Tools of the Gardening Trade

If you want to get your gardening chores done right, with minimal effort and maximum efficiency, you gotta have the right tool. So, here is your required “I gotta go back inside to get that one” not-so-ordinary tool list:

1. Shovel – sounds like a no-brainer, but even if you’re using raised beds that don’t require major soil moving anymore, you will need this valuable tool somewhere. If you need a straight edge cut for borders, a sod shovel is needed. For smaller tasks, you’ll need a trowel.
2. Cultivator – Again, you will probably benefit from having both the regular and hand-size versions.
3. Gloves – Prevents blisters, slivers and fire ants from munching on your fingers. You’ll need more than one pair.
4. Hose-end sprayer – Get one that’s very comfortable in your hand and has multiple settings.
5. All-purpose storage bucket – Gotta have a bucket for weeds, trash collection, soil hauling, tools, water, and of course, freshly-picked produce.
6. Utility knife – Opens bags of compost, cuts string and plastic, slices cardboard.
7. Hammer – A nicer and less painful alternative to setting tomato stakes with your fist, feet and forehead.
8. A dedicated set of gardening clothes (shirts, shorts, socks and shoes) that you can feel totally comfortable getting as dirty and sweaty as you want without guilt.
9. Sunscreen – No sunburns on my watch!
10. Water – Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.
11. Tunes – I normally enjoy peace and quiet when I’m doing garden work, but once in a while I have to have an audio diversion. Whether it’s my favorite music or podcasts, I gotta rock while I’m weeding.