Garden tools are constantly evolving. Automatic pruning shears, programmable sprinklers and watering systems, specialized rakes, and special shovels are becoming available. Navigating this diversity can be challenging, especially for a novice gardener. However, there are some essential tools that will allow you to complete all the necessary tasks, cultivate the soil and plants, and prepare the site for planting or wintering. Acquiring these tools is a good starting point for landscaping your dacha.
For working with soil
A good shovel might be your first purchase for your garden. It shouldn't be too light, as such models don't last more than a few weeks. A moderately sturdy handle and hard steel weigh around 0.8-1.5 kilograms. This tool will be easy to use for long periods of time, and a shovel of this weight is convenient for hand digging even in dense soil. It's advisable to have several types of this tool at your dacha:
- Soviet;
- bayonet;
- with slits.
A shovel is useful for mixing fertilizer with soil. Models with slots in the metal are especially convenient for harvesting or working in extremely wet weather.
A rake is also among the essential gardening tools. It's also advisable to purchase a pitchfork, which is easier to use for clearing away dead branches, pre-rolled grass, and creating soil covers. A wide rake with widely spaced teeth is recommended for leveling garden beds, and a narrow rake with thin, closely spaced teeth is ideal for clearing the grounds.
All types of hoes and subsoilers are indispensable in the garden. They are completely interchangeable. Ease of use in this case depends more on habit. However, subsoilers are designed for spot cultivating paths, beds, and crops, removing weeds, and shallow digging. A traditional hoe is useful for deep soil cultivation and tasks such as hilling.
For processing crops
Basic hand tools alone are not enough for working with soil. Household scissors, sharp knives, and standard construction saws are not suitable for gardening. Trees and shrubs require different tools that won't harm the plants. The list of essential and indispensable tools includes:
- pruning shears;
- hacksaw;
- garden shears;
- sprayer.
It's best to buy several pruning shears. One should have long handles and a large working area. This will be useful for pruning large trees at the end of the season and for crown shaping. These are convenient for working with tall trees. The pruning shears shouldn't be the cheapest. It's best to immediately look for a model with hydraulic or mechanical power assist and a secure locking mechanism. The second pruning shear should be small, with short, pointed tips. This is useful for pruning small shrubs, spot pruning throughout the season, and removing diseased branches. Choose one that fits comfortably in your hand.
A hacksaw and a pruning shear differ in their purpose, so it's best to own both. Scissors work very similarly to pruning shears. However, they allow you to trim tender shoots and branches more carefully without damaging the rest of the plant. This is especially important during the first trimmings at the beginning of summer, when you need to remove side shoots and barren flowers without damaging the main stem and young leaves. A pruning shear is indispensable when working with trees. Its teeth are specially shaped, resulting in clean, even cuts. They are easily treated with special pest and mold control mixtures, and they heal much faster.
A sprayer is indispensable in a garden plot. It's essential for pest control and for growth stimulation treatments. A traditional hand-operated pump sprayer should be replaced with a battery-powered sprayer. It allows for even distribution of chemicals over the area and more precise dosage control. It's also easier to use. If you're planning large plantings, such as potatoes or cabbage, it's best to invest in a larger sprayer with a capacity of at least 4-6 liters. It's important to ensure you're wearing personal protective equipment: a mask, gloves, and goggles. When working with active ingredients, it's important to protect mucous membranes and skin from chemical contact.
Choosing basic garden tools isn't difficult. Start with the most common, familiar items: a shovel, rake, pruning shears, and a hacksaw. Replacing standard models with more modern ones will make gardening much easier. For example, tools like fruit pullers, spot weeders, automatic pruning shears, and semi-automatic shovel all receive excellent reviews. But even the most basic tools will suffice if chosen wisely.