you're a master gardener, you still need the right gardening tools to get the job done. Prices on these tools were just a rough estimated guess from one landscaper to another, the cost of tools will vary depending on how advanced the gardening tool is. But remember, you may not need something designed for professional use — consider how you will use the gardening tool. Gardening does not have to be expensive, but before buying any of these tools, make sure they fit your hands correctly and are the right weight. Remember that you will be using these gardening tools possible for hours at a time!

The top 10 gardening tools.

1. Shovel

A sturdy round ended shovel will come in very handy for all sorts of gardening projects and is first on our list of gardening tools. You can use it to break up soil, dig up grass or weeds, and dig deep holes form planting your vegetable and flower plants, shrubs, and even trees. Choose a shovel with a smooth and sturdy handle that fits well in your hand. You should also make sure that the height of the handle is comfortable for you. Price $12

2. Hard Rake

When you go shopping for a rake for your garden it is important to bypass the rakes that you are used to using to rake leaves off your lawn every fall. In the garden, you use a bow rake which is much different than the fan rakes that sweep up debris. A bow rake has short tines on one side attached to a metal frame, traditionally called a bow, and where the name bow rake originates from. A bow rake is used for removing large clots or rocks from the soil. The sturdy tines are great for sinking down beneath the surface of your soil and pulling out the things you don’t want in your garden. A bow rake is one of the essential gardening tools needed for leveling your garden after you have hoed and dug it up, to prepare it for planting. The flat side of a hoe rake can be run along the soil (tines up) to flatten and pack your dirt into a smooth pattern. The tines can also be traced lightly against the flattened soil to prepare planting trenches for seeds such as radishes, carrots or onions.

3. Hoe

This tool is very helpful for tearing weeds out of your soil. A hoe is also a great device for cultivating the surface of the soil so that water and feed can penetrate to your plants roots. If your hoe is dull, get a new one or have the blade sharpened, because there is nothing worse that slaving over weeds with a dull hoe that is ineffective. Price $10

4. Spade

This tool is usually one of the first gardening tools that you will use when spring rolls around. A spading fork is an important tool for breaking up hard, winter packed soil and combing additives such as compost or manure into your dirt. A spading tool looks like a smaller version of the pitchfork farmers have used for years. Unlike the pitchfork, a spading fork has wider tines and a smaller handle. Price $30

5. Wheelbarrow

Makes transporting materials a lot easier. Price $40 to $80

6. Garden Hose

For a garden hose, I recommend ‘Mean Green’ because it is one of the toughest garden hoses you will ever own! This long lasting hose is the lightest premium garden hose on the market. Mean Green’s ability to perform under heavy use has been proven by nurseries, landscapers, golf courses, contractors, homeowners and industry alike, and it is safe for all plants and animals too! Price $25 to $75

7. Gloves

Keeps your hands from getting scraped and bruised while you garden or while you use your gardening tools.

8. Hand Trowel

The ideal tool for planting small things. Price $3

9. Dirt Snatcher

A bulb planter. This gardening tool makes planting bulbs much easier. Price $15

10. Pruning Shears

This giant scissor-like tool is used for pruning small branches. Price $20-$60

If you arm yourself with the proper gardening tools on this simple garden tool checklist, you should find yourself ready to meet the spring. There are a lot more garden tools available, and many of them are innovative and useful, but if you have all of the gardening tools mentioned above, you will find you have everything you need to do some spring gardening!

Current Gardening Tools Related News