Choosing tools

Buying tools

When buying tools it pays to be frugal and only buy what you need. If you have a large garden with lots of trees, then a pair of long-handled loppers is a worthwhile investment, but if you haven’t got any trees you won't need this. Having the correct tool for the job, however, makes work easier and faster and produces a higher quality finish.

Essential tools

• Spade
• Fork
• Secateurs
• Gardening knife
• Dutch or draw hoe
• Garden rake
• Wheelbarrow
• Watering can

How to choose

• Choose tools with care to ensure that they will be durable, functional and comfortable to use.
• Test them in the shop for weight, and length of handle so that they suit your build.
• Prolong the life of your tools by keeping them sharp, clean and in good repair.
• Keep your tools free from rust by cleaning them with a wire brush. Wipe over metal parts with an oily rag before storing as this helps to eliminate rusting.

What to choose

Spades and forks

Spades and garden forks are essential tools in the garden. Digging a bed is much easier with a good quality spade. For most, a 72cm handle will suffice, but go for a long-handled spade if you are tall. The best blades are made from stainless steel. Try them for weight and comfort in the shop before you buy. With prolonged use, those with D-handles can be uncomfortable, while a T-handle is much better if you have larger hands.

A fork is good for fluffing up the surface and for lifting plants from the soil. Most garden forks are available in two sizes: standard and border. When choosing your spade and fork, it's important to select the correct length for your height in order to minimise back strain.

Cutting tools

Secateurs are used for pruning, cutting wood up to 1cm (1/2in) thick. They can also be used to take cuttings for propagation and are more controllable and easier to use than a standard knife. Go for bypass secateurs (rather than anvil), where two blades pass each other, as they make a smooth cut and last a long time. A good pair of secateurs will have replaceable parts and, as a rule of thumb, you get what you pay for.

If you have lots of trees in the garden or shrubs with branches up to 5cm in diameter, then a pair of long-handled loppers is invaluable. If you have lots of high branches to prune and don’t like using ladders, then a long-handled, telescopic pruner could be useful. For branches thicker than 5cm, use a bow saw or hand-held pruning saw – these are fairly compact and useful among congested branches.

A good quality, lightweight pair of shears will swiftly lick a hedge into shape. Choose a pair with hardened stainless steel blades and comfortable handles. A gardening knife is useful for opening compost bags, cutting string, pruning and taking cuttings. There are many specialist models, but for general gardening, go for a straight blade.

Hoes

These are great for controlling weeds. A Dutch hoe will slice through the tops of weeds, while a draw hoe will drag the weed from the ground - the corner of the tool can also be used for making shallow trenches for sowing vegetable seeds. The best are forged and have stainless steel heads.

Rakes

A steel-headed garden rake with solid teeth, mounted on a wooden or metal handle is useful for preparing seed beds, levelling soil or removing debris. If you have a lawn, also invest in a lawn rake, this has flexible teeth and is used for removing leaves, moss or grass clippings. As a general rule, the more teeth on the rake, the faster an area is covered.

What else will you need?

A wheelbarrow is useful for transporting tools, while a watering can is essential for keeping seedlings and plants in containers damp. If you have a lawn, buy maintenance tools, such as a half moon edger and edge trimmer. A hand trowel and hand fork are useful for maintaining beds, while a dibber is ideal for planting seeds or moving seedlings.

Caring for your tools

To prolong the life of your newly purchased tools, it's important to keep them in good condition. Read our guide to caring for your tools for detailed maintenance advice.