The Gardening Tools Every Gardener Needs

As one of America's favorite outdoor activities, gardening is so much more than just a hobby. Many landscape enthusiasts think of gardening as "therapy for the soul" for its ability to melt stress. Some people appreciate gardening for its eye-catching beauty, and others consider it "outdoor art."

Call it what you wish-if you're new to gardening, consider outfitting your tool shed with the following garden tools.

1. Shovel

If you're going to plant anything into the ground, you'll need a shovel to work the earth, dig holes and move dirt. This is one garden tool you'll use often, so buy the best quality shovel you can afford. Ideally you need both a flat-head shovel and a spade, but if you must choose, then go with the more versatile spade.

2. Garden Hose

This is another garden tool where quality really counts. Cheap hoses often kink, and become a tangled mess that's impossible to put away. Look for a hose with at least five-ply walls and brass fittings. A hose rack or reel is handy for hose storage.

3. Wheelbarrow

Compost, dirt and plants are much easier to move around the garden with a sturdy wheelbarrow. Before you buy, take several for a test spin around the store. You want to make sure it's not too heavy for you to handle, and that the handles are a comfortable distance apart.

4. Pruning Shears

A good pair of pruning shears should be in every gardener's shed. You can find inexpensive pruners for under $10-but you'll be replacing those often. Instead, consider investing in better quality pruners. With proper care, they'll last many years, and possibly a lifetime.

5. Rake

Avid gardeners agree that the best rakes are those with metal tines. They cost a bit more than plastic or wood styles, but are much more durable. Whether to buy a rake with short tines or long is a personal preference.

6. Trowel

This multi-purpose garden tool is great for digging small planting holes, scooping soil into pots and removing weeds. The best are carbon-coated steel with wooden handles.

7. Sprinkler

If you have a small lawn, a simple sprinkler will suffice. For larger lawns, buy a sprinkler with more bells-and-whistles, such as a timer that shuts the water off, or one with adjustable spray patterns.

8. Lawnmower

A mower is a must for a well-manicured lawn. They're also useful for shredding leaves to put in the compost bin. The eco-friendly manual push lawnmower is fine for tiny lawns. For larger lawns, buy a self-propelled gas-powered lawnmower.

9. Broom

You'll need an outdoor broom for sweeping up leaves, dirt and garden debris. Brooms cost much less than a leaf blower, are infinitely quieter and better exercise.

10. Loppers

These long-handled, heavy-duty pruners are great for cutting large branches, hard-to-reach limbs and rosebush canes. Loppers usually have metal or wooden handles, and blades that are easily sharpened.

Casual backyard gardeners might not use all of these garden tools every week. However, it's better to have a good selection of gardening tools you can use when the need arises, rather than running out to buy them at the last minute.

Other handy garden tools are hedge shears, long-handled hoes, watering wands and weed wackers. If your garden has tall trees, consider investing in a pole pruner. A pruning saw is a great garden tool for rose bushes.

If you have children, consider buying them child-size garden tools such as a rake, hoe and shovel. Kids love to help in the garden, and having their own gardening tools makes it more fun.