13 Essential Tools You Need To Get Started As A Gardener

With the right tools you can take care of your garden.

When it comes to gardening, there are no hard and fast rules to follow; It's more a matter of trial and error and patience. However, using quality seeds, the right soil and lighting for your plant mix will help you have the right tools and materials to get the job done.

You don't need fancy, expensive brand name gear, but investing in heavy duty gear will ensure it lasts for years to come. Here are 13 items that experts say are never missing from a gardener's toolbox.

When shopping for a primer, look for one that fits comfortably in your hand.

1. Hand scissors

It's at the top of the list, says Haven Kearse, assistant professor of landscape architecture at the University of California, Davis. You can use it to cover flowers, cut grass, trim broken branches or pick the right pepper. Look for strong scissors with sharp blades. Try different styles to find the perfect match for your hands. Expensive brands can cost $65, but they outperform cheaper brands that wear out or fail quickly. Take it to your local hardware store for a paint job once a year to keep it.

There are different types of garden shovels, each suitable for different tasks.

2. Garden shovel

This is important if you are digging holes for new plants, dividing plants when they get too big, or removing dead plants. A garden shovel has the same long handle as a traditional shovel, but is lighter and has a smaller blade. Prices start around $20. There are different types, and each is suitable for different tasks. A straight edge helps create clean edges, while a blade with a sharp tip removes existing brush. Viveka Neveln, digital gardening editor for Better Homes & Gardens, says a round shovel is a great workhorse for anyone just starting to build their toolbox.

Hori-hori has a straight edge and a smooth edge.

3. That's it

The Hori-Hori (or Earth Knife) Swiss Army Garden Knife will do just about anything, says Denver gardener Eloise Chaikovsky. It has a straight edge and a smooth edge for cutting rope or opening compost bags. Its measuring cut end can replace the puller, so you can measure the depth of the holes as you work. As with clippers, it's worth investing in one that costs around $35.

4. Garden mower

Ornamental grasses should be cut when dormant to encourage new grass growth. The garden trimmer gets the job done quickly, no power tools required. Hold the grass in one hand and hold the mower in the other to mow. Cheapness (about $10) is good, Kears says, because it can be easily replaced when it wears off.

5. Shaking hands

Instead of using a giant leaf blower or rake that can destroy tender plants, try a small hand rake ($8 and up). Nevel says all you need is a two-handed rake: another tin can for removing leaves and plant debris, and a sturdy garden rake for spreading compost or soil.

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6. Wagon or Wagon

If you're hauling mud, large bags of soil, or plantings, you'll need something to help you move the heavy stuff. You can choose a traditional one-wheeled cart, but there are all sizes and models of garden carts, Nevelne says. (These include two- and four-wheel drive vehicles and off-road vehicles.) If possible, try any ditch you can think of. If you like the controls, download some items and drag them to the store to check them out.

7. Kneeling

Being on your knees for hours can also damage your joints or spine. The Garden Kneeler is a thick 2 in 1 knee brace with supports on both sides to help you sit and stand. It also flips over to become a soft seat. Look for a frame that is resistant to pitting rust to aid in lifting. Extra foam is added for extra cushioning. You also need to consider how much weight the seat can support. A good person should be able to bear a maximum of 250 pounds. Expect to pay $50 or more.

8. The snake

The easier it is to move water from one place to another, the better your chances of keeping plants alive. BHG has an online guide to test-based garden hoses (which can cost between $20 and $50). Kiers also suggests that you can gently wet the plants with a sprinkler (it looks like a large shower head) to reduce the water pressure in the faucet. Prepare a water tank for hard-to-reach places.

A folding hand saw can do work that secateurs cannot.

©iStock/iStock A folding hand saw can do things a clipper can't.

9. Folding hand saw

A very thick and inexpensive handsaw ($10-20) will do for pruning shrubs or branches. Look for models with blades that fold into the handle for safety.

10. Old garden tub

These flexible trays with handles are great for carrying and storing. Add any hand tools and materials you take to the garden with you, or place clippings and clippings in compost or garden waste bags in a container. Most tubs are made of washable polyethylene and prices start at $13. Instead of cleaning, Kirs offers an Ikea Frakta suitcase (or something similar). Uses a 19 liter plastic bag to carry tools, compost, garden herbs and more. And the price is hard to beat: 99 cents.

Cable ties provide support for the plants.

11. Link

Plastic or velcro coils can be used to fasten growing plants to supports, cages or trellises.

12. Tight pants

When gardening, Kirsty likes to wear big cargo pants with strong knees and deep pockets. The Tchaikovsky Admires Duluth Trading jumpsuit (starting at around $90) features a ribbed fabric and lots of pockets. The common denominator: tote bags, crabs, gloves, markers or sunscreen.

Whether or not to wear gloves in the garden is a matter of personal taste.

13. Gloves

Of course you want to protect your hands, but the type of gloves and how often you wear them is a personal preference. "If you're like me, you have more than one type," says Nevlen. “Some are waterproof for working in wet areas. Some are more breathable work gloves for pruning and cutting, so my hands don't get too hot. The gloves are different, Tchaikovsky uses nitrile gloves, thick but not bulky. Six packs are enough for the entire growing season. Kears said he doesn't wear gloves unless he's working with something "scary" (like thorns or cacti) or in dirty conditions.