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With a multitude of tools and accessories on the market, it can be hard to make the right selection – which is why we’ve narrowed it down for you! home GARDENING 2013 As your experience and expertise grows, you can acquire more specialised tools like pruning shears for shaping topiary. If you have a morning to spend in your garden...
• Mow the lawn; a neatly trimmed lawn gives your whole garden a classy edge!
• Feed your shrubs and roses and lay down a mulch of well-rotted compost.
• Select a suitable tree from your nursery – then plant it! • Dig up and prepare a new flowerbed and fill it with colourful annuals and perennials! • Lay out a herb or vegetable garden and experience the thrilling rewards of reaping and enjoying your own harvest. Your basic essentials
Whether you’re a novice or expert gardener, you’ll need the correct gardening tools. If you don’t have any, first stock up on the basics that you’ll be using regularly. These include:
A reliable spade is a must. If you buy just one gardening implement, make it a spade – it’s more versatile than you think, and will help you accomplish a lot!
A garden fork is handy for loosening soil when preparing
a flowerbed; digging up larger plants, roots and all, when
transplanting; and for turning your compost heap from time
to time.
A daisy grubber to dig out weeds by the roots.
A hand spade for planting seedlings and weeding.
Sharp pruning secateurs are vital; choose a pair that feels
comfortable, as you’ll use them regularly.
A lopper will go a long way in helping you to reach and cut
taller or thorny branches.
A rake with metal teeth to prepare beds for sowing or to
even out the soil. A rake with pliable teeth to sweep up leaves.
A pair of garden gloves to protect your hands.
A garden hose, of course – just remember to use water sparingly.
A watering can for patio pots and container plants. A sturdy refuse bag for discarding waste as you work. A wide-brimmed sun hat for the hotter months. Tips that work
- Buy the best quality garden implements you can afford and take good care of them; they’ll last a lifetime if you do. Clean your tools before storing them; brush soil off and ensure they’re dry.
- Choose a colourful pair of secateurs, so they don’t get lost in the garden! If you buy green or black, wrap bright tape or washi tape around the handles. In fact, do this with all your smaller tools so they’re not easily misplaced in the garden.
- Place smaller tools in a basket or plastic plant pot while you’re working, so you don’t misplace them as you move from one section of the garden to another.
- Don’t bend over while standing and working – kneel! Fold a black plastic bag in half and use it as a mat to keep soil off your clothes.
