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 dirt and garden soil around. 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. |
