western-star.com

10 essential gardening tools

By Randy Begley

Spring is now in full swing and with the sun shinning brightly many people will be taking to the outdoors to begin planting their gardens.

But whether your thumb is just beginning to green, or if you're a master gardener, you still need the right tools to get the job done. Prices on these tools were estimated by Jennifer Miller, a landscape architect at Norvell's Landscaping & Garden Center.

Cost of tools will vary depending on how advanced the tool is. But remember, you may not need something designed for professional use ? consider how you will use the tool. Gardening does not have to be expensive, but before buying any of these tools, make sure they fit your hands correctly and are the right weight.

"Tools are kind of like a pair of shoes," said Miller. "You have to try them on to see if you like them."

The top 10 must-have gardening tools.

1. Shovel
The most important of all gardening tools. Use it for digging, not prying. Price $12

2. Hard Rake
This rake is to be used on hard dirt. Its main purpose is to level out the ground. Price $12

3. Hoe
Is used to make rows for your plants. It is also the preferred tool for weeding gardens. Price $10

4. Spade
This multipurpose tool is used to edge out flower beds, pry up hard rocks from the ground and chisel larger rocks into more manageable pieces. Price $30

5. Wheelbarrow
Makes transporting materials a lot easier. Price $30 to $70

6. Broom
Another tool that is easily forgotten about but is an absolute must for cleanup. Price $12

7. Gloves
Keeps your hands from getting scraped and bruised. Price $3 to $20

8. Hand Trowel
The ideal tool for planting small things. Price $2

9. Dirt Snatcher
A bulb planter. This tool makes planting bulbs much easier. Price $15

10. Pruning Shears
This giant scissor-like tool is used for pruning small branches. Price $10-$50

And ...

Pickup Truck
Yes the list is supposed to be top 10, but we threw this one in as extra credit. Miller describes the truck's uses as simply anything and everything.

Thursday, April 20, 2006