You can’t grow greens without having the right gear. And sure, some are no-brainers (where would your garden be without a shovel? Or sturdy gloves?). But there are a handful of other tools you might not have thought of that will instantly raise your gardening game and make life so much easier.
1. Hand Rake
A rake, but make it mini. Hand rakes are a gardener’s go-to for turning topsoil, especially in smaller garden spaces. Along with removing small stones and weeds, a rake breaks up the soil and makes a soft bed prime for planting.
2. Trowel
A trowel is essentially a pointy little shovel, and the smallest spade you can find. Like a hand rake, it breaks up topsoil, but it’s also the best tool for shallow digging and can be used to remove weeds.
3. Weeder
If you’ve got a few weeds in your garden bed, you might be tempted to grab the tops with your hand and just yank ’em up. The problem is, that approach risks leaving all those roots behind in your soil.
A hand weeder is your best option for ridding yourself of these pesky invaders. Just insert the pronged head at the base of the plant and push the handle down, and the roots should pull right up. Easy peasy!
4. Bulb Planter
When planting bulbs, nailing the perfect depth is key. The foolproof way to always get it right? Use a bulb planter. This tool is the easiest and fastest way to plant your tulips, irises and other beautiful bulb-based blooms. Just push the tool into the soil, and you’ve got the perfect little hole.
5. Hand Pruner
Pruning is a must for keeping your plants healthy, and a hand pruner makes it quick work. The little blades are great for the regular deheading and shearing some plants require. You’ll also reach for your pruner when it’s time to pick fresh flowers for a gorgeous floral arrangement.
I love this page, it's so inspiring, thanks for your update and tutorial
Do you have any suggestions as to where to buy the best 5 must haves?
I've never heard of a hand weeder either. Is this a new tool on the block?
Thanks for the info. I had never heard of a hand weeder!
a dandelion fork is excellent for removing all kinds of weeds.
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Years ago I bought a child's rake (metal) for those hard to reach, small areas. I still have it and use it a lot to remove leaves, etc from around my plants in my pea gravel and it doesn't pick up my pea gravel. Now that I have learned a little more, I just bought a set that includes a hand rake and it will probably work even better, lol!!
Guess I need to get a bulb planter for this fall. Have all the rest in various sizes.