Gardening is a fun and healthy hobby, and like any hobby, there are certain tools of the trade that come along with it. There is a plethora of tools to choose from, so here is a list of the tools that are the most universally helpful to have in your garden shed.
Three-Prong Hoe
A three-prong hoe is definitely a must-have for any backyard garden. A three-prong hoe has three metal prongs on the end of a long wooden handle and it used for breaking up the soil in your garden. It helps aerate the soil, makes it easier to pull up weeds, and makes the soil light and fluffy so that it is good for sowing. It can be used to mulch up old soil and cultivate your old garden soil so that you’re ready for your new crop.
Trowel
A trowel is a small shovel and can be used for quite a few things. First, it’s good for digging holes for new seeds or sprouts. It is also useful when you don’t want to get your hands dirty when dealing with manure or fertilizer. It can be used as a scoop or as a shovel, which makes it an essential gardening tool for your toolshed. As far as material, metal is better than plastic just for the sheer fact that metal lasts longer and is more durable.
Shovel
A shovel is basically a bigger, flatter trowel. A long-handed shovel is used for exactly what it sounds like- shoveling. If you need to dig a large hole, move a large amount of soil, or tamp down a large area, shovels are the tools you will need. When choosing a shovel, make sure you get one that is all one piece. A cheap shovel may seem like a good idea at the checkout register, but you will save money in the long run by buying one of nice quality. Also, make sure you choose a shovel with a comfortable handle since you will be using it with a lot of force.
Wheelbarrow
A wheelbarrow may sound a little odd, but if you’re going to do some heavy duty gardening, you will need one to transport bags of mulch, manure, soil, and fertilizer. Transporting and lifting heavy bags do a lot of damage to your knees and back if done improperly, so a wheelbarrow can save you a lot of backache and strain. They’re also helpful for transporting soil from one area of your yard to another, or even for transporting old leaves or weeds to the trash.
