All gardeners know the importance of determining what to plant where. Plants that either get too much sun or not enough do not thrive: they eventually die.  Why would anyone want to go through all that trouble just to see beautiful plants perish because they lack the right tool to care for their garden?

The same principle applies when it comes to choosing and using the right tool for the job.  When we use poorly made, inadequate, or inappropriate tools for a given purpose, our plants and garden can suffer and all that hard work goes for nothing.

I have put together a list of must have tools for the garden and an explanation of the proper use for each tool.  Knowing how to use tools properly is the first step to a more productive garden with only half the work.

There are 10 basic tools that every gardener should have in their possession. They are used for everything from trimming flower stems to cutting thick tree branches.  It is likely that some gardeners will need most if not all of these tools at one point or another in their gardening lives.  There are a couple of tools that are considered "must-haves" for all gardeners -- even those who think of themselves as novice gardeners.

I will also provide information about different kinds of tools and give some advice about purchasing the best one for the job.  Join me as I take you on a garden tool journey.  By the time you finish reading this article, I hope you will have acquired enough knowledge to be able to purchase quality tools and learn the basics of their use.

Garden Trowel - This is the ultimate gardener must-have!  It is used for digging small holes for planting seeds, veggies, flowers and other small plants.  I actually keep one in the car in case I find a "volunteer" to take home with me.  I have found that a one-piece construction is the best.  You should spend a little more money so that you can get the best one possible.  Avoid plastic or wooden handles because they will bend where the handle meets the metal part.  If you must get one with a wooden handle, make sure the metal part is reinforced.

Garden Round Shovel (a must-have) - One with a slight point is used for digging and moving dirt; this shovel comes in different sizes to offer more comfort.  Test the different sizes at the store to make sure it feels good to you.  A D-shaped handle will give you a better grip, making it easier to lift the dirt.

Garden Square Shovel - This has a straight blade edge used for edging borders, separating perennials, and working in compost and other amendments.  A D-shaped handle will give you a better grip and make it easier to lift and turn compost.  One with forged metal will last longer.  A slick metal surface allows materials to slide right off both a shovel and spade.

Rakes (a must have): Not all rakes are equal: different types are used to perform different tasks.  A steel rake is used for loosening soils, grading soil and removing most debris.

Ground Rake - A ground rake is used for smoothing new and existing beds.

Leaf Rake - A leaf rake is a lightweight tool used for removing fall leaves, twigs and such debris.  I own one of each and I use each one on a regular basis.  Remember, as with trowels, rakes with metal handles last longer and perform better than those with plastic or wooden handles.

Hoes - Hoes are mostly used for weeding.

Garden Hoe - A Garden Hoe has a long handle for removing surface weeds while minimizing back strain.

Garden Warren Hoe - A Warren Hoe works in tight spaces, such as in between plants within your garden bed.

Garden Shuffle Hoe - A Shuffle or Action Hoe skims just under the surface, slicing weed stems.

Garden Broad Hoe - A Broad Hoe moves soil and digs planting trenches and weeds.  The metal part on hoes needs to be attached to the handle with solid, socket construction.  In addition, a smooth wooden handle will resist splintering.

Garden Weeder: A basic weeder (must-have) has a notched end that loosens the soil around the weeds roots. This is useful in tight spaces and great for dandelions.

Hand Pruners:

Hand Pruners (a must-have) with short handles are used for cutting and grooming plants.

Anvil Pruners have one moving blade while bypass pruners have two moving blades.  Test them out in the store or borrow pruners from a friend to figure out which one you like best and which one has the smoothest mechanism.

Lightweight Pruning Shears are used to take off faded blossoms, while heavy duty ones are used to trim smaller woody branches.

Hedge Shears:  Hedge Shears look like over-sized scissors and can snip many small branches at one time.

Long Handle Loppers - Loppers are used with two hands and allow for greater leverage and strength to cut through branches that are too thick for pruners.

Garden Loppers - Scissor-type loppers offer a cleaner cut than the bypass or anvil types. Blade and anvil types require more strength to use effectively and may crush as they cut, leaving ragged edges.

Pruning Saw:

Saws are used for larger branches.  Bow-type is the most common because the curved blade is easier to maneuver than a straight one.  Look for saws that cut on both the push and the pull for faster, easier cutting.

Spading Fork:

A spading fork cuts into soil like a shovel or a spade, but does so more easily than solid-blade tools can.  A spading fork is handy for mixing materials into the soil, harvesting potatoes, carrots and other root crops.

Gardening Pitchforks:

Pitchforks and straw forks are used for picking up, turning and scattering hay mulch, leaf mold and light compost materials.  Two forks held back to back are great for dividing perennials with thick roots, such as Hostas.

I have given you 10 basic tools that most gardeners should own. This list is not meant to be a complete listing of garden tools available.  There are many more out there, and going to the store to purchase garden tools or any other tool can be very intimidating.

Here are a few more tips to look for when purchasing any garden tool.  Avoid cheap tools at all cost!  Try to buy the best tool you can afford; not only will it last longer, it will also make your gardening more enjoyable because you won't get frustrated with a tool that is of inferior quality.

The best wood for all long-handled garden tools is North American white ash, which is strong, light and resilient and is ideal for hammers and other short-handled tools.  Spade and fork handles are usually made from this.

Examine the lines (rings) in the wood; they should run straight down the entire length of the handle, with no knots.  Avoid painted handles, which often hide cheap wood.

Once you choose your tool and bring it home, remember to store it out of the elements when not in use.  Keep your garden tools clean, lubricated and sharpened in order to keep them in tiptop shape for a long as possible.

I hope that the next time you go shopping for garden tools, you will recall this article and if just one word of advice sticks with you, it was worth my writing it!

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