Beginner - What tools do I need?

Discussion in 'Tools And Equipment' started by PJA190, Jan 25, 2022.

  1. PJA190

    PJA190 Gardener

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    Beginner

    Regarding tools - I am making a list of things I need.
    Currently my gardening tools consist of….
    1. Trowel
    2. Dinner (had to check what ‘pointy bulb tool’ was)
    3. Pitch Fork
    4. Garden Shears (though managed to bend them, as I pruned some tough branches)

    What else do I need (something quality, without being £££)
    Spade
    Looper
    Secateurs

    Anything else for the short term?
     
  2. pete

    pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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    I think it mainly depends on what you will be doing and what plants you have, but dont go for the cheapest, get middle range, it will work out cheaper in the long run and they will be easier to use in most cases.

    Dinner= dibber?:biggrin:
    Pitch fork = garden fork.

    Got grass? you will need a mower.
     
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    • PJA190

      PJA190 Gardener

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      Haha damn type

      lawnmower - check :-)
       
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      • flounder

        flounder Super Gardener

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        Hoe, one of the most versatile tiles.
         
      • pete

        pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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        "Hoe, one of the most versatile tiles".
        Tiles = tools ,this is getting catching.;)
         
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        • Jocko

          Jocko Guided by my better half.

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          I have a narrow border spade. Needs more spadefuls but is easier to lift than a full-size spade.
          Rather than a dibber, I use a bulb planter. This is the one I have.

          [​IMG]

          One of the most useful tools I have for planting large plants and shrubs is a post hole digger. Not common among garden tools but it means I can dig holes without getting down on my hands and knees.
          I like Spear and Jackson tools. I find them always good quality.
           
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          • CanadianLori

            CanadianLori Total Gardener

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            I use my hand claw thingie the most. It is great for making holes to plant things. Scraping stuff from between plants too.
            upload_2022-1-25_14-38-49.jpeg
             
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            • Jack Sparrow

              Jack Sparrow Total Gardener

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              I have one of those bulb planters. I think its great. When I make holes for small bulbs I use an old screw driver. It is also handy for getting lids off paint tins and stirring things.

              G.
               
            • Black Dog

              Black Dog Gardener of useful things

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              Nah...

              Get one of these bad boys instead. Its more versatile and for the most part it even replaced the small hand shovels I used before.

              [​IMG]
               
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              • Jocko

                Jocko Guided by my better half.

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                I have one of these hand hoes. I think it is brilliant.

                [​IMG] The cutting edge is the bottom of the top bit (if you get my drift). It is incredibly sharp. It is great for weeding between plants as you place it over the weed and draw it towards you. Greatly reduces the risk of damaging neighbouring plants.
                 
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                • Tinkerbelle61

                  Tinkerbelle61 Happiest Outdoors!

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                  Where did you get your hand hoe @Jocko can I ask please? And what sort of cost are we looking at?

                  Thanks
                  Tink
                   
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                  • Sheal

                    Sheal Total Gardener

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                    All these hand tools are hard work and crippling if you have back or knee problems. There are long handled versions available.

                    I've never owned a hoe, a tool I find unnecessary. A border fork being smaller than a builders fork and a spade are all I use apart from a trowel for pots. My secateurs and loppers get a lot of use but that depends on the plants you have in your garden.
                     
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                    • Jocko

                      Jocko Guided by my better half.

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                      It was rather expensive at £20 from Amazon. Look up Burgon-Ball Hoe. Mind you, it comes in a gift box for some reason!
                       
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                      • Jocko

                        Jocko Guided by my better half.

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                        I have knee and hip issues (waiting on a knee replacement though hip is far worse) but there are some times you just have to get down and dirty. I have a couple of kneelers from Amazon and they are great for getting down, and more importantly, back up. The reason I got the second one was my wife kept purloining mine!

                        [​IMG]
                         
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                        • Tomcat

                          Tomcat Gardener

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                          I only use a hoe on my allotment , never in the garden .My lopper has 20 “ handles , gives good reach and cutting power. I would recommend an Anvil lopper for thicker ( over 5cm) branches. Always go for a red handled pair of secateurs, they don’t easily get lost ! . :)
                           
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