The joys of gardening.
Gardening is one of the most calming and therapeutic pastimes you can have. Spending time planting, pruning, and tending to your flowers and plants can be extremely satisfying. So it is no surprise that so many people turn to gardening when they need a little zen.
If you are starting your own garden for the first time, deciding that you need a little plant therapy in your life, it can be super exciting, and It’s very easy to go overboard with the gardening supplies that you buy. There are so many choices, and it can be overwhelming with how many options you have. However, when you are just starting up, you do not need to go overboard and spend a ton of money.
Stay focused on the basics of what you need, and do some research, find yourself some startup tools that will last a long time, so your gardening hobby doesn’t eat into your bank account on a regular basis. Smart research and purchases can be done by looking at sites such as https://wheelalong.co.uk/wheelbarrows/narrow-wheelbarrows-trolleys/ to find the best options.
If you choose to buy the highly quality tools you can afford, you will end up spending less money in the long run as they will not need replacing as often.
So, let’s take a look at the most basic gardening supplies you absolutely need when you are starting up your first garden.
Tools you absolutely need.
Here we have a list of tools, but also we have included some other things that may seem obvious but are just as vital and should not be forgotten. Sometimes we can be so focused on purchasing the tools we need to garden we might forget to actually pick up some plants, or some decent soil. So, even though it seems obvious, we want to remind you this is just as important, you don’t need to be taking multiple trips to the store because you keep forgetting that one thing.
Soil.
Sure, it may seem obvious, but soil is absolutely essential to gardening. Not only that, but we urge you not to just pick up the cheapest, as tempting as it is. If you buy cheap soil, your plants probably won’t grow as well, but the reason is that the cheap soil won’t have the right nutrients in it. Different plants will require different soil, for example, something that is classed as a succulent or cactus can’t have general multipurpose soil, they need soil for their plant type, which will typically have different nutrients and often rocks and wood chippings in it.
Some soils will have a fertilizer mixed in with the soil, while they can be good, ensure it is compatible with the plants you want to grow. If you buy decent soil and find your plants just aren’t growing, pick up a soil testing kit, this can tell you what nutrients your soil is lacking in, so you can fix the problem pronto.
Shears.
Shears are important to have, and there are many different types. As you start, you may want to stay simple, with a pair of simple pruning shears. However, different shears will work for different things. Anvil pruners work best for dead wood, bypass pruners are best for live plants and green wood, and so on. Be sure that whatever shears you get, you sharpen them regularly for clean cuts that don’t damage the plant. Before you prune, it is also wise to disinfect your shears, as this will be beneficial to the health of the plant and prevent bacteria from entering it when you cut.
A good pair of shears should fit easily in the palm of your hand for comfort and ease as you use them.
Hose
Water is the lifeblood of your garden, and unless you just have a few small plants, a watering can will not do. However, you do not want something that will violently spray your plants, you want something that will give them just what they need, and that is why we recommend using a hose with an adjustable nozzle. Hoses typically have three diameters ½-inch, ⅝-inch, and ¾-inch, so be sure to know which you have, so you can ensure your nozzles will fit.
When buying a hose, estimate the amount of length you will need. We would suggest going for something that would be able to go all the way to the end of your garden, while this may seem like overkill, it is better to have a hose that can reach everything than to have one that is a bit too short.
However, keep in mind that the length of the hose will also affect the water pressure, the longer the hose is the lower the pressure will be.
Trowel.
Hand trowels are essential hand tools. They are brilliant for transplanting bedding, plants, herbs, taking out weeds and more. With a hand trowel, you want something with a broad blade for moving soil, or a long blade for weeding or rocky soil. Ensure that the handle fits in your hand comfortably, and try to get one that at least has a stainless steel handle, as it will last longer.
Spade.
A spade, the bigger and hardier cousin of the trowel. These are great for digging holes for your plants, edging, lifting sod, and moving small amounts of dirt around. A good spade can be pricey, but it will last you pretty much your whole gardening life. If you get one with tread on the top of the blade, this makes it a bit sturdier and makes for a more comfortable surface when you need to provide that extra push.
Wheelbarrow.
If you have a large gardening space you absolutely need a wheelbarrow, it will save your back. It will help you to move around soil, compost, or mulch. You can haul hundreds of pounds around.
A traditional dual-handle, single-wheel style can be a bit hard to balance. Single handle, two-wheel options are often easier to balance, so are better for uneven terrain, these can also be pushed or pulled with one hand as well.
Remember to store it clean and dry to prevent rusting, and keep the wheels inflated.
Watering can.
As well as having the hose, having a watering can on hand is very useful. While a hose can reach large areas of your garden, a watering can is great for smaller plants, and plants which are a bit more fussy.
Any gardener knows that some plants need more or less than a hose can offer.
Plastic watering cans are good, as they are light, however, they do not last as long as metal. However, if you get a metal can to extend the life, you need to ensure it is galvanized to resist rusting. You should also consider the size of the can relative to your strength, A gallon of water will weigh just over 8 lbs.
Handle positioning is also very important.
Gloves.
Finally, gloves. While gardening is a wonderful hobby, it can easily become thorny, splintering, and end with dirt under your nails that is hard to get out. A pair of decent gloves will protect your hand from any painful splinters or thorns, and it will also keep you from getting dirt in your nails.
Remember to get a durable pair of gloves that are not too bulky, you will need to plant with these. And, always get a pair that fits you properly.
