Uses:

• Mixing soil
• Spreading compost, mulch, manure, etc.
• Digging holes for trees, shrubs, etc.
• Transplanting
• Cutting sod
• Forming garden borders

Shovels have a huge variety of uses in the yard and garden. They come in several different designs. For example, you can equip your tool shed with a spade shovel and a flat head shovel. A round point shovel is better for digging, while a wide, flat head shovel is good for scooping up dirt, compost, etc. Shovel blades can be wide or narrow, depending on the garden chore you need them for. Narrow shovels with a square point are great for digging holes to plant trees and shrubs. Handles vary in length as well. As a general rule, the shorter the handle, the easier it will be to work in smaller spaces.

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Uses:

• Hauling dirt, compost, bricks, plants, mulch, etc.

If you plan on moving dirt, plants, mulch, compost etc. from one place to another in your garden, a wheelbarrow or a garden cart is an essential tool.

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Uses:

• Pruning thick branches from trees and shrubs

Pruning saws are very handy if you need to remove large branches from trees and shrubs. Look for saws that fold up for safe storage.

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For watering other plants in your garden, in addition to a hose, there are a number of options including drip irrigation systems, micro sprinklers, soaker hoses, etc.

The University of Florida has a very complete website about setting up irrigation systems for your yard and garden.

Additionally, Colorado State University has a quality website about drip irrigation systems.

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Uses:

• Making compost and compost tea to add to your garden soil
• Recycling organic kitchen waste and garden debris
• Reducing the amount of waste you send to the municipal dump

You should consider your compost bin one of the important pieces of garden equipment your own. If you add your own compost to your garden soil, your plants will be healthier and more resistant to disease. This means you probably won’t need to use fertilizers, pesticides, etc. very often. Additionally, your soil will drain better. Thus, you’ll make better use of your water and prevent problems with root rot. Not to mention the fact that you’ll be sending less waste to the municipal dump.

There are dozens of models of compost bins on the market, including traditional compost bins, tumblers, compost cages, etc.

In addition to a compost bin, you may want to consider buying a few composting accessories such as a compost turning tool and a compost thermometer.

These gardening tools will help you product higher quality compost. Learn all you need to know about composting and composting equipment at the Compost Guide.

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Uses:

• Storing rainwater for use in the yard, garden, etc.

With a couple rain barrels set up around your house, you can save enough water when it rains to water you garden, wash your car, etc. This can have a big impact on your water bill. If you use rainwater to water your plants, you’ll probably notice that your garden plants will grow greener and healthier over time. Why? Because plants grow better with water that is chemical-free and naturally soft like rainwater.

Avoid using trash bins or barrels that are not specifically designed for storing rainwater. Check out the Rain Barrel Guide for more information and tips.

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• Weeding
• Cultivating
• Working the soil

Just like a normal garden cultivator, a wheel cultivator will help you remove weeds and cultivate the soil.  However, their special design gives you extra flexibility and control when working in the garden. 

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Knowing the quality of your soil can really take the guess work out of gardening. With an electronic soil tester, you can quickly and efficiently test pH, soil moisture, and total combined nitrogen, phosphorous and potash levels. Some electronic soil testers will also give you a light intensity reading. This will help you locate your plants where they will get enough light to grow and thrive.

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Vertical grow bags are fantastic gardening gadgets that allow you to grow both vegetables and ornamental plants in a small space. If you live in an apartment with a small patio, grow bags like the award winning Topsy Turvy Planter will allow you to garden, even if you have virtually no space.

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Garden stools allow you to work in your garden while seated in comfortable position. They are handy for older gardeners who tire after kneeling for long periods of time. You can save both your back and your knees with a garden stool.

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