Different kinds of gardens require different kinds of garden tools. Hardware stores mostly cater for a wide range of tools, but there are shops that specialize in the more expensive kind of garden tool that shouts quality. Wherever you decide to shop, here are a few pointers to advise you.
Do you have small garden or a large one? A small garden will not require the same large equipment that would be of use in an extensive one. A ride-on mower is unnecessary if you only have a small strip of lawn. Another point to consider is who does most of the gardening? Some tools are too heavy for use by women.
When you buy secateurs make sure the blade always stays sharp to avoid damaging the plant. Look for models that have blades that can be sharpened or replaced, models with tension control and with sizes that best fit your hands. Secateurs usually cost around $50 - $130.
Hedge trimmers or shears are handy - but only if you have a hedge, or plan on growing one. Some hedge trimmers have curved blades to stop branches from sliding out when cut.
Forks are used for turning and aerating compost and breaking up lumps of soil. The cheaper ones are often not strong enough for heavy soil, so go for sturdiness instead of price. Forks usually cost around $30 - $100.
A shovel has a scoop blade and is best used to move around dirt and garden soil. A spade has a flat blade great for cutting edges, digging and dividing plants. The edge of a spade should be kept sharpened for clean and efficient cutting will cause the least amount of damage to plants. These are a basic garden necessity and usually cost from $30 - $50.
A pruning saw is used for pruning trees and larger shrubs, while secateurs are for plants like roses. Pruning saws have a narrow curved blade that fits between stems or branches and easily and cuts them as you pull the saw backwards. They are approximately $27- $55.
A chipping hoe is a handy tool for getting rid of small weeds. The Dutch or push-hoe is slightly more user-friendly as the action required to use it does not jar the neck and shoulder quite so much.
A rake is also a basic requirement for the garden. The strong rake with the flat head and sharp metal prongs is used for smoothing a garden bed and getting out the last of the bumps and weeds. The plastic rake is used to gather leaves and grass clippings only.
Gardening tools don't have to be expensive. Flea markets and garage sales can be excellent places to pick up great tool bargain.
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My black berries wont bloom or fruit help?
By: Sheila Bennett | 25-08-2008
my black berries wont bloom or fruit help?
Aol chatroom tools that work and are free?
By: Herro | 25-08-2008
Aol chatroom tools that work and are free?
MAGNOLIA TREE/TURF WATERING I have started taking ...
By: Losingiseasy | 25-08-2008
MAGNOLIA TREE/TURF WATERING
I have started taking care of a ladies yard which has four large Southern Magnolias planted in the lawn.
She has been told that lawn sprinkler spray hiting the trunks will cause damage to the trees and has told me not to let the water hit the trees. This is almost impossible with the current sprinkler locations and breezes that occasionally pick up the spray and carry it around and towards the trees. I have turned the sprinkler heads down a lot and as a result, the lawn is now becoming brown in spots.
My research and observation of trees in yards and parks in this area (San Diego) indicates that Magnolias are tolerant of lots of water, including periodic flooding (seems logical for a southern tree) . I see lawn sprinklers watering yards without regard to the Magnolias. The all look healthy and some are very large and quite old.
The lawn is watered every two or three days. Three of the trees get quite a bit of sun, but one is closer to the house and gets less sun and drying on its trunk (and in fact has green moss on its northern trunk side).
All the trees appear to be healthy.
HELP....
Planting a small green cedar.
By: MLDenty | 25-08-2008
I received a small plant as part of an ornamental arrangement.... a "green cedar"... it's supposed to be planted, but I don't know if it requires full sun, full or partial shade, or anything else about it's planting requirements. Can anyone advise me?
Restoring a front porch (marble)
By: liddiesgirl | 24-08-2008
I have a marble porch which is cracking from age is there any way to restore it or should I cover it? If covering is the solution, what material should I use?
Yellow cucumbers?
By: Tman | 24-08-2008
I live in Texas and lately my cucumbers are yellow. The foilage is a nice green, though slightly pale. The cucumbers are also bitter. Whats my problem?
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