10 Tools for Backyard Gardening
We are officially in the season of spring which means it’s time to start planning your backyard garden. Mother Nature may not be ready for your garden but you sure can be!
Each year, I change up what I have in my garden based on whether we’ll be traveling or not. There have been times that I’ve planted herbs such as basil, chives, mint and chocolate mint in a container on the deck. We’ve planted onions, carrots, lettuce and peppers on a rotating basis, but I cannot resist planting tomatoes ever year in our raised garden beds. Since my folks sold the acreage, our outlet for additional produce is gone so I’ll be rethinking what else I need to plant this year.
Each year I find some other trick or tool to help with my gardening. Whether you’re just learning how to grow tomatoes or a seasons gardener, we’ve put together a list of tools that will help you with your gardening needs.
Soil pH Meter
Before you can plant, you need to make sure the soil is optimal for whatever you’re planning to plant. This 3-in-1 soil tester features moisture meter, pH acidity measurement and light sensor together, provides you a comprehensive idea about the soil condition of your garden and lawn!
Round Point Shovel
Whether you’re planting directly in the ground or in a raised bed, you’ll need a good shovel to disburse the soil as well as mix in manure and peat moss. This model has a round point forged steel blade, comfort step for secure footing, cushion end grip for less fatigue and 45-Inch Hardwood Handle.
Garden Gloves
You don’t NEED gloves, but they’re nice to have if you’re going to be doing a lot of work. I not only have a pair of lightweight garden gloves for weeding and whatnot, but also have a heavy-duty pair for all the shoveling and hard work. These are lightweight, breathable and fit like a second skin.
Garden Trowel
One of the tools we use more than anything else is the basic trowel. There are different types and styles, but I personally prefer the one that is a little wider to allow for easier digging during the initial planting stage. There are some that have a depth gauge built in and others that are narrow. Basic ones like this one made of heavy grade steel with an oak hand turned handle work fine.
Short-handled Cultivator
Weeds are a simple fact of garden life. You can be diligent and still find yourself weeding daily. I use a cultivator to break up the ground around weeds to ensure I am able to pull the entire weed, root and all. The Black and Decker cultivator features durable steel construction and a soft comfort grip handle.
Kneeler
This isn’t a tool I have needed in the past, but each year I think about it more often than the prior. My old knees aren’t what they used to be! There are a number of varieties on the market including ones that are just a pad, others that are mini chairs with pouches. This one doubles as a kneeler or a seat with cushioned surface is easy on the knees during planting and tending, thick 3/4″ foam pad. It also folds for easy storage.
Vegetable Cages
As soon as you get plants into the ground, you’ll want to get cages placed around them. It keeps the produce off the dirt to prevent rapid spoilage as well as discourages critters. First and foremost, you’ll need to select ones that fit into your garden. This set includes 10 galvanized wire 33″ cages for small tomatoes & plants and they’re stackable for compact storage on the off season.
Watering Wand Hose Attachment
We run a hose along our fence line that is always by the garden. It makes watering easier and quicker. We attach a watering wand to the hose to allow for proper watering. It’s important to provide adequate moisture without getting leaves wet under the sun. One with a variety of spray patters and a comfortable grip is best. This one has a thumb operated on/off switch that also provides you with the ability to control the strength of the flow and includes multiple spray pattern settings.
Watering Can
There will be times when Mother Nature doesn’t cooperate, the heat is on and your garden needs to be watered. Most of the time, you’ll just use a hose, but if you are maintaining a small garden or supplementing a larger garden with containers for herbs, you’ll need a watering can. I like the OXO Good Grips with a folding spout because it stores nicely, but there isn’t a right or wrong type or size so find one that’s comfortable.
Miracle Gro Plant Food
When you put all that work into your garden, you’ll want to make sure you give it the resources it needs. At first I didn’t think adding Miracle Gro would make a difference but I would compare my garden to those that used it and I was jealous. This became a regular part of my routine after that.
With these tools, we hope you’ll be on your way to creating a wonderful vegetable garden. Sit back, relax and watch your garden grow! Before you know it, there should be produce ready to eat.
What’s your favorite thing to plant in a garden?
Great tools for those who have a green thumb! 🙂
I never been much of a gardener because of my allergies, but after seeing all these cool tools, I might have to change that.
Now that spring is finally here I am ready to get back into gardening. These tools will definitely come in handy.
I am so excited for the gardening season! Unfortunately there is still snow in our forecast! SO brutal!
In all honesty, as the days are becoming warmer I want the backyard to be more welcoming. I will be sharing this post with my significant other to motivate him to clean it up.
These tools will definitely come in handy
I didn’t have the time to do gardening when I was younger and now I can’t, but I know people who love gardening. Their tomatoes , cucumbers , and carrots were very fresh and good tasting. I’m sure they used some of the tools in your article, but I really would like to know if they use the Miracle Plant Food. I use it for my house plants and they are doing great. That’s some good stuff!
I’ve tried Miracle on my house plants but it doesn’t help me keep them alive. I’m now to the point that I have outdoor plants and my garden, but zero faith in keeping indoor house plants alive. LOL
Nicole, I was trying to find a way to upload the picture of my house plants, but I don’t know where? Sorry.
We just bought a house and I have a lot to learn about our garden!
What a coincidence!
I’m planning on claiming a portion of our large yard for a garden this spring, when this article happens across my attention! 🙂
Nothing like gardening!
I wouldn’t call it a garden, but I suspect there’s quite a few green army men “planted” in my backyard….
LOL! That’s hilarious, Jordan!
Good post for gardening lovers. I learn something totally new and challenging on sites. I StumbleUpon every day. It will always be useful to read articles from other writers and practice a little something from other web
sites. Thanks for this article as it is very helpful for the old agers.
Thanks for the kind words, Arthur. Never too old to learn something new, right?!