GARDENING TOOLS FOR THE NEW HOMEOWNER
By Bob Chapman
The last box has been unpacked and tossed into the garage to be recycled or stored away for future use. Now it's time to consider what to do for the yard. Here's a list of tools to consider for installing and maintaining the landscape. We've included some suggestions to guide you when buying the needed tools.
POWER GARDEN TOOLS
Lawn mower: Probably the most expensive tool you'll buy. Consider a self-propelled, rear-bagging model, particularly if any part of the lawn is on a slope, however slight. You'll consider the extra few dollars will be well spent if you have to push a lawn mower up a slope. If the lawn is a smaller one, consider buying an electric model. There's no oil to change or gasoline to store with an electric model. They cut the lawn just as well as their gas-powered brother. If possible, get a model that has a mulching attachment. With this attachment you'll be able to mow the lawn most of the time without using a catcher. The finely chopped clippings of a mulching mower drop to the surface, decompose and add needed nutrients to the soil
Lawn edger: The sharp blades cut a neat edge on the lawn along sidewalks, curbs, paths and driveways, making the lawn look sharp, professionally done and with crisp edges. Edgers are available in gas, electric or battery-powered models. All will do the job for you.
String trimmer: This versatile tool cuts weeds and grass along shrubbery borders, next to fences and structures, in waste areas and with practice can do a fair job of edging the sidewalk (but not nearly as good as an edger). A larger model will also trim back some ground covers. String trimmers are available in either gas or electric models.
Leaf blower: This tool is great for cleaning off driveways, sidewalks, the curb and clearing leaves from shrubbery borders. Used prior to mowing the lawn, it will move leaves onto the lawn so the mower will either pick it up or chop it up if a mulching attachment is used. Either electric or gas models are sold and are available in various sizes, from small, hand-held ones for occasional use to the backpack type used by professional gardeners.
Hedge trimmer: Ideal for pruning hedges and other shrubs, making short work of even the longest hedge. The reciprocating blades are propelled by either gas engine or electric motor. Consider purchasing the longer bar type. It's easier to use on major jobs, cutting more per sweep.
LARGE HAND TOOLS
Shovel: Useful for planting shrubs, spading the vegetable garden, moving soil and digging postholes. Consider purchasing one that has a long handle, preferably straight-grained ash, and a solid-backed forged metal back rather than one with a hollow-backed, stamped backing that surrounds the handle. Footrests on the top lip are an added bonus. A sharp pointed shovel is easier to use than a round-pointed one. The point makes penetrating the soil easy.
Steel rake (also called a "bow" rake): Used to move, level and smooth worked soil, or leveling it for planting beds. Select one that has good steel and a back that is forged and clasps the ash handle tightly.
Leaf rake: Great for raking up horticultural trash, the lawn, and leaves in the fall. There are two popular types, the fan and the expanding variety. The fan is available in both bamboo and steel. Steel lasts longer but some object to the grating sound it makes on sidewalks and driveways and thus prefer the soft sound of bamboo. The expanding type allows the gardener to vary the width from about seven inches to some 22 inches.
Lopping shears: These handy devices can "lop off" branches larger than twigs. The handles vary in length from about 15 inches to 30 inches. The longer handles make it easier to cut off branches up to an inch in diameter. If possible, purchase those with rubber shock absorbers. These absorbers help prevent the sudden snap at the end of the cut which may harm wrists, shoulders and arms.
Stirrup or "Hula Hoe": Neat for weeding. Simply pull or push the tool through the top of the soil and cut off the weeds. It is also used to scarify, or loosen, the top of the soil, creating a dust mulch. Many prefer its ease of handling and its versatility to the common hoe.
Hedge shears: Handheld shears, preferred by many instead of the gas or electric types and used for shrubs and hedges. Select a type that has rubber shock absorbers. These ease the strain on arms and muscles.
Tank-type pressure sprayers: They are inexpensive so purchase two of them. Mark one "Weeds" the other "Bugs." This avoids the necessity of cleaning a sprayer when using herbicides, then wanting to spray for insects. Many a shrub has been killed when forgetting that herbicides were in the sprayer, not an insecticide or fungicide.
Fertilizer spreader: There are two common types, the hand-held broadcast type (often called a "whirlybird") and the drop spreader. The drop spreader has wheels and holds more. It also allows better, more even coverage. You'll use either several times per year.
SMALL HAND TOOLS
Pruning shears: Indispensable is the only word to describe this handy tool. Two types are commonly available. The anvil type, where the blade comes down and squeezes the twig between the blade and a solid piece of metal (the anvil) is widely used. The other, the scissors, bypass or hook and blade type, are often preferred by professional gardeners. Both have sturdy springs that ease the return of the blade to an open position. Pruning shears are available in various sizes from petite (for cutting flowers or thinning plants) to those that can cut branches up to ¾ inches in size. Leather holsters that hold your shears are threaded through your belt, making them instantly accessible. For all around general use consider getting the larger, heavy-duty shears. These will do almost any pruning job, are sturdier and will last for many years.
Hose-end sprayer: Handy for spraying to kill weeds or insects in lawns. When the deflector is removed the spray may reach the top of small trees. Special hose-end sprayers are commonly used to apply water-soluble fertilizers.
Trowel: Great for planting flowers, bulbs and digging out occasional weeds. Select a sturdy model, with a wooden handle and a forged chrome-plated steel bottom. This type will rarely ever wear out or break
Forked weeder: Also called a dandelion weeder, this small, handled tool has a sharp "vee" notch that can sever the root of a large weed.
Pruning saw: This special saw has a curved blade that cuts when pulled across a large limb. It makes quick work of cutting off larger limbs. Available with the blade in a fixed mode or with the blade folding into the handle. Consider the model that folds into the blade as it offers protection from the sharp teeth.
Knife: A sturdy, sharp pocketknife is a must for many gardeners. It cuts string, plant ties and plastic easily and is often used when deadheading. There are specialty knives for budding and grafting.
Gloves: Although not tools, you'll find that wearing gloves will protect hands while working in the yard. Soft gardening gloves are favored by the women. Leather-palmed gloves protect the hands from thorny plants like roses or pyracantha. Nitrile gloves are recommended when handling chemicals.
There are a bewildering number of handy tools available for gardeners. The above listing will serve as a basis for the homeowner. Others can be added after you have gained experience and you have determined the need for purchasing and using other tools.