Some of us are born green-fingered, and some of us have those green-fingers thrusts upon us. Either way, whether we enjoy it or not, at some point in our lives, most of us are going to have to get stuck in with some gardening work.
As with any job, however, it is made that much more palatable if you are equipped with the right garden tools. That’s why we’ve focused here on just a handful of the essential tools that all garden owners might want to consider.
Trowel
Whether for planting seeds or for picking up dog poo, garden trowels are endlessly flexible pieces of kit that can also be used to break up stones if you opt for a model with a strong enough metal blade. Ensure that the blade is well-fitted, however, or you might end up having to order a replacement not too soon after the first serious use. A digging fork also serves a similar purpose but is less flexible for our money.
Secateurs
The garden tools that everybody knows how to pronounce but few know how to spell – these handy pruners are ideal for smaller jobs and are generally pretty sturdy. Whether you’re cutting back a hedge or clipping wire, this sharp and surprisingly flexible tool should serve you well.
Chainsaw
Nothing says ‘serious gardener’ like a right chainsaw. It might seem like overkill for the casual green-fingered hobbyist but for anyone who might require a little more power once in a while to trim back a bush or chop down a small tree. We’re not talking about full-blown, industrial models here, but the kind of smaller, handheld chainsaws that come in both petrol-fuelled and cordless varieties from online suppliers such as SGS Engineering. Plus, you can also use it to practice your ice sculpture skills come Christmas!
Spade
For the times when the trowel won’t suffice, the spade is the archetypal gardening tool that is capable of just about any job that involves digging. If you choose well then you might only ever need one spade, but remember you will be putting that spade under a lot of pressure so make sure it’s well-made!
Gloves
Finally, if you only have the budget or the room for one tool in your garden, it should be a good pair of garden gloves. Your hands are, after all, the essential gardening tools of all and if they are not adequately protected, then it won’t be long until they are covered in scratches, scrapes, and muck. Invest in a sturdy pair of gloves that can protect you against prickly brambles and keep your fingernails clean and you’ll be a green-fingered god in no time.
