Top 10 tools you can't live without at your dacha

Every gardener knows that having the right tools makes gardening much easier. Whether you're new to gardening or experienced, certain tools become indispensable for caring for plants, cultivating the soil, and maintaining order. In this article, we'll take a detailed look at the ten most essential tools without which it's hard to imagine comfortable gardening. We've analyzed numerous sources, surveyed gardeners, and compiled helpful tips to help you make the most of your time in your garden.

1. Shovel

A shovel is undoubtedly one of the basic tools that should be in any gardener's arsenal. It can be used not only for digging but also for turning, uprooting plants, and creating garden beds. It's important to understand that there are many different types of shovels: shovel, spade, trenching, and so on. Each has its own specific uses and is designed for specific tasks.

When choosing a shovel, consider its material. Steel models are stronger and more durable, but can be heavy. Alternatives include aluminum or special plastic alloys, which are lighter but less durable. We surveyed gardeners, and most noted that shovels with wooden or fiberglass handles provide a more comfortable grip and are less slippery, which is critical when working in the garden.

Tips for choosing a shovel:

• Choose tools with ergonomic handles.
• Pay attention to the quality of the welds and the strength of the material.
• Buy a shovel with a metal part that has a good sharpening angle.

2. Hand cultivator

A hand cultivator is the ideal tool for cultivating soil in small areas. It allows you to easily loosen the soil, remove weeds, and aerate the soil. This tool is especially important in the spring when you need to prepare beds for new plantings.

When choosing a cultivator, pay attention to the number of tines and their shape. Ideally, at least three tines will ensure better loosening. Many gardeners note that a cultivator with sharper tines penetrates dry soil more easily, significantly simplifying the work process.

Some advantages of a hand cultivator:

• Minimum physical effort – loosening and aeration are completed in a short time.
• Suitable for working in limited spaces – can even be used between rows of plants.
• Eco-friendly – ​​the absence of electronics makes it a reliable assistant that does not require charging.

3. Pruning shears

Pruning shears are one of the most essential tools for a gardener. They allow you to prune plants, shape bushes and trees, and trim dead or damaged branches. Choosing the right pruning shears can significantly impact the quality of your work—it determines whether the plants will recover and continue to grow after pruning.

Here, it's important to pay attention to the blades. They can be straight or curved. Straight blades provide a clean cut, which is critical for trees and shrubs. Moreover, it's important for the pruning shears to have a spring—this will allow you to prune with one hand, without wasting time changing your grip.

Recommendations for choosing pruning shears:

• Pay attention to the material of the blades – the steel must be hardened.
• Choose models with a comfortable handle, preferably with rubber inserts for better grip.
• Check the opening range – it should not be too small.

4. Rake

A rake, like a shovel, is a multi-purpose tool that helps maintain a tidy garden and cultivate the soil. They can be used to rake grass, leaves, and other organic debris, as well as to level garden beds before planting. There are many types of rakes: wide, narrow, with metal or plastic teeth. We recently conducted a survey among gardeners and found that many prefer multi-tooth rakes due to their ability to effectively remove leaves and other plant debris from the soil surface.

Furthermore, a rake is an essential tool for creating substrates in garden beds. It helps level the soil, which is crucial for ensuring harmonious plant growth.

How to choose a rake:

• Give preference to metal teeth - their service life is significantly longer than that of plastic ones.
• The width of the rake should correspond to the size of the work area.
• The ergonomic handle helps reduce the strain on your shoulders while working.

5. Motoblock

A walk-behind tractor is an indispensable tool for those with larger plots of land. It can handle multiple tasks at once, such as plowing, cultivating, and even hauling. This is especially important for summer residents who are implementing new technologies in land cultivation.

The main advantages of a walk-behind tractor include high power and the ability to attach various attachments. This allows for multiple tasks without the need for heavy, labor-intensive machinery. We've worked with various walk-behind tractor specialists, and many gardeners have reported that this tool significantly reduces their time in the field.

Advantages of the walk-behind tractor:

• Possibility of working on large areas without significant time expenditure.
• Support for interchangeable attachments for various purposes – from plowing to post-cultivation of the soil.
• Ease of use – most models are easy to start and operate.

6. Watering can

Experienced gardeners know that proper watering of plants is the key to their health. A watering can is a traditional method of watering that remains popular today. Unlike automatic systems, it allows for more precise and controlled water distribution.

When choosing a watering can, pay attention to the material. Plastic models are lighter, but often less resistant to sunlight. Metal watering cans tend to last longer, but their weight can be inconvenient to use. I conducted a small study, in which participants noted that the quality of the spout is an important selection criterion—it should distribute water evenly to avoid pooling on the surface.

Requirements for the watering can:

• The spout should be adjustable to allow selection of flow type.
• The watering can should be comfortable in weight and size so as not to tire your hands.
• Please note that there is a filter to prevent silting in winter.

7. Pest Control Tools

Pests can be a real disaster for your crops, so it's important to have the right tools and equipment to combat them. The most common methods include insecticides, traps, and mechanical devices like nets. We surveyed gardeners and found that many prefer natural methods, such as soap or garlic infusion.

It's important to remember that chemicals aren't always necessary. There are many effective and environmentally friendly methods that can combat pest infestations without harming plants. For example, many gardeners use compost to feed their plants, as it helps boost their resistance to pests.

Pest control methods:

• Use mechanical traps to prevent pests - covered nets and glue rolls.
• Be careful to attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs.
• Use natural insecticides such as garlic or tobacco infusion.

8. Garden hose

Modern garden hoses are more than just watering accessories; they're a handy tool that can significantly simplify plant care. They come in a variety of diameters and lengths, so it's important to choose the right hose for your garden. We analyzed various products and found that the best models feature convenient collars and mounting hardware, making them easier to use.

The market offers both watering hoses and models with automatic shut-off systems. The choice depends primarily on the specifics of your property. Therefore, many gardeners find it convenient to have several different hoses for various tasks—from watering to irrigation.

Choosing a garden hose includes:

• Material – rubber or waterproofing for durability.
• Length – Determine what size is appropriate for your site.
• Connecting elements - they must be durable and easy to connect to the taps.

9. Hard tests

Soil testing is an important part of gardening, allowing you to assess the level and type of fertilizer needed. Compost and various fertilizer mixtures will help maintain plant health and increase yields. We recommend soil testing to determine any shortcomings your soil may be lacking.

Knowing your soil's composition helps you avoid unnecessary expenses on additional fertilizers and allows you to more intelligently select the types of plants that will grow on your property.

Some recommendations when working with fertilizers:

• Select fertilizers depending on the type of plants and their needs.
• Monitor the timing of fertilizer application to prevent overuse.
• Treating with compost and old plants helps increase the nutritional level for new crops.

10. Protective clothing and gloves

Remember to be safe when gardening. Proper clothing and protective gloves will help prevent injuries and damage. We've found that many gardeners choose lightweight yet durable materials that allow their skin to breathe while remaining protected from sharp objects and chemicals.

The choice of gloves is also important—they should be comfortable and provide good grip. Look for models with protective inserts to prevent injury to your hands when handling thorny plants or sharp tools.

Tips for choosing protective clothing:

• Prefer clothes made from natural and durable materials.
• Make sure protective clothing is easy to wash.
• Check reviews from other gardeners about the quality of products before purchasing.

This concludes our review. We hope you've found some helpful tips to make your gardening more productive and comfortable. Remember, choosing tools and materials is a personalized strategy, and it's important to select equipment based on your site's specific needs and preferences. Happy gardening!