If you are wanting to take your first few steps into the world of gardening, but aren’t sure where to start, we are here to help you figure out exactly what you need in order to make your gardening adventures fun, easier and effective. There is no need to go out and spend hundreds of pounds on useless equipment that will probably end up collecting dust in the shed! Whether you want vegetable patches, beautiful flowers or a lush green lawn, you’ll want to get a few tools to get you started. Here is your essential list of 5 fantastic gardening tools that will get you on your way to green-fingered greatness.
Spade
A good spade is essential in any garden, for digging, creating holes for plants and moving earth. We recommend getting a stainless steel spade, which is a bit more of an investment, but it will avoid rust far better than cheaper counterparts. Spades can come in a variety of sizes so make sure to get one that is suitable for your height and garden needs.
Trowel
These neat little hand tools are an absolute must and similar to a spade, you need to avoid getting the cheapest option. You need a quality trowel so the parts don’t become loose or bend. You can usually spot a lower quality garden tool if the handle is painted rather than bare metal. Pick a trowel that feels nice and fits well to your hand and where the blade is fitted tightly to the handle. You’ll need a trowel for weeding, planting small plants and sorting out your pots.
Gardening Gloves
Who wants rough, muddy hands after an afternoon in the garden? Gardening gloves are often overlooked but are definitely worth a buy if you want to protect yourself against the elements. Aim for a sturdy, durable pair that aren’t too bulky. Not only will they keep your hands warm in winter, but they will protect against any rough edges, sharp tools and potential splinters whilst out tinkering in the garden. Some people even pop a pair of latex gloves on under their main gloves, to give you an extra level of warmth and protection. You can also take the main pair off and tackle more fiddly tasks, still with a layer of protection on.
Wheelbarrow
Forget carrying heavy bags of dirt and compost across the garden! A wheelbarrow is your best friend when doing heavy garden work. Try to find one that is strong but light enough to carry whilst full. This is a great tool to have if you expect to be moving and digging a lot around your garden, but for those with smaller gardens it might be possible to get away without this one.
Watering Can
If you have plenty of plants and bushes in your garden, a watering can is needed. Or if you find using a watering can tiresome, you need to get a good garden hose. Watering cans are useful for applying fertilisers or weed-killers to your garden, just make sure to label which watering can you use for which product! Alternatively, if you find fertilising or weed-killing problematic in your lawn, you can give the Greensleeves team a call to get professional lawn care help.
And don’t forget, if you’d like any extra professional help getting your lawn in tip-top shape, simply reach out and arrange a home visit with your local, friendly lawn care expert. Or visit our blog for more lawn tips.