Maybe you bought a house and are planning a new garden this spring. What garden tools do you really need? There are different tools. How do you vote?
For over 50 years I have collected a variety of garden tools - some for general use, others for specific tasks.
When I go to the garden, I always pack my essentials.
Below is a list of tools I consider essential: garden shovel; rake for garden; Matiga; Amblyopia; circular secateurs; five liter bucket; scissors; knife; and a wheelbarrow.
When planting I bring a tape measure or folding rule, staples, rope and stakes. Paper and pencil are used to create a planting plan. I use spade forks when turning soil and digging potatoes.
Don't forget to bring protective equipment such as gloves and knee pads. My bucket doubles as a tool holder and lounge chair when I get tired. Keep a small plastic container for watering and pest removal.
Before you buy a tool, think about what task it should perform.
Excavation, excavation and surface leveling work with shovels and rakes.
Weeding and bed preparation is a hoe and trowel job.
Pruning shears or pruning shears may be needed to prune hard stems.
Your tools should fit you and the job. In general, smaller devices are easier to handle and store for most people. Rackets have long handles for pushing and pulling. Shovels should have long handles for digging deep holes. A fork or shovel is used to move large amounts of material such as mulch or compost.
For most people, a D-grip is easier to grip and provides better control than a long, straight grip.
Short-handled tools improve posture, but most people work with long-handled tools. Long-handled tools require less bending, but be sure to move heavy loads away from your body and twist to move the load.
The length of the handle of each tool depends on the type of work performed. I raised the bed so the shorter handle works for me.
Fittings can be made of plastic or light, soft metals such as aluminum, but they wear out more quickly. With active use they become brittle and crack.
Wooden handles absorb shock better than steel handles.
But wood isn't as strong as steel (or even heavy fiberglass handles) and wood can split over time. However, a quality wooden handle sealed and protected from the elements will last forever.
Be sure to check the connection of the handle to the "head" of the device. Communication is very important. Because communication is where most tools fail. High quality equipment has a mounting plug. The handle fits into the "head" and is held in place with bolts or rivets.
I often find quality old tools at garage sales or yard sales. A quality appliance that is kept in good condition can last for many years. A small amount of oil and sharpening with a file or stone is usually sufficient.
For more information on caring for garden tools, visit: http://go.osu.edu/cleantools
To learn more about some of the favorite tools of volunteer master gardeners, visit http://go.osu.edu/favoritetools.
Eyster is the Honorary Master Gardener at Ohio State University in Mahoning County.
