A Guide For Gardening Newbies - What You'll Need to Get Started

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by: David Martin
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Word Count: 411
Date: Thu, 26 Aug 2010 Time: 1:55 PM
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If you've never been into gardening in a big way but fancy getting your fingers green for the first time this summer, you'll need a basic set of tools to get you started. There are a huge range of garden tools out there to choose from, with something for every budget - but a newcomer may well find it difficult to narrow their selection down to the essentials when first starting out.

So, what's on the 'must have' list? Well, first of all you'll want a set of hand tools, including equipment like a small shovel and hand rake - items which will allow you to easily carry out fiddly work around your plants and/or vegetables which would otherwise be awkward with larger tools. This way, the plants' roots will remain intact and small jobs will be over in a matter of minutes.

Next up, you'll want a long-handle spade and shovel - and to know the difference between them. The spade has a sharp or pointed blade and is used for jobs such as the digging of holes for planting and digging in packed soil. A shovel, on the other hand, has a more rounded blade and is used more for moving material or spreading manure and fertilisers.

Also essential is a pitchfork, which will come in useful for aerating soil or turning compost, and a rake, which will allow you to smooth out soil in planting beds with a minimum of fuss. Other handy tools include secateurs and pruners for trimming jobs, and, if you have a large garden, a wheelbarrow for shifting material.

As well as the tools for carrying out your garden jobs, you'll want a few pieces of safety equipment. A couple of good pairs of gardening gloves and some safety glasses will ensure that you protect yourself from any potential mishaps.

That little lot should be enough to get you started - and although there are a fair few items on the list, there are plenty of budget options available to get you started without breaking the bank. If you come to enjoy your time in the garden, you can always invest in better quality tools as well as expanding your set with more specialist equipment.

Be sure to look after your tools, too, so as to extend their useful life. Keep them in the shed if you have one - or indoors if not - to protect them from rust and weather damage.

About the Author

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