Gardening Essentials

Now that we’re halfway through June, it’s safe to say that gardening is hard work (who knew?). If you’re just jumping on the bandwagon now, take it from us, these are a few gardening essentials that will make digging, pruning, growing and harvesting a lot easier.

1) Scissors

This might seem like a basic tool to mention, but it will be one of the most popular in the tool box by the end of the season. Just a simple pair of sharp scissors will assist you in all your herb snipping, vegetable harvesting, beheading deadhead flowers and of course, they’ll be there for you when you need to open bags of seeds, soil or cutting string. Most gardeners will agree that scissors are fundamental to gardening and should always be at arm’s reach.

2) Rakes

Rakes are more complicated than scissors because there are so many different kinds, are they’re all important contributors to a garden. As they all serve different purposes, it’s crucial that you identify your needs before you run out to the nearest Home Depot and purchase the wrong one(s). For example, homeowners with large gardens will need to use leaf and shrub rakes (typically in the autumn) to maintain cleanliness around the garden, but small gardens will never need to see the likes of these. Most commonly, gardens of all shapes, sizes and type will need a hand rake. Just the right size for aerating soil around plant bases, these are characterized by a short handle and fewer arms. Varying in design, feel free to select your rake according to preference, but keep in mind that this tool will be working between shrubs and plants.

3) Soil Knife

Often replacing a more traditional ‘trowel’ for its superiority in sharpness, these handy little tools come in all sorts of different designs. As luxury will have it, you can find ones that are somewhat scoop-like with a short metal space between the grip and blade. The convenience in this is that it provides added leverage for weeding and digging. Try finding a ribbed handle for additional grip and a hand guard that will protect those precious little fingers in heated battles against stubborn weeds.

Via gardentoolreview.com

4) Shovels

An absolutely indispensable tool of the trade, there are so many designs to choose from. Don’t get overwhelmed, you can really make-do with a very standard, small, long and narrow hand-held shovel that will help you in all your digging endeavours. Some experts will tell you that shovels with a slight curve can dig holes with greater ease, but is that really necessary? You decide.

5) Buckets

Another underrated item. A plain bucket large enough for carrying tools or waste all over the garden can make the gardening experience a lot easier. However, let’s not overlook how annoying some buckets are to lug around from flower bed to cabbage patch. A few tips for bucket shopping: find an easy-grip handle that fits the size of your hand, make sure the material is light but sturdy and pick a size-appropriate bucket; don’t choose one that is too big or too small Goldie Locks! Other than that, pick your favourite colour and make your way to the register.

Now that you’re all set up (hopefully you remembered seeds and plants) make sure you lather on the sunblock and stay posted for expert tips from Mark Cullen. Don’t forget to submit photos of your lush gardens for the #GardenContestNiH for your opportunity to win a $100 gift certificate to Sheridan Nurseries and a signed book by Mark Cullen!

Feature image via Mark Cullen