Choosing the Right Rake

You can clean all kinds of debris from your lawn and garden using a yard rake. Traditionally they have been used to rake leaves in the Fall. It can also be used to help you clean up your yard in the Spring. Winter always deposits a fair amount of decaying leaves, twigs, and other debris, and a yard rake is the ideal tool for reaching under bushes and digging out all the junk that gets stuck in there. You should also use a yard rake to clear debris from your garden. Young plants have a tough time trying to sprout through a layer of dead leaves.

Some yard rakes have tines which are spring-loaded. You will be able to use these around plants without damaging them. Although a narrower rake will be able to clean around plants more easily, a wider rake will make a world of difference when raking leaves. Many of the newest rakes on the market have ergonomic handles. These handles are designed so that the least possible stress is put on the back during raking.

You will need to use a garden rake to break up chunks that form in the soil as well as to smooth over the top of your garden to prepare it for planting. The configuration of the rake’s steel head is important. It needs to have teeth that are sharp enough to break up dirt clods and a flat back that you can use to tamp down dirt. A bow rake has longer, curved tines that make it easier to do raking jobs in hard soil.

Most garden rakes are about 5’ long and will have either a fiberglass or hardwood handle. There are usually between 14 and 16 tines on the rake head. These tines need to be sharp enough to pull stones and debris away from plants without harming them. You will also use it to rake garden soil smoothly.

Tools with forged blades will cost you more initially, but they’ll make up for it by lasting for a much longer time. A long-handled rake places less stress on your back, but it also provides you with less control than a short-handled one.

Clean your garden rakes and tools each time you use them to keep them in top condition. When putting them away for the winter, give them a coat of wax to protect them. A rake is one of the most essential tools for yard work, so you’ll want to take care of it to make it last longer. When choosing a rake, pick the best one you can afford. It will provide you service for a good many years.

You will find a wide range of pruning tools available in many shapes and sizes. Some pruning tools have long handles which can be used to reach places you can’t reach otherwise. Others look like scissors or saws. Because they are used to trimming purposes, hedge and grass shears can also be classified as garden pruning tools.

Pruning Tools to Extend Your Reach

There are areas in every lawn that are just plain impossible to get at using regular tools. Every gardener needs a long-handled pruning tool just for these instances. When you plant your bushes and trees, they are short enough to reach with regular tools and standing on the ground. As they grow, parts of them become more inaccessible. Then you have to start standing on a shaky ladder to reach the top branches. With a long-handled pruning tool, you’ll be able to reach them from the ground for a longer period of time, because the tool will add almost three feet to your reach.

The extreme in long-reach pruning tools are saws or clippers which will help your prune the topmost branches on averaged-sized trees. The tools are affixed to an extra-long pole. To use them, you put the cutting blades up where you want them and then pull a rope or wire to operate the mechanisms.

Pruning Tools Shaped Like Scissors and Saws

The most common type of pruning tools are the scissor-like ones. They are built with sturdy mechanisms and steel blades which will cut through average-sized branches and plant stems. If you need to cut something larger, such as a small tree or a thicker branch, you will need to use a pruning saw.

Most people who are just starting to garden plant small annuals, such as marigolds or zinnias, which don’t require a lot of pruning, so pruning tools aren’t really necessary right away. However, once your shrubs and trees start growing, you’ll want to add pruning scissors to your shop to have on hand when you need to cut them back.

Functions of a Garden Hoe

There’s no disputing the fact that weeds are the bane of gardeners. Much of the work in a garden is done in an attempt to keep the weed population from completely overwhelming the garden and wiping out the plants you are trying to grow. For awhile, there was a big push to use chemicals to kill garden weeds, but as more is becoming known about the negative effects of garden chemicals on the environment, many people are going back to the basics and using garden hoes to get rid of their weeds before the weeds get rid of their garden.

Garden hoes serve a two-fold purpose. They eliminate both the weeds in your garden and the need for harmful chemicals in weed control. A hoe can be used to carefully dig out weeds while leaving plants intact. Using a hoe erases the need for chemical weed control making it possible to grow fruits and vegetables in much healthier conditions.

