Good gardeners know that you don’t need every tool under the sun to get the job done – you just need the right tool. Not sure what to use for what garden chore? Here’s some handy information to consider before you dig in!

Garden Rake
Different rakes have different purposes.
Photo Credit: Dr. Mark Miller
  • Spades are garden workhorses. Always buy a decent spade and keep its edge sharp – it will last for years. Uses include: digging; edging beds; trenching; cutting through roots; and slicing open bags of mulch, fertilizer and soil. Let the sharp edge act as a weeding scuffle.
  • Digging forks are indispensable when it comes to dividing and lifting perennials and root crops in the garden. Other uses include: aerating soil, breaking up soil clumps, incorporating amendments and fertilizer into the soil, and turning over the garden beds when it’s time to plant.
  • Trowels (and trowels) – you’ll always need more than one. I have a constant collection of trowels at my disposal because I’ve been known to “misplace” a few in the garden! From planting a few bulbs and annuals to vegetable transplants, trowels are the “must-have” tool for all gardeners.
  • Rakes are another important group of tools, mainly used for grading or removing leaves and garden litter. Know what you intend to use the rake for before you buy one. If you’re grading soil for a new lawn, don’t expect a bamboo leaf rake to do the job – you’ll need a metal grading rake to do it right.