As a beginner in the gardening world, it can be difficult to know what tools you need to make your garden grow beautifully. You may not understand the jargon (after all, what are hand pruners, anyway?) but with some tips and tricks, you can start your gardening adventure on the right foot. In this blog we discuss the top gardening supplies for beginners.
You should invest in some gardening supplies such as organic compost, gloves, pruning shears and even more exotic tools such as the hori-hori knife, a multi-purpose Japanese tool that can transform your gardening experience. If this all sounds a little confusing, keep reading below for our list of gardening supplies all beginners need.
Organic Compost
Organic compost is one of the most important gardening supplies you will need, as it can help you to create a fertile base for all of your plants and flowers. Look for compost that is weed-free and that can help to release humus back into the soil. Your organic compost will release nutrients and help to maintain the health and structure of your soil. You can combine your compost with your topsoil for added nutrients. Avoid combining organic compost with synthetic herbicides and this can damage your soil.
Gardening Gloves
Gloves are some of the most vital gardening supplies as they help to protect your hands from any damage while you are sprucing up your lawn or flower beds. Gloves should be durable but not too bulky, as this will make it difficult to handle delicate stems and shrubs. They should fit your hands comfortably without feeling too tight or too loose, as either fit can cause blisters over time. The cuffs should be long to protect your wrists from damage and the fabric should be water-resistant for optimal shelf-life.
Hori-Hori Gardening Knife
Now, to the novice gardener, the hori-hori gardening knife might sound like a new-fangled creation, but it is a staple for many gardeners. It is a knife that can perform many different functions in the garden, such as weeding using the sharp edges, transplanting plants from one area to another, and even removing stubborn roots. The Hori-Hori gardening knife is one of the most essential gardening supplies to have, and can easily be transported around the garden for when you need it most.
Hand Pruners
Hand Pruners are ideal for keeping your rose bushes neat, tidy, and manageable. They are mostly used to trim branches and stems and are arguably the most important garden supplies you should own. Anvil-style pruners cut with a sharp blade that meets a flat surface and bypass pruners cut with a sharp blade passing by a sharp flat surface, like scissors. Anvil pruners are best suited to cutting dead wood whereas bypass pruners are best for live plants and green wood. A gardener should have both types of pruners to help with their many tasks.
Hand Rake
A hand rake is helpful to have when you need to dig and turn your soil. It can be used to smooth out soil, too, as well as removing any weeds that you might have missed. Hand rakes should be kept sharp and not caked in mud, as this could make them slightly less effective than need be. The slight curve in the forks makes it easier for you to scoop soil or bark mulch, turn compost piles, and even dig through compacted soil. Choose a hand rake that fits comfortably in your hand to avoid any discomfort while using it.
Spade
Gardening supplies such as spades are essential. They allow you to dig holes for trees and shrubs, and help you to edge your garden and move soil from one area to another. A good spade can last you a lifetime, and if you choose one with treads on the top of the blade, you will find it is easier to push down on for leverage. A long handle does provide more leverage but can be heavier to carry around with you. Stainless steel blades are the ideal choice as they will not rust or experience wear and tear.
Grow Your Green Thumb
If you want to take up gardening as a hobby or use it to improve your lifestyle, there are a few key gardening supplies for beginners that you will need. Start by looking for organic compost for the perfect base, then choose gardening gloves that are durable and comfortable. Hori-Hori gardening knives are extremely useful, as are pruners and rakes.
If you would like to stock up on essential gardening supplies such as organic compost, speak to Stanler Farms today to find out how we can help you.