Different Types of Garden Hoes

It’s a good trick to be able to remove the weeds from your garden while still leaving the root systems of your desirable plants intact. The depth of a hoe’s cut is one vital consideration when purchasing a hoe. Horticulturists recommend the use of a hoe with a shallow cut which will be effective but won’t damage plant roots.

A second important consideration when you’re looking to buy a hoe is what size of hoe you need. If you garden in a very small area, you won’t want or need a huge hoe. Get one that’s scaled down enough to fit the size of your garden plot. In addition, spend some time getting a feel for the hoe before deciding on it. You need to be comfortable with both the grip and the design.

It’s easy to see why so many people enjoy gardening. It’s very satisfying to pursue a hobby that provides a bounty of fresh fruits and vegetables for your family. It is also a very healthy hobby which gives you plenty of opportunities for exercise. Having the right tools to do the job enhances the pleasure of gardening, too. Garden hoes are designed to help you finish the work quickly and comfortably.

A lot of the work in gardening is light-duty and enjoyable. There are some other jobs, however, that are much more challenging. Tasks such as skinning sod from the ground or breaking the soil are labor-intensive and back breaking. The only way to do these jobs is by muscling through them, and using a garden fork can make the work a whole lot more manageable.

Picking the Right Fork

Garden forks come in a multitude of different sizes and configurations. You can find one to fit every application and should choose the one to buy based on the nature of the job to be done. If you are only tending a small patch of ground, a hand-held garden fork should be able to handle the breaking of soil and the aeration of small plants just fine. You’ll need a much larger, sturdier fork for larger spaces with clay, rocks, and compacted soil as well as for aerating the roots of larger plants.

A special type of garden fork was designed to do garden composting. Its curved tines are made to stop clumps of material from adhering to the fork. The fact that the tines on this fork are farther apart than those of a regular garden fork helps the fork turn and mix the mixture effectively. Except for these adaptations, the composting fork is very similar to a regular garden for.

You’ll find that quality garden forks will have tines made of heavy-duty, forged stainless steel. The handles can be made of a lot of different materials, but the ones designed for the heaviest tasks are made of solid hardwoods or steel. Garden forks large and small will have “D” shaped handles. This is the optimum shape for gripping and allows more leverage for digging tasks.

Rubberized grips are a good for eliminating the chances of your hands slipping on the fork. If your fork doesn’t come equipped with a grip like this, you need to buy one. A rubber grip is a good way to stop blisters from occurring on your hands, too. Blisters are caused when your hand is rubbed over and over by the tool.

After finding out all the things you can accomplish with your garden fork, and how it makes your life easier, you’ll realize it is among the most valuable tools you have. It’s strong enough to take on the punishment of hard jobs while saving you from some hard labor.

Garden carts have flat bottoms and need to be pulled by one or more persons. Garden carts are steadier than wheelbarrows and can usually handle larger tools. Smaller carts can easily carry tools and flats of plants plus other gardening supplies. Some carts come with sturdy covers which make for excellent seating to prevent bending and stooping while gardening.

Dolly cart garden carts are made of steel and sheet metal with a powder coating for rust protection. These carts are good for large gardens or large gardening projects like carrying mulch, top soil, fertilizers, and plants and for moving heavy garden tools.

For a beginner gardener with a small space, a small wheelbarrow or cart might be best for you, once you've sized up your landscape plan. Remember a bigger garden cart or wheelbarrow is not always the better choice if you can't move it, so keep you physical limitations in mind before you purchase. If lifting is a problem get a wheelbarrow for the simple convenience of being able to just dump. Buy a cart or wheelbarrow of solid construction with smooth handles and a comfortable grip.

Remember also that metal will rust and that wood will warp (but it is durable) and carts or wheelbarrows made of heavy duty plastic should be UV resistant. As for maneuverability can't be beat, especially when it comes to precise pouring and it will prove to be invaluable for gardening task that require hauling and pouring. Whereas some people a garden cart is a must for working around he yard and getting more work done in less time and the versatility and convenience of pulling a load is hard to match. Whichever you choose, the ultimate decision will be yours as to whether you choose wheelbarrow or garden cart.

