Contents [Hide] 1 Buyer's Guidelines 2 Garden Essentials 3 Garden Accessories 4 Related Guides

Garden Tools

In most cultures, gardening is considered a high art form, and if you have looked at professional landscape designs, then you know why.  Of course, it isn't all about appearance: professional horticulturists study the scientific aspects behind cultivation, and dedicate their whole lives to understanding plant growth. It is amazing what people can do with practice, education, and the right garden tools. Whether you are an aspiring plant engineer or just someone who wants to plant some flowers, we have the right tools for you.

Buyer's Guidelines

• Weight: Check for a comfortable, balanced weight. Too heavy a tool will wear you out quickly, as will a poorly balanced tool. Too light, and you will have to compensate with your own energy.
• Handles: Feel the handle. High-quality wood, usually ash, should be smooth, with an even, straight grain. Longer handles provide more leverage.
• Material: Make sure the head is on straight. Carbon steel is the highest quality. Consider stainless steel tools if you're willing to pay the price--they're durable, rust-resistant and easy to clean. Look closely where the head joins the handle:t he strongest connections are forged sockets or steel strapped, riveted with several rivets. Less-expensive tools often employ a metal sleeve that extends from the head and wraps around the handle.
• Sharpness: Test for sharpness. A tool's edge will hold up better if the steel is tempered, heat-treated or solid-forged.
• Buy your tools from hardware stores and nurseries--they are the most reliable sources.

Garden Essentials

There are hundreds of specialized gardening tools, but only a few that a gardener cannot live without.

Essential Gardening Tools
Shovels Basic Garden Shovels  Round Mouth Shovels  Boot Shovels  Square Mouth Shovels  Grain Shovels  Drainage Shovels  Hand Shovels  Folding Shovels	Spades Basic Garden Spades  Border Spades  Digging Spades  Drain Spades  Neverbend Spades	Digging Forks Basic Garden Forks  Spade Forks  Pitch Forks  Cultivators  Hand Forks  Compost Forks  Transplanter Forks  Weed Forks	Hoes Basic Garden Hoes  Weeding Hoes  Draw Hoes  Dutch Hoes	Weeders/Strimmers Basic Garden Weeders  Paving Weeders  Patio Weeders  Lawn Weeders  Winged Weeders  Double Weeders  Dandelion Weeders  Pull Weeders

Edgers Lawn Edgers  Trimmer/Edgers  Garden Sharp Edgers  Cement Edgers  Handheld Edgers	Rakes Leaf Rakes  Garden Rakes  Hay Rakes  Universal Rakes  Bow Rakes	Secateurs Pocket Secateurs  Ratchet Secateurs  Bypass Secateurs  Tree Secateurs  Pole Secateurs  Anvil Secateurs  Trimmer Secateurs	Loppers Anvil Loppers  Bypass Loppers  Tree Loppers  Compound Action Loppers  Ratchet Loppers	Pruning Saws Folding Pruning Saws  Hardpoint Pruning Saws  Multi-change Pruning Saws  Pruning Saw plus sheath

Garden Accessories

Watering Cans	Gardening Sets	Garden Gloves	Garden Hoses

Related Guides

• Gardening Resource Page
• Gardening Tips
• Weed Control
• Garden Accents
• Theme Gardens