Step 3
Choose a watering can. Long nozzles allow the water to come out at a
very gentle flow rate and are useful for reaching across long
distances. Select a watering can that has a detachable spray head, this
type of watering can is perfect for watering young
seedlings.
Step 4
Select a round-ended shovel for larger digging projects, such as planting shrubs and trees.
Step 5
Buy a good bow rake, which has short tines on one side attached to a
metal frame or 'bow.' It is used for leveling the soil after it has
been turned and prior to planting, or for removing large clods of dirt
or rocks from the soil. You can also turn a bow rake over and use the
flat side to smooth soil in preparation for planting.
Step 6
Select a pair of garden shears that fits comfortably in your hand.
Shears, sometimes called clippers, are used for pruning, shaping and
removing foliage or branches.
Step 7
Rubber gloves are the most important tool to use when feeding plants.
It is not a good idea to reach in a bucket of slow-release fertilizer
pellets unprotected. The strong concentration of salts will burn your
hand. More is not better with feeding, so measuring tools like
measuring spoons and cups are handy. To liquid-feed large areas, invest
in a hose attachment specifically for plant feeding. Never use the same
container to feed your plants as you use for herbicide! Otherwise, you
might end up with dead plants.
These are the basic
gardening tools. Anything else is frosting.
Don't buy the most expensive tools when you are just starting out. You
may find that you don't really like gardening - and if that is indeed
the case, you will not have lost a large investment.
