Tools
Most of these tools are used specifically for gardening, but there are some included for simple yard maintenance. Some of the tools listed are dual purpose, so you may not need them all. Use your own judgement to discern what tools you will need.
Forks and Spades
Garden fork, spade fork, digging fork, or graip is used for loosening, lifting, and turning over soil. These have shafts of different length and materials: metal shafts are stronger than wood, and may be plastic-covered. Border spades and forks have slightly smaller heads, making them easy to handle and useful for light work. A rake can be used to level soil or to clear the ground. To clear lawns of leaves and thatch, use a large spring-tined rake.
Hand Trowel
A hand fork and trowel are indispensable for weeding, planting your plants and bulbs, and small digging jobs. Hand forks are ideal for heavy clay soil. Small tools are easily mislaid in the garden; look for those with brightly colored handles that can be spotted easily or paint tools with wooden handles to make them more conspicuous.
Pruners
Pruners are essential for many cutting jobs, such as removing dead, or decaying parts of the plant. Choose a pair with a safety catch and crossover blades. Try before you buy to make sure they feel right.
Dutch Hoe
This tool is used to clearing a large area of weeds. The long handle helps to avoid a backache, which is often a consequence of weeding.
Pruning Saw
Similar to pruners, this saw is useful for cutting small branches; the blade folds away on some types, but one with a fixed blade is a better choice if you have lots of scrubs.
Shears
Shears are used for trimming long grass and small hedges, and for cutting back herbaceous perennials. Before buying, be sure they are light enough for you to use.
Lawn Mower
If you have grass, a lawn mower is a must-have. Choose one that is the right size for the lawn and will fit into a storage shed when it is not in use.
Garden Hose
Don’t skimp on this vital garden tool; look for a lightweight, high-quality hose that will be easy to carry and will last for years. Also consider an irrigation hose that can be laid within your garden for simple watering.
Wheelbarrow
A wheelbarrow or garden cart makes it easy to haul everything from rolls of sod to mulch to your fall pumpkin harvest.
Hori Hori Knife
This is like a multi-tool that combines a spade, a pruning saw, and a trowel. It is lightweight, and can be used for dividing and transplanting perennials, weeding, digging, and other gardening tasks.
Loppers
Help you to prune branches and suckers that are too thick for regular pruners - look for long-handled types to reach tall branches with ease.
Edger
Nothing sets off garden beds like a nice, crisp edge. Edgers create dramatic lines where the lawn meets walkways and beds and are used much like a spade.