Whether you’re planting flower beds across your front yard or a vegetable garden in the back, growing plants is a rewarding and relaxing hobby. It’s even more enjoyable when you have the right gardening tools. The proper tools make tasks easy and help keep your garden healthy and looking its best. Here are a few you should consider. 

What Are Essential Gardening Tools? 

1. Safety Gear 

Every gardener needs at least one pair of high-quality gloves to protect their hands from thorns and splinters. Gloves should be made from durable, breathable, and water-resistant material, with snug-fitting cuffs to protect your wrists and forearms and keep dirt out.

A comfortable mat to place under your knees while working and safety glasses to protect your eyes while pruning and working with fertilizer are also necessary. 

2. Wheelbarrow

A wheelbarrow is a must for moving heavy bags of soil or mulch and transporting plants, seedlings, and gardening tools around the yard. Look for one with a single handle and two wheels, rather than the traditional two handle-one wheel style. It will be easier to maneuver and balance your loads. 

3. Pruners & Loppers

A selection of cutting tools can help you deal with branches and unwieldy plants. Bypass pruners, which look and work like scissors, are ideal for cutting back live plants that you can easily reach. Loppers are similar to pruners but have longer handles. They’re perfect for cutting back thick branches.

4. Watering Can

Water is the key to a healthy garden, and you’ll need a hose to ensure your plants get plenty to drink. A watering can is a must when caring for potted plants, while a watering wand can give your plants a gentle spray. A wand is perfect for watering new seedlings, as well as window boxes and other hard-to-reach areas. 

5. Digging Tools

A spade can be used for everything from turning soil to digging holes for new plants. A hand trowel is another must-have, as it makes quick work of transplanting plants and weeding. Hoes help you prepare garden beds and remove weeds; a heavy, wide hoe is best for vegetable gardens, while a smaller hoe works well in flower beds.

Finally, a steel bow rake can help you remove debris in the garden beds, while a smaller hand rake lets you work carefully around plants and work the soil in small areas. 

If you want to start working outdoors and growing plants, get all the gardening tools you need from Farmers Cooperative Inc. in Live Oak, FL. In addition to all the essentials, they also offer a full range of fertilizers, pesticides, and other necessities to keep your garden thriving all year long. Learn more about their store and services online, or call (386) 362-1459 to speak with a friendly team member today.