14 essential garden tools every gardener should have

Looking forward to a summer of gardening? Having the right tools on hand will make your yard work a lot easier. Whether you’re building raised beds, landscaping a large property, or planting a simple balcony garden, these 14 garden tools and accessories are essential to keeping your outdoor space looking lovely all year round.

[Photo Credit: PiyawatNandeenoparit]

Window boxes and raised beds
Typically purchased as part of a three-piece garden tools set, these versatile items are must-haves for any green thumb working in a small space.

1.       Trowel: A small hand trowel is perfect for digging small holes and moving soil around in containers, window boxes, and raised beds.
2.       Cultivators: Cultivators feature individual tines that are used to break up soil and mix in nutrients. These handheld rakes can also help clear leaves in tight spaces.
3.       Weeder: A sharp-tipped weeding tool will allow you to extract dandelions, thistles, grasses, and other pesky weeds by the root in hard-to-reach areas.

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Is your garden looking a little overgrown? Let YP find nearby Garden Centres where you can pick up handheld tools and outdoor accessories for all your landscaping needs.

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In-ground planting
Larger spaces require larger equipment. These specialized garden hand tools will take care of in-ground planting in flower beds and vegetable plots.

4.       Spade: A garden spade with a long handle and an angled blade is a classic all-purpose tool for digging large holes. Use a spade to transplant trees and shrubs or when scooping and depositing loose materials like sod, mulch, and gravel.
5.       Garden Hoe: Equipped with a thin, flat blade, a garden hoe is ideal for loosening soil before planting, clearing weedy areas, and creating rows for your vegetable beds.
6.       Bulb Auger: If you want to take your bulb planting power up a notch, use an automated soil auger to drill deep and precise holes. The spiral drill bit attaches to your electric drill and twists through soil with speed and ease – a much faster and easier alternative to digging manually.
7.       Garden Knife: A multi-purpose knife is a handy tool for cutting and dividing plants, slicing through dense roots, and removing stubborn tubers and weeds. Japanese style ‘Hori Hori’ knives are a popular choice for their high-quality steel blade and ergonomic handle.
Landscaping and lawn care
These hand garden tools and landscaping accessories will keep your garden beds, trees, hedges, and lawns looking tidy and well-manicured.
8.       Pruning Shears: A good set of handheld shears designed for pruning can be used to deadhead flower stems, shape your shrubs and hedges, and cut through branches on small trees.
9.       Edging tool: With a long handle and a sharp blade, edging tools are essential when it comes to creating clean and precise edges for your lawn and flower beds borders.
10.   Lopper: If you need to trim out-of-reach tree branches and hedges, a long-handled lopper with a heavy-duty steel pruning blade will allow you to extend your landscaping range.
11.   Garden Hose: Watering your garden is crucial in the dry summer months. When choosing a hose, look for a flexible and durable material that can withstand the elements. The length and diameter required will depend on the size of your garden. If you’re gardening in a small space without an external water tap, invest in a large, light-weight watering can.

Accessories
These gardening accessories will make your outdoor chores more comfortable and efficient.

12.   Gloves: A good pair of gardening gloves will save your hands from nasty blisters and provide much-needed armour against messy dirt, mud, prickly plants and thorns, insect bites, and harsh chemicals.
13.   Kneeling Pad: Gardening can be hard on your knees and back. Invest in a portable foam knee pad or cushion to help reduce strain on your body and protect your knees from bruising.
14.   Plastic containers: Whether you’re transporting tools, collecting cut flower stems, or harvesting your veggies and herbs, a lightweight and durable basket or bucket is a practical must-have for carrying items around your garden.