Blooming Brilliance: A Fresh Take on Essential Gardening Tools for Beginners
Gardening time arrives at last - check out these 23 essential tools for your kit
Spring is finally here, and for some of us, that means one thing and one thing only: it's the perfect time to get started in the garden! But having the right tools can make a world of difference in helping your garden thrive. So, whether you're a first-time gardener or in need of a toolkit upgrade, we've consulted leading experts to bring you the top picks for essential gardening tools that will make your blooming dreams a reality.
Here's What You Need:
- Pruning Shears: Keep your plants looking neat and tidy with a reliable pair of pruning shears. For beginners, we recommend the classic Felco #6 Pruning Shears. These durable and reliable shears boast aluminum handles and hardened steel blades for smooth, precise cuts. Plus, they're adjustable for different sizes of branches. [Price: $59.39 - $65.19]
- Pots for Seed Starting: Get a head start on the growing season by starting your seeds indoors using Jiffy Peat Pots. These biodegradable pots are ideal for germinating seeds and are easy to plant directly into the ground once your seedlings are ready to graduate to the outdoors. [Price: $undefined - $14.97]
- All-Purpose Fertilizer: Foster the growth of your flowers, fruits, and vegetables with the nutrient-packed Fox Farm Happy Frog All-Purpose Fertilizer. This organic blend contains essential nutrients, microbes, and beneficial bacteria for a thriving garden. [Price: $22.99 - $29.99]
- Gardening Boots: Protect your feet from dirt, water, and pesky pests with a pair of high-quality Bogs Gardening Boots. These sturdy yet comfortable boots are perfect for digging, transplanting, and generally getting your hands dirty. [Price: $undefined - $95.00]
- Hand Trowel: Digging holes or weeding your garden has never been easier with the ergonomically designed Fiskars Ergo Garden Hand Trowel. This sturdy tool features a springy, rust-resistant aluminum head and a comfortable, non-slip handle. [Price: $8.94 - $12.99]
How We Picked the Best Gardening Tools
To assemble this list of the best gardening tools, we consulted experts on the essential products needed for gardeners of all levels, particularly those newcomers assembling their first toolkit. Here are the tools they deem indispensable, along with some of their favorite, highly-rated options.
5 Things to Consider When Starting Your Garden (Plus the Tools You'll Need to Do It)
Ready to dive into the world of gardening? Here are five key considerations to keep in mind as you embark on your green journey, with the essential tools to help you along the way:
- Planning Your Space: Evaluate the available sunlight, soil condition, and space for your garden before Choosing Your Plants
- Choosing Your Plants: Select plants that grow well in your climate and environment, such as herbs, flowers, and vegetables.
- Preparing the Soil: Aerate your soil with a garden fork or tiller before planting your seeds or seedlings.
- Watering Your Garden: Ensure consistent hydration with a watering can or a drip irrigation system.
- Maintaining Your Garden: Keep your garden healthy with pruning shears, hand trowels, and other essential tools.
The Best Indoor Gardening Tools
For those who want to start their gardening adventure indoors, there are several tools at your disposal to help you cultivate a thriving indoor mini-garden. Experts recommend these tools to get you started:
Grow Light: GooingTop Grow Light
Grow lights are an essential indoor gardening tool for providing the necessary light for your seedlings without causing them to become "leggy" or floppy. This dual-color LED light, which clips onto surfaces, can be programmed to automatically turn on and off at four, eight and 12-hour intervals. [Price: $19.19 - $29.99]
Seedling Heat Mat & Digital Thermostat: Vivosun Seedling Heat Mat and Digital Thermostat Combo Set
A seedling heat mat is another essential tool for rapid seed germination. This water-resistant mat generates heat, signaling to seeds that it's time to sprout. With a digital thermostat to adjust the temperature, this seedling heat mat is available in four sizes to accommodate different seed-starting needs. [Price: $24.79]
Seed Starting Pots: Jiffy Peat Pots
If you're starting seeds indoors, you'll want to choose biodegradable, plantable pots to minimize shock to the plant when it's time to transfer it outdoors. Jiffy Peat Pots are an excellent choice for this, as they are made from organic peat and are designed to be planted directly into the ground once your seedling is ready for the big leagues. [Price: $14.97]
The Best Outdoor Gardening Tools
As your garden grows and so does your interest, you'll undoubtedly accumulate a collection of tools tailored to your needs and preferences. In the meantime, though, here are some essential outdoor gardening tools to get you started:
- Pruning Shears: Pruners are an indispensable tool for cutting stems, branches, and weeds, and shaping bushes and other greenery.
- Hand Trowel: Use this versatile tool for digging small holes, transplanting seedlings, and weed removal.
- Watering Can: A essential tool for watering your garden gently.
- Kneeling Pad or Garden Stool: Protect your knees and back from strain while working in the garden.
- Garden Rake: For smoothing soil and removing debris.
Sources:1. Rebecca Sears, chief gardening guru for Green Garden Products, owner of Ferry-Morse Gardening.2. Carmen DeVito, founder of Garden Cult, a garden and landscape design company.3. NBC Select - The Best Pruning Shears of 2022: How to Choose the Right Shears for Your Garden.4. NBC Select - The Best Hand Trowels: Reviews of the Best Tools for Your Garden.5. NBC Select - The Best Garden Gloves of 2021: Top-Rated Options for Gardening Lovers.
- With a home-and-garden lifestyle in bloom, consider adding trading of gardening tools to your hobbies. The Felco #6 Pruning Shears, for instance, could be a worthwhile investment, especially for those starting their gardening journey.
- As your love for gardening grows, so might your interest in home-and-garden trading. Perhaps you'll find gardening boots, like the Bogs Gardening Boots, a perfect addition to your collection and ideal for trading with fellow enthusiasts.
