Gardening Supplies: Top 10 Essential Garden Hand Tools

The successful gardener uses the right tools for the job. Whether you're a beginner, or have been putting around the garden for many seasons, make sure you have these ten essential garden hand tools while gathering your gardening supplies this spring.

Gardening Gloves

The first essential, before you even pick up a hand tool, is to protect your hands. A quality pair of gardening gloves will prevent blisters and make gardening a lot more comfortable and enjoyable.

Wheelbarrow or Garden Cart

Toting all those plants and bricks from your car to the backyard will be much easier with a wheelbarrow. You'll also use it for moving soil and compost around the garden. For something more stable and easier to pull around, opt for a two-wheeled garden cart.

Trowel

Gardeners get down and dirty. With a trowel, you'll be digging holes and planting by hand. If you anticipate digging in hard, compact soil, pick a trowel with a sharp, narrow blade. Stainless steel blades won't rust and will last longer.

Cultivator (fork)

A cultivator, or garden fork, is used to break up the soil and prepare it for planting. You will need a hand-sized version for individual planting and a long-handled garden fork (similar to a pitchfork) for breaking up larger areas of compact soil.

Shovels

A shovel with a round, pointed tip and a sturdy lip on the blade to place your foot is essential for digging holes and moving plants. You will also need a shovel with a square head, called a garden spade, to dig a clean, straight edge on flower beds.

Rakes

Remove last fall's leaves or easily sweep debris from the garden with a wide, lightweight rake. A heavier rake with short, straight metal teeth is also essential for spreading soil or covering seeds.

Hoe

Make short work of weeds with a long-handled hoe. It will save you from having to bend down and pull weeds by hand. Though different shapes of blades are available, a traditional flat-bladed hoe is essential.

Pruning Shears

Cutting away dead parts of the plant, or deadheading, keeps plants healthy and growing all season long. You will also use your pruning shears to shape plants and shrubs. Keep pruning blades sharp to prevent tearing and damaging plants.

Tank Sprayer

Pest control is another essential in gardening. Whether you choose chemicals or organic insecticides, you'll need a hand-held sprayer to dispense it. You may choose to have another sprayer for weed control, but don't use the same sprayer for both insecticides and herbicides, or you may unintentionally kill your plants.

Garden Hose

Even the best gardeners can't control the weather. A garden hose is essential for watering your garden. Buy a kink-resistant hose and use a hose reel to save yourself from annoying tangles and low water pressure.

Remember: Buy quality tools that will last, but you don't need to spend a fortune to enjoy a healthy and beautiful garden.

Happy gardening!