If you are one of those who love gardening as a hobby, then you probably have a garden shed on your property. A Garden shed that is well-equipped and organized provides a convenient location for every gardener to store all of the tools. Whatever equipment you require for gardening, motorized or manual, you can safely place it inside the shed for ease of access whenever required. There are a million garden tools that one can buy from the market. However, the must-haves of your garden shed are limited to a few for planting, pruning, watering, and basic maintenance.
Here’s a brief description of the tools that you must have in your garden shed.
Basic tools
Hand trowel
The basic purpose of a Hand trowel is to facilitate planting, and digging small holes in the garden soil.
Transplanting spade
Transplanting spades are identified by their narrow blades which are designed for digging holes in the garden soil to transplant seedlings/bulbs.
Pruning shears
Also known as ‘Secateurs’, Pruning shears help cut small branches, stems, and foliage from your garden for daily maintenance.
Loppers
Loppers, on the other hand, are a bigger version of Secateurs whose primary purpose is to cut thicker branches and stems because of their higher cutting power and leverage.
Hand cultivator
For loosening and aerating soil, you can use hand cultivators. This tool is also helpful in mixing your compost/fertilizer.
Weeding tool
Weeding tools, as the name suggests, are used for removing weeds from the garden.
Garden rake
If you want to level the garden soil; spread mulch, and/or remove debris from the garden surface, then a garden rake is your best companion.
Hoe
Hoe, on the other hand, is effective for breaking up small portions of soil.
Soil Preparation Tools
Shovel
For digging holes, moving soil, and lifting heavy objects; shovels are the best tools to have in your garden.
Garden fork
Garden forks have the primary purpose of aerating the soil, and separating plant roots.
Soil rake
Also known as ‘Bow rakes’, soli rakes help in levelling soil, spreading mulch, and removing debris from the garden.
Soil scoop
For scooping and transporting soil, compost, or mulch, you can use a soil scoop.
Mattock or pickaxe
If your garden has a compacted and tough soil condition, Mattocks and Pickaxes are heavy-duty tools that can help break the soil, dig trenches, and remove rock/roots from the garden bed.
Watering and Irrigation Tools
Garden hose
Garden hoses offer you a convenient way to water your plants, trees, and shrubs at long distances with a continuous supply of water.
Watering can
Watering cans, on the other hand, only carry a limited amount of water which makes them perfect for watering smaller areas of the garden; container plants, and delicate seedlings.
Sprinkler system
Sprinkler systems help to reduce the wastage of water and ensure efficient watering for every plant in your garden.
Watering wand
For precise and measured watering of individual plants, hanging baskets, and hard-to-get areas; watering wands are a helpful tool.
Drip irrigation kit
Drip irrigation systems, usually an expensive investment, help to deliver water directly to the plant roots instead of the garden bed. Therefore, minimizing water wastage to a greater extent.
Planting and Transplanting Tools
Bulb planter
For plating bulbs at the correct depth and with precise spacing, Bulb planters are a must-have.
Dibber
Dibbers help create holes in the soil as a part of the pre-planting process.
Transplanting shovel and Auger
Transplanting shovels have narrow blades and long handles to dig up holes for planting larger plants or shrubs. Auger, on the other hand, serves the same purpose for small plants and shrubs.
Seedling trays
Seedling trays offer you a suitable way to start seeds indoors before you can transfer them to the garden.
Maintenance/Pruning Tools
Lawn mower and grass trimmer
Lawn mowers and grass trimmers are essential for maintaining the grass in your lawn garden.
Hedge trimmer
These tools help in shaping/trimming hedges, shrubs, and bushes.
Pruning saw
For cutting larger branches and limbs easily, you can use a pruning saw.
Garden scissors
Garden scissors are a must-have because they are handy for removing dead flowers, trimming herbs, and doing other minor pruning tasks in your garden.
Sharpening tools
Sharpening tools are optional to have for maintaining the sharpness of your cutting tools. Alternatively, you can get them sharpened from the market as well.
Specialty Tools for Specific Tasks
Garden sprayer
Garden sprayers help in spraying pesticides, herbicides, plant growth enhancers, liquid fertilizers, and other sort of gardening chemicals to your plants. They usually come with adjustable nozzles and pressure settings for controlling the extent and area of spraying.
Soil pH meter and soil thermometer
Soil pH meters and soil thermometers help you to monitor your soil conditions such as;
- pH levels.
- Temperature.
- Moisture.
So that you can make an informed decision on when to use fertilizers and other soil treatments.
Storage Tools
Shelves and storage bins.
Garden shed shelves and storage bins offer you organized storage solutions for your different gardening tools. Prefer weather-resistant, plastic base shelves and storage bins as they guarantee a longer life.
Tool racks and hooks.
Tool racks and hooks are an efficient way of hanging your small tools and saving space in your garden shed. For instance; shovels, rakes, shears, hoes, etc.
Safety Equipment
Gloves and protective eyewear
Gardeners should not compromise on gloves and protective eyewear. They offer you protection against cuts, abrasions, and eye injuries while working with different gardening tools.
Sunscreen
To protect yourself from harsh sunlight and UV, use a higher SPF sunscreen (ideally SPF 30 or above).
Insect repellent and sting reliefs
insect bites are common when working in the garden. Therefore don’t forget to have insect repellents and sting reliefs in your tools.
Maintaining your garden tools
Possessing garden tools is one thing and maintaining them is another. Maintenance of the garden tools is essential if you want them to last for a longer while. Therefore;
- Clean tools after use and store them in a clean, dry place to prevent rust and corrosion.
- Use the protective covers for the available tools.
- Consider a wire brush, steel wool, or abrasive pad to clean your garden tools with warm water.
- Maintain the sharpness of your cutting tools by replacing the blades/discs as necessary.
- Place your tools in a ventilated area to prevent damage from humidity.
These are the tools that you must have in your garden shed and how you should store them!
