When it comes to gardening, less really is more!

It’s super easy to flip through the gardening catalogues and think “I want this….I want that…..”. But you don’t need all that many tools!

Keep your tools simple and of good quality and you’re going to be so happy when you’re out in the garden.

Why you should choose more professional tools

When I started gardening I was freshly married and like most couples, short on cash. So all of my tools (except my pruner and more about that later) were hand-me-downs or thrift store purchases.

I’m still using some of my hand-me-down tools because someone somewhere down the line paid for a quality tool that has stood the test of time!

This is why it’s important to invest in quality tools. The initial cost is more, but they will last a long time. They are built with higher quality materials and the durability is there.

Wood vs All Metal?

This is a personal preference. Wood is often lighter weight, but if left out in the elements it will start to deteriorate.

For this reason, I purchased a bright orange metal-handled garden hoe. I was always leaving it outside and losing it. The bright orange handle helps me find it. Plus it isn’t going to rot!

When it comes to my spade though, I use a wooden handled one as it’s lighter in weight. I can easily handle it without getting tired.

It’s less important if it’s made with wood or metal and more important to find a tool that is balanced for your height.

6 Top tools for gardening

If you were only able to purchase 6 tools, these are the ones I would recommend.

Pruner

I use a Felco #2 pruner. This isn’t your hardware store pruner. It’s also expensive! They currently sell for $85 CDN at specialty tool stores like Lee Valley Tools.

Before you shake your head at me and think I’m crazy, let me tell you why I LOVE it!

This pruner comes completely apart. This lets you sharpen the blade as needed. It also lets you take it apart and clean it and the best part is that it has replaceable parts!

You can get replacement blades, springs and locking mechanisms.

The Felco pruner is also balanced right for your hand and makes the best cuts. It’s not just for trees. I use it for cutting back all my perennials and veggies.

There are 16 different styles including several left-handed versions. This pruner is the best!

Garden Hoe

I use 2 different types of hoes in my garden: the traditional and the stirrup hoe.

I use the traditional hoe when I need to dig deep into the soil to get out bigger weeds or for making trenches for seeding. Then I use the stirrup hoe for everything else.

Make sure you get a long enough handle. This is important. You don’t want to be hunched over a short hoe. You’re shoulders and back will thank you!

My favourite Garden hoe is the Stirrup Hoe or Hula Hoe. This one slices just under the surface of the soil and cuts the roots off the stems.

The key to weed management is weekly maintenance. This is where the Stirrup Hoe is best. I can quickly zip through my entire garden in under an hour and slice off all the baby weeds. The weekly maintenance meant that by Late July I was spending very little time weeding.

Trowel

A good trowel is important in the spring and fall for planting. Make sure it has a good strong handle that will let you get deep into the soil.

This is where I prefer an all-metal tool. I find that the strength is better in a trowel that doesn’t have an attached handle.

There are lots of different sizes. I use a larger one that lets me do a lot of different sizes of plantings.

Rake

After you’ve done all your garden tasks, it’s nice to smooth out the soil and make it look finished. You can do this with a rake.

In my gardening, all I need is a Weed Rake and a Fan Rake.

TIP: After removing all the clumps and weeds from your garden, try turning the weed rake upside down and then pull the soil towards you. I know it sounds strange, but it works well to smooth the soil.

Spade

Spades are the workhorse of the garden. They come in short and long-handled versions. Even though I’m short, I prefer a long-handled spade. I find it gives me the best leverage for all my digging.

I also prefer a wooden handle. I have 3 spades in my garden and only 1 favourite. My favourite is balanced nicely and not too heavy.

When shopping for a spade make sure you pick up each one and see how it feels in your hands before your purchase. It really makes a difference!

Tip: Did you know you can sharpen a spade? Clean off the soil and then take a flat metal file and brush it in downward strokes on the cutting edge of the spade. You’ll be amazed at the difference it will make.

Spade fork

The Spade Fork comes in closely behind the Spade for importance. Its main purpose is to break up the soil. I use it for digging out carrots and potatoes in summer and fall.

We have heavy clay loam soil that in the middle of summer can be very hard to work. The spade fork loosens our soil enough that we can pull out carrots and potatoes without too much damage to the veggies.

Come mid-garden you’ll always find my spade in the garden next to the carrots!

Other Useful tools

While the previous 6 tools are important. There are a few honourable mentions that will make your life a little bit easier.

Gloves: either fabric with rubber palms or leather for working in thistles and roses
Watering Can: My favourite is a Haws Watering Can. I just like the long spout and balanced handle.
Pail for tossing weeds into
Wheelbarrow or garden cart

My Wish List of Tools

Hori Hori Knife: This is like a trowel and knife in one. It’s great for digging, planting and cutting.
Wheeler Munroe Hip Holster: This is on my wishlist for sure! It holds your pruner, garden knife, cell phone and all sorts of other things.
Retractable Garden Hose: Let’s be honest, no one likes rolling up garden hoses. Being able to just give a quick pull and have it retract back to the house would be awesome!

What’s your favourite garden tool?

Leave a comment below and share your favourite garden tool! I’d love to hear about how your make gardening easier on yourself!

Till the snow melts …. dreaming of gardening

Heidi

6 Essential Tools for Gardeners and a few for your Christmas Wish List