Six Pocket Garden Waist Apron - This apron comes with 3 gardening tool that include a 3 prong rake and 1 small and 1 large trowel, all made of heavy duty plastic

Garden Apron - this apron is a wonderful 3 piece set that includes a pair of rubber grip gloves and a sun hat. The apron has a Velcro closure at the front center, 2 accessory pockets and 2 large pockets at the waist, this is just right for the times when you won't be needing all your gardening tools.

Smith & Hawken Garden Apron - this apron comes with a garden weed fork and a trowel and it also has large loop pockets for your garden tools

Waistie Garden Apron - This neat little garden apron is just the thing for weeding, pruning or harvesting berries or herbs. This apron allows you to move about freely while carrying your gardening tools with you and it calls for very little clean up

Phone & Garden Pocket Apron - this handy little apron lets you keep your cell phone within easy reach… The apron can store your cell phone and your garden tools; it has an adjustable strap for your shoulder or waist.

Potting Apron - this gardening apron is made of 100% heavy duty gauge cotton with large front pockets for hand tools.

Half Apron - is made of washable cotton, it has 2 large pockets for gloves, cell phone and tools, extra long ties wrap around to tie in the front making it ideal for men and women, it also come small or large.

Pocket Bucket Apron - this apron can be worn as an apron or used as a bucket, simply tie the apron around an ordinary bucket and it instantly becomes a multi tool carrier for your pruners, gloves, soil knives and other small tools. (Bucket not included)

It’s true that ergonomic garden tool sets have been around for quite a few years, but up until now no one has paid much attention to them. That’s too bad, too, because so many lifetime gardeners have given up their favorite pastime because their hands hurt too much to continue. If only they’d been aware of the benefits ergonomic tools could provide for them.

Preparing for the Future

Where do you start when choosing new tools? Even if you aren’t currently feeling any pain, you never know what the future may hold. Therefore, the best time to start preparing for whatever is coming in your life ahead is now. By adding an ergonomic garden tool set to your current tools, you’ll be preparing for the whatever may happen in your future. Arthritis can strike at any age. Anyone with arthritis will start to feel pain within about any hour of starting to use old-fashioned tools.

Somehow, in making ergonomic tools, the manufacturers have managed to incorporate lightweight materials with incredible durability. You’ll find the tools to be very gentle on your hands, because they are shaped to be user-friendly. They are also very easy to use, because their shapes were designed just for that reason.

Places to Buy Ergonomic Garden Tool Sets

For some reason, physical stores have been slow to stock ergonomic garden tool sets. Hopefully they’ll soon realize how many people are looking to buy them and start stocking them. However, until then, it’s up to you to find your own source for them. By searching online you’ll find that there are numerous internet websites which offer basic selections of ergonomic garden tools at reasonable prices.

The cost of a good quality ergonomic garden tool set is between forty and fifty dollars. Even adding shipping charges to that, the set will be more than worth the price you’ve paid. You’ll be thankful you did it every time you’re out there experiencing pain-free gardening.

What to Look For

You always want to consider the quality of the electric pruning shears you’re buying. One thing to look for is carbon-steel blades. You want something that won’t rust as well as a tool that will give you many years of service. If you don’t use them exceptionally hard and take care of them, they’ll be around to grow old with you.

Make sure that you choose electric pruning shears that you can handle easily and in safety. If you buy shears that are bigger or heavier than you can comfortably wield, even the safest pruning shears can be dangerous. If they seem heavy in the store, they’ll be really heavy after you’ve used them for awhile. So keep your safety and health in mind when choosing the pruning shears which are right for you.

You definitely want to find electric pruning shears that are easy to clean. Getting debris stuck in them and not being able to remove it can end up being a major hazard to anyone using them or even a casual bystander. If you have a hunk of wood you can’t pry loose, the next time you use the shears it could come flying out at you or anyone else around and cause serious injury. For safety’s sake, always buy electric pruning shears which can be completely dismantled after each use so that you can thoroughly clean them.

