The landscape and gardening industry has come an incredibly long way. More and more people are learning how rewarding gardening can actually be and so many are willing to test out their green thumb these days.
However, not everyone knows where to begin – especially when it comes to the right gardening tools. So, if you’re assembling a beginners kit that will help you get started, here’s what you want to keep in mind:
Table of contents
Step #1: Digging In
The beginnings of every garden start with sowing, and for that, you require tools for digging into the ground.
This is why your outdoor gardening kit needs to start with digging essentials. Here’s what you will need:
- Hand trowel: A trowel is used for digging up holes in the soil so that you can put in the seeds. It’s also used for smoothening the soil once you’re done. Whether your garden is big or small, the trowel is one entry-level piece of equipment that you can’t skip on.
- Hoe: If you’re thinking of planting a garden that’s a bit on the elaborate side, then you’ll need to add a hoe to your kit. It’s great for weeding and digging up soil in an easier and more comfortable manner.
Step #2: Irrigation
No garden can thrive without watering, which is why you need to have watering tools as part of your garden kit. This is where the garden water hose comes in, and you’ll certainly need one no matter the size and scope of your garden.
Retractable hose reels have a spring mechanism that automatically winds up the hose into the casing once the job is done. It’s good for people who need a quick clean-up for a long hose length, and can prevent potential tripping injuries by seamlessly coiling your hose back rather than leaving it out in the yard.
Pro tip #1: Putting a nozzle on your hose can allow you to better control the water flow and pressure when irrigating, so it’s a handy tool to include when you’re assembling your gardening kit.
Pro tip #2: Some people tend to overwater their garden, and this can be just as dangerous as letting it go dry. Too much or too little water can wreak havoc on your plants, and there’s a delicate balance you need to strike here. However, your water gear can get damaged in the process as well.
If you’re a beginner that still isn’t proficient in garden watering, make sure to be on the lookout for signs that your irrigation system needs repairing. If you tend to overwater, you’re likely pushing your watering gear too far.
Be wary of dripping and other automated-equipment failures that can spike your water bills. Take care of your sprinkler systems and piping – faulty and/or detached elements can lead to leaks, as well as more complicated breakdowns.
Step #3: Pruning & Shearing Tools
Image source: Unsplash
Nothing thrives in an overgrown garden, so whether you’re collecting fresh produce from your vegetable garden or simply plucking limes off your citrus tree, you’ll need the proper pruning and shearing tools packaged in your kit.
It’s important to note that there are different types of these tools and you need to be choosy when preparing your gardening kit. While the best gardening tools for prepping, planting and beyond can be easy to pick, different types of shears can look deceptively similar.
It ultimately depends on the kind of garden that you have. Go for hand pruners if you plan on trimming short stems, needle-nose pruners if you need to shear the tight spots between your stems, and loppers if you’re growing trees. Note: loppers are for cutting branches with a thickness of 2” or more.
Step #4: Garden Rakes for Cleaning Up
Seeding and pruning can cause a lot of mess, which is why you need to put a garden rake in your gardening kit. It’s an excellent tool for cleaning up, but it has multiple other uses as well.
It’s great for leveling the cultivation area, which can come in handy when you’re about to put in a flower bed or a vegetable garden.
Rakes can also be used to gather grass clippings after you’ve mowed, and you can also use them to take out nasty weeds while maintaining the landscape.
Step #5: Taking Care of Yourself
Image source: Unsplash
Lastly, self-care is equally important when you’re growing a garden, so don’t forget to pack your kit with the tools that will keep you from getting hurt.
These include gardening gloves as they prevent blisters and scratches. They also keep your hands and fingernails from getting dirty when you’re working with the soil.
You may also consider including adjustable knee pads or even simple kneeling pads. They prevent your knees from getting bruised and sore from working too long while kneeling on the ground.
Conclusion
Gardening is definitely on the boom. We can expect to see a huge variety in garden trends for 2022, which might include home-grown edibles, colorful florals, a variety of evergreens, tons of tiny gardens, and more. We hope that this article is helpful for beginners to create their starter gardening kits and be successful in their own ventures.
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Annie Morton is an avid nature lover from rural Australia. After some international adventures, she has settled in New York City. If you have some questions about Hoselink Reel she is the person to talk to.