I thought I should write a post on the basic tools in random order that I use whenever I am gardening.
1. Long sharp chef’s knife from dollar stores: you will be quite surprised how useful they are when you are dealing with those seedlings that are grown in Styrofoams and sold at stores or local farmer’s markets. I always found it difficult to separate the plants by detangling all the roots. With a chef’s knife, you just cut straight into little cubes and transplant from there.
2. Garden wire: they come in extremely handy when your plants need support as they grew taller.
3. BBQ skewer (wood) and bamboo sticks: Wonderful tools to support the growing plants. You will also need garden wire or something to help tie it up.
4. Watering can: one can be cheap and not buy any watering cans. Simply use plastic jugs with a handle.
5. Liquid root stimulator: I always use those products because it really helps my plants recover from transplant shock. Also, it has some nutrients to help those little plants grow.
6. Gloves: keep all the dirt away while keeping hands safe from cuts and potential health problems.
7. Trowel and hand fork: helps you dig holes and get grass out of the way.
8. Garden fork: usually used when dealing with big gardens. I do not use it on my balcony garden.
9. Various types of garden shear: good for pruning thick branches and plants. I usually use it when I cannot use kitchen scissors.
10. Kitchen scissors: quite useful to cut small things if you do not want to invest in a garden shear.
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Others:
a) Plastic pots: very good for patio gardening.
b) Clay pots: very useful for plants that cannot tolerate too much moisture.
c) Soil that is already ready: more expensive, but easier to use than mixing soil, peat most and manure in a cart.
So, what are your favorite tools when you are out gardening? Please feel free to share!