It’s that time of year where we can step out of the warmth of our homes and head into the garden. Spring and summer offer people plenty of opportunities to get out and about, enjoy the sunshine and finally revamp their gardens.
If you’re planning on enjoying the summer in your outdoor area, then it’s time to get the equipment out and make it a space everyone can enjoy.
Here are some basic tools you need for your garden.
Watering Can
While a hose might seem like a good idea, it’s not the most eco-friendly solution. Watering cans are ideal for smaller plants, such as hanging baskets or containers. You can also control how much water you use, which is vital for plant health and growth.
Ideally, you should choose a galvanized steel can, but plastic is OK, as long as you don’t leave it in the sun.
There is a range of watering can sizes, so think about what you can manage. Remember, when the can holds water, it will be a lot heavier. People with arthritis might be better with a longer can because it doesn’t need to be lifted as high.
Wheelbarrow
Unless your idea of a fun day is manually moving debris out of your garden, then it’s probably a good idea to invest in a wheelbarrow. The handy transportation device is ideal if you’re planning to do some extensive gardening.
Plastic wheelbarrows are cheaper, but they won’t last as long. Instead, go for a higher-end model that you know will serve its purpose for years to come.
Before you invest in a wheelbarrow, you should think about what you plan to do in your garden and if it’s worth spending extra money.
If you plan on doing small scale planting and don’t need to remove old plants, then a bucket will work just as well, and it will save your money.
Hand Trowels & Spades
Hand Trowels are the ideal planting tool because it makes it easy to plant flowers in beds, pots and window planters without taking too much effort. They’re available in metal, plastic or wood, but many people prefer wood as it allows for a tighter grasp.
Spades have a similar function to hand trowels, but they’re a lot bigger. If you need to dig directly into the ground or create a large hole for planting, then a spade will get the job done.
If you’re planting into a small pot, then a spade isn’t going to be of much use, so you should invest in both tools to use them for a range of plant sizes.
Rake
Gardens are meant to be beautiful havens, but there’s often an issue with leaves ruining the appeal. The seasonal transition from summer to autumn means you’ll probably have to face an invasion in your garden.
Rakes make it easier to maintain your outdoor area and allow you to place leaves into a pile. One thing you should definitely remember is to rake with the wind and not against it. Not only does it save time, but it also preserves your sanity.
Shears & Hedge Clippers
There are two types of garden sheers; pruning and lopping. Pruning shears are ideal for trimming down your flowers while lopping sheers offer more distance between you and the plant, so they can protect you from hedge bushes and thorns.
Before you think about which is best for your needs, ask your local garden centre for advice. They’ll be able to explain your options based on the plants you have in your garden.
Gloves
Using gloves in your garden is just common sense, but the type of gloves you choose will define your experience. Gardening gloves are a lot thicker than the kind you wear in winter.
You should try to find a fabric that lets your skin breathe and consider getting longer gloves if you want to protect your arms.
Gardening can cause minor cuts, so make sure you choose a pair that will protect your hands without restricting your movement.
Gardening Hose
OK, we did mention previously that a hose isn’t essential, but sometimes it’s better than using a watering can – especially in large gardens. Water keeps your grass green and your plants growing, as long as you get the right balance.
If you do decide to invest in a hose, make sure it’s long enough to reach everywhere in your garden, and think about choosing a rubber hose. They’re more expensive than vinyl versions but will last longer.
Remember, if you want your plants to get an even amount of water without drenching them, then a watering wand is a fantastic investment. It’s like giving your plants a shower, and easier to manage streams of water.
Garden Fork
Soil often needs to be softened before you plant seeds, especially if it’s a new area. Spades aren’t practical for harder ground, but a garden fork will loosen the earth and make it more manageable.
You can choose between straight or square forks depending on your requirements. Straight forks are ideal for compacted, rocky soil, but they can bend quite easily. If you want a sturdy garden fork, then the best option is a square model, although you might have to work a bit harder to soften the soil.
A Specialist
OK, so a specialist isn’t a garden tool, but they can prove very useful if you want to revamp your garden. Some people prefer to complete a DIY job, but others might love the idea of planting flowers and maintaining their outdoor area but not want to put in the hours of work to remove debris and make sure the soil is suitable.
A specialist landscaping company can provide custom garden design plans that will help you to make the most of your garden and enjoy it for years to come.
Floral & Hardy have a range of helpful gardening tips, ideas and valuable guides. One of the best things about gardening is how it can save you money on your weekly grocery shop. Check out our post on the best herbs to grow in your garden here.