Choosing from the Three Major Types

You’ll find three different kinds of pruning shears on the market. The type you choose will be based on how you plan to use them. The first and most basic type of shears are the straight-bladed kind. These are the most versatile style of shears and are the easiest to use. In addition, they make the cleanest cuts. A second style that is generally used for ornamental grass have serrated blades. They are a bit harder to manipulate than straight blades are.

In addition to the two types of manual shears, you can also buy electric pruning shears. If you have a large yard and a lot of pruning work, this is the kind you should buy. They will make shorter work of pruning tasks while being easier to operate. They aren’t going to give you the clean cut look of manual shears, but if you’re looking to save time and effort, this is the route to go.

Before buying, test the instruments in the shop. Do not buy if they are bulky or make you uncomfortable when in use. Using padding material on it can increase the thickness of the instrument. It would be more convenient for you to hold the instrument if the handle is broader. The material you select will depend on your preference. Carbon fiber, plastic and aluminum are some examples of light materials. If you want something durable and more convenient to dig in to the soil then you should opt for stainless steel. Conversely, it is not as sharp as some other instruments.

Most of the gardeners are of the opinion that purchasing exchangeable instrument heads can offer them flexibility required for dealing with any task. Moreover, these heads can be used as hand instruments. You will require a not-too rigid spring action if you want the shears and secateurs to be used easily. The pruners should also be able to cut the materials easily particularly if you need it for chopping branches that are thick. Make sure that the wheelbarrow you purchase is not similar to the supermarket trolley moving in the opposite direction from where you are heading. People are of the opinion that the two-wheeled range is the best because it can be steered single-handedly because of its stick out handles.

There are certain tasks, which require power instruments instead of manual ones. Opt for a heavy instrument in case you need to cut a large hedge. The instrument must be convenient for you to maneuver and they will require some source of power like gasoline. Likewise they may also be cordless tools. You can decide on these after taking the arrangement or layout of your garden in to account. Moreover you will also need to consider the how near the sockets is.

Getting all the instruments required for gardening is not difficult. Instruments like spades, forks, hoes, trowels, weed pullers, leaf blowers, seed sowers and rakes are easily available. After this you need to consider the arrangement of watering. Which one would you prefer? Completely automatic sprinkler system or watering can? Of course such a decision will depend on how wide your garden is and the amount of money you are willing to spend. It will also depend on your requirement of tools that saves labor. To sum up, you need to enjoy yourself and get good exercise by using these instruments. These instruments should not cost you more than the cost of membership in the health club.

Functions of Cordless Grass Shears

If you have areas in your yard which are absolutely too tight for you to squeeze into with your mower, and you feel your weed eater will only make a mess of things, then cordless grass shears could well be your answer. For instance, if you have raised flowerbeds which you can’t trim around with a mower, try using cordless grass shears. They will trim the area perfectly. You can even trim close to your flowers and shrubs without harming them, and you can remove long unsightly grass growth from around your driveway, walks, and patios.

Selecting the Right Cordless Grass Shears

There’s a lot to consider when choosing the right cordless grass shears for you. You’re buying cordless because you don’t want the hassle of dragging a cord around with you everywhere you go, especially if you have a large yard. You want a set that runs the longest on a single battery charge, because you don’t want to get part way through the job only to lose power because the battery died. The kind of battery the shears need also plays a part in what you will want to buy.

The best battery for your cordless grass shears is a nickel cadmium one, because it lasts longer than others do. It is also the safest to operate. In addition, buy a unit that takes a higher voltage battery. The length of continuous cutting time increases with the number of volts a battery has. If you are using a 3.6 volt battery, for example, your grass shears may run for half an hour at a time. By choosing a 4.8 volt battery, you may change your running time to 45 minutes.

Safety is a major issue when it comes to selecting cordless grass shears. Make sure the safety switch works easily using just your thumb. Feel the hand grip and make sure it feels comfortable in your hand. Is the padding adequate to protect your hand from stress? Make sure the blades are made of stainless steel so that they will wear well and keep their edge. In addition, you need to consider buying an extendable handle which can save on your back.

Every yard has areas that are just impossible to keep trimmed with a lawnmower and a weed eater. That’s the notch that cordless grass shears were designed to fill. You can use them to give your lawn that freshly-groomed appearance without damaging flowers and shrubbery.