Gardeners Hand Tools

Gardening hand tools have a tough job so look for well made sturdy tools. They should have thick metal blades with a strong connection to the handle. A basic set of gardening hand tools should include a cultivator, a dibber and a trowel. You will want to add tools specific to your soil type, garden size and garden type. For example, if you are planting lots of bulbs, a bulb planter will left out the perfect sized plug of soil to plant the bulbs. This will be a huge time saver and will make the task so much easier. As you shop for tools for gardening, you will find inexpensive lower quality tools or the more expensive high quality tools. Keep in mind that the high quality tools will last for years with proper care and maintenance.

In addition to the right tools, all gardeners need to protect hands and knees. Be sure you get a pair of good sturdy gardening gloves. The gloves need to be supple so you can easily work with the gardening tools. Knee pads or a knee mat will spare your knees from aches and pains caused by the hard soil as you kneel to work in your garden. Of course, old comfortable clothes are a necessity and a wide brimmed hat for protection from the sun.

Be sure you remember the kids when you shop. They need their own hand tools to be a part of this family gardening project. This will also provide an opportunity for them to learn how to properly use the tools and how to clean and care for the tools.

Protect and care for your tools and they will give you years of reliable service. The care and maintenance of gardening hand tools is very simple. You should:

1) Remove all soil from the digging tools after each use.
2) Wipe metal parts of shears and pruners with oil using an old rag.
3) Carefully clean tools used for any type of chemical application.
4) Be sure all tools are thoroughly dry before storing them.
5) Cutting tools should be sharpened as needed.

These simple steps will insure long life for your gardening hand tools. If you have little gardeners, giving them a kid size tool set gives you the opportunity to teach the care and maintenance of their tools. This is a lesson that will stay with them as they continue gardening.