What 5 basic gardening tools do you need to get you started?

These 5 basic gardening tools will help to get your started in your new garden. Why these particular tools you may ask. Well, in my opinion, you will find these cover most of the jobs you will need to carry out. Whether that is creating a new border or raised bed; weeding out an existing bed or planting your new purchases from the garden centre.

• Spade
• Secateurs or pruning shears
• Hand trowel
• Watering can
• Gardening gloves

Why choose these 5 basic gardening tools?

Spade:

This is a must when beginning any new gardening project. Don’t simply think about the spade being used from the onerous task of digging over a border. Many people have abandoned that process these days and use the No Dig method promoted by Charles Dowding . Even if you never dig a border in the whole of your gardening career, a spade is also needed for spreading mulch over a bed, excavating the compost heap, creating holes for larger plants, and performing many other tasks that may not occur to you until the need arises.

Secateurs or pruning shears:

These will help you keep plants in check when their growth is beginning to take over. Choose a pair which fit in your hand well and look after them carefully to prevent rust. When you have finished a job, give then a quick clean with an oily rag to keep the in good condition. Keep your secateurs sharp and they will help you cut back unruly roses or rampant raspberries.

Hand trowel:

Often likened to a small spade, the trowel serves a similar purpose. It is useful for digging small holes for planting annuals and bulbs, removing weeds, scooping potting compost, and incorporating fertilizer into the soil. It’s an essential first tool for any gardener.

Watering can:

In addition you could also have an outside tap and a hosepipe. Whichever option you choose, having a source of water available in order to keep your seedlings and plants watered, especially in warm weather, is essential to good maintenance in any garden.

Gardening gloves:

Some may see these as optional, but I regard them as essential. Gardening is widely recognized as a messy business, yet the health implications are often overlooked. Gloves can protect your hands from cuts and scratches, and they also help maintain the condition of your nails and skin, preventing dryness. Most importantly, they offer protection against harmful pathogens, including the bacteria responsible for salmonella, tetanus, and E.coli. They should be hard wearing but not too bulky enabling you to handle delicate seedlings while protecting you from rose thorns.

Bonus item:

Treat yourself to a kneeling pad. These are inexpensive and you may not feel you need one. However, when you are kneeling down for long periods without one your knees will feel the pain regardless of your age.

If you are interested in starting your own vegetable garden, follow the link for some great advice on how to get you going. https://suepshouse.com/how-to-start-your-own-delicious-vegetable-garden/