Vegetable Gardening Tools

Basic vegetable gardening tools have not changed for centuries, and if you do any gardening at all, you probably own most of them already. Because vegetable gardens require a great deal more digging and cultivating than flower gardens, it is a good idea to make certain that your vegetable gardening tools fit your height, weight and musculature.

Long handled spades are difficult for short stature people to use, and if you are taller, doubling over a short hoe will give you a backache. Before buying a tool try it out for size, it should feel well balanced when you pick it up; the working end should not weigh too much; and the handle should fit your grip comfortably.

By all means don't buy everything at once but do try to get started with the essentials:

• A square-ended spade with a sharp edge is good for digging.
• A four-pronged fork and a round-pointed shovel are good for mixing a compost pile.
• A steel rake is good for breaking up and smoothing the soil.
• A bow rake on the other hand is good for removing stones and breaking up clods.
• A hoe is for weeding, cultivating and opening seed furrows and they come in all shapes, sizes and models.
• A trowel is used for transplanting vegetable plants.
• A watering can for use after transplanting.
• Garden and soaker hoses and sprinklers are for general watering after everything is planted.

A wheelbarrow would be an added bonus to your list particularly if your vegetable garden is situated any distance away from your house or storage shed.

A trip to your local home and garden center, nursery or on-line will probably convince you of the need for a variety of other vegetable gardening tools and equipment such as; weeders, cultivators, tillers, sprayers, stakes, netting, and fencing. All have their uses, depending on how much gardening or vegetable gardening you do and the problems you face. I think it is best to buy them only when you have a need for them.

Caring for your vegetable gardening tools or any other garden tools is also very important. Here are some helpful ideas:

1. Remove all the soil after each use, often hosing them off is all that needs to be done.
2. Always store them dry, never wet, this prevents rusting and wood handle rot.
3. This is not necessary, but is a good idea, to rub linseed oil on your wooden handles to help preserve them.
4. Wipe the metal parts of all tools with vegetable oil after each use. Using motor oil could damage your plants.
5. The off season would be a good time to sharpen your vegetable garden tools. A whetstone is used for sharpening the cutting edge and a file to remove nicks and smooth the edges.

Now that you have a little bit of help in choosing some vegetable gardening tools and the maintenance of them, enjoy planting your seeds or plants and best of all savor your harvest.