The Essential List of Hand Garden Tools and What Makes Them Essential
 (Read 100+ times)
By Agnes Farside
|
|
|
I have been a gardener for years and one thing I have learned is it pays to have the right hand garden tool for the right job. The correct hand garden tool for a specific gardening job can mean the difference between that task being an easy one or a hard one. Not only do you benefit physically by having the correct hand garden tool for a particular task, but so do your garden plants.
Number one on the list of essential hand garden tools is a hand weeder. No gardener should be without this handy little gadget. It is about 12 inches long, has a wooden or plastic handle on one end, and an approximately six inch metal shaft on the other end that has two short (about three-fourths of an inch long), prongs. To use this tool you plunge it into the dirt alongside the weed, tilt the hand weeder backwards to allow the two prongs to latch onto the weeds root system, and then pry the weed along with its root out of the ground. This tool is one of the best garden tools because it allows you to remove the whole weed with almost a guarantee that it will not grow back. A durable hand weeder will cost approximately $10.00.
The second most essential hand garden tool is a pair of small, hand pruning shears. These are great for trimming small to medium sized plants. Small pruning shears usually range in size from eight to 12 inches long, have vinyl covered metal handles, curved blades, and safety locks. There are designs for both left and right handed people, some come with ergonomic handles, and some even have cushioned handle grips. Small pruning shears are useful when you are trying to cut small branches or plant stalks to fit into lawn bags. They are also great for trimming back overgrown shrubs and bushes. A good pair, that will last a long time, will run approximately $20.00.
The rounded end garden trowel is third on the list of essential hand garden tools as it is useful for scooping loose dirt into plant pots or into newly dug holes for seeds or bedding plants. It also is approximately 12 inches long, with a handle that is either wood, metal or vinyl covered metal. This fantastic tool now comes with ergonomic handles (as do other tools), in order to help prevent the occurrence of carpal tunnel syndrome. The ergonomic handle supports the forearm, while holding the wrist upright. The average cost for a basic round end garden trowel is $8.00, while the ergonomic ones start at about $18.00.
Like the rounded end garden trowel, the pointed end garden trowel is also a must have item. It provides the same uses as the rounded end trowel, but its sharp point allows it to cut through tough roots and hard dirt. It has the same type of handles and is approximately the same size as the rounded end trowel and is comparable with it in cost.
Next on the list is the root saw. This is one garden tool you may not use very often, but it really comes in handy when you do need it. Anywhere from six to 10 inches long, a root saw will help remove stubborn bush or small tree roots easily. It is also good for cutting melons or squash from the vine. On some the saw blade (which is usually made from hardened steel), folds into the handle or it may come with sheath for safe storage. Blades are also replaceable on most models. Approximate cost for a good root saw is $20.00.
Last on the essential hand garden tool list is the hand garden hoe/cultivator. I combine these two because they can be together in one tool or two individual ones. As one tool the hoe would be on one side and the three-prong rake would be on the other. The hand garden hoe is great for digging overhand, breaking up clogs of dirt, and cutting rows for planting. The rake side is great for raking dirt clogs out of the way, and gathering up small leaves, grass, and weeds. These also have wooden, metal, or vinyl covered metal handles that can be ergonomically designed. They range in size from eight to 12 inches and longer, and cost approximately $10.00.
Whatever hand garden tools you decide to use, make sure they are comfortable and safe to use, keep them clean and in good repair, and out of the reach of small children.
|
Author Bio Box: Agnes Farside
 http://www.associatedcontent.com/user/110407/agnes_farside.html
Didn't really find what you were looking for?
|
|
|
| |
|
|
![[Valid RSS feed]](images/rss.gif "Subscribe to our XML Feed for RSS")
