There was a time when gardening was seen as a pastime for retired people, but today more people recognise the benefits of the green-fingered lifestyle. In the UK alone, 27 million people enjoy gardening, and the covid outbreak allowed people to spend more time in their garden.
In this post, we’re going to reveal 11 must-have gardening accessories for both novice and long-term gardeners.
Garden Fork
If you have dense soil in your garden, then you’ll probably find a garden fork more effective than a spade. Forks can turn the soil and soften it without causing you too much trouble. There are two types of garden forks:
Square Tine Forks: Ideal if you have a rocky garden. Square tine forks are strong enough to withstand rocks and won’t bend.
Curved Forks: Best for turning mulch, and compost piles.
Straight Tines: Also beneficial for rocky gardens as they allow you to dig deeper.
Gloves
The gloves you choose are an essential accessory. Without them, you could hurt your hands, and let’s face it; nobody wants to spend ages washing soil from their nails.
Gardening gloves aren’t all made equal, but if you consider the following points, you’ll find a durable pair that protect your hands:
- Make sure your gloves fit to avoid any injuries.
- Think about how you’ll use the gloves. If you’re planting seeds, then you need to make sure they’re not too thick.
- Store your gloves when you don’t use them as insects might crawl into them.
- Try to find water-resistant gloves with breathable fabric for your comfort.
Spade
Spades are still very useful, and they perform a wide range of functions. If you want to dig up a lot of soil in a short amount of time, then a spade is your best option. Not all spades are made equal, so make sure you look for the following features:
- Stainless steel head because it won’t rust.
- Treads above the blade to make it easier to use your foot to move hard soil.
- Buy a spade with long handles if you need extra leverage.
Pruning Shears
Pruning shears are essential garden accessories that tame out of control plants and hedges. You especially need them if you have prickly plants because they can be a health and safety issue. The two main types of pruning shears are anvil and bypass.
Anvil Shears – These shears have a sharp edge and work similarly to a knife and cutting board. They’re ideal for deadwood but can damage branches and stems.
Bypass Shears – This type of shear replicates a scissor motion, and is best for leafy plants.
Hoe
Hoes are primarily for weeding, which is essential for the health of your plants. They have long handles and a thin blade that is usually made of metal. You should think about the type of garden you have before you make a purchase.
For example, vegetable gardens will need a larger hoe, but a wide hoe will damage the plants if you grow delicate plants. It’s also important to consider how far you’ll need to reach before you make a purchase.
Rake
Rakes are vital for any gardener because they clear leaves and debris. If you want a neat and tidy garden, then you’re going to have to rake regularly – especially in autumn. There are both plastic and metal models available, but metal rakes are durable and friendlier for the environment.
Garden Hose
Probably the most vital garden accessory on our list, the garden hose is the only way you can adequately offer nourishment to your plants and make sure they continue to flourish. Watering cans are sufficient for a small garden area, but they won’t provide complete coverage.
We recommend you buy a hose with an adjustable nozzle, so you don’t flood some plants. It would help if you also thought about how much length you’ll require. If you have a small garden, then a long hose isn’t essential but denying your plants and vegetables vital nutrients will inevitably ruin them.
A garden hose is a long term investment for your garden, so make sure you store it correctly. Choose an area with little sunlight, and coil the hose, so it doesn’t get any kinks.
Watering Can
If you have a tiny garden patch, then a hose might not be a practical option. But watering cans are ideal, especially for indoor plants. There are plenty of watering cans around, including plastic and metal models (which are more environmentally friendly).
Older people and children will benefit from a two-handle watering can, making it easier to carry and use.
Wheelbarrow
Wheelbarrows aren’t always a good option, especially for people with piles of compost, mulch and other waste to move around. Instead of making multiple trips to the bin, wheelbarrows save you a lot of time and energy.
But smaller gardens probably won’t make use of a wheelbarrow enough to justify the cost. Before you invest in one, think about the type of work you want to do in your garden and whether you’ll need to use heavy equipment.
Loppers
Pruning shears are ideal for smaller plants, but if you need to cut branches, then only loppers will do. The long handles enable you to reach difficult areas, and there are anvil and bypass types too.
If you need a precise cut, bypass loppers are ideal. Remember, the longer the handle, the lighter the cut. You should also sharpen your loppers to maintain their accuracy.
Soil Thermometer
Ok, novice gardeners don’t need a soil thermometer, but it’s not a bad thing to have lying around. It’s challenging to know when to plant your seeds, but soil thermometers measure the ground’s actual temperature instead of the air.
Measuring different areas of your garden can be helpful because plants and vegetables thrive in different temperature ranges.
The Bottom Line
Now you know the essential gardening accessories you’ll need to become the next Alan Titchmarsh, it’s time to think about whether your garden is suitable for planting plants and vegetables.
If you need to change your outdoor area’s layout, personalised garden plans can create the space you need to enjoy planting a range of delicious foods and flowers to brighten up your backyard.
