The best basic tools gardeners need (or don't need) from tiller to pruner to spade and trowel. How to pick the right equipment for your essential flower gardening chores.

Flower gardens can be planted and maintained with a few basic tools. Each gardener develops a preference as to the best and most comfortable size and style of tools to use. Some look for ergonomically designed tools and some enjoy collecting special single purpose gadgets, but for the most part the tools needed for ongoing flower gardening are straightforward. Quality tools last for decades. It is worth investing in tools that are right for the job and offer a good fit for the gardener who uses them.

Planting Bed Preparation with Sod Cutter or Tiller

A sod cutter and tiller are often used for initial flower bed and soil preparation: removing existing lawn grass (sod busting), loosening the soil, mixing in soil amendments. These expensive tools can be rented or borrowed for short term use. ( More money saving garden tips.) Although some gardeners till the soil every spring just prior to planting, this is not necessary and can be detrimental to the soil. (How-To Start a Flower Garden)

Garden Rake and Leaf Rake

Routine soil preparation for annual flowers generally consists of spot weeding and a gentle spading or hoeing to loosen the ground, then raking the surface smooth for seeding or transplanting. Rakes come in two types, a heavy and stiff, short tine style for moving, spreading and pulverizing soil and a lighter, springy and flexible tine type for raking up autumn leaves. Both will come in handy during the year.

Shovel, Spade or Hand Trowel

When setting out container grown or bare rooted plants, a small, easy-to-maneuver shovel or spade is used to dig individual planting holes. Use a hand trowel to dig smaller planting holes for seedlings and for scooping soil or mulch from bags or into flower pots and containers. Look for a sturdy, rustproof and light weight design with a comfy handle.

Gardening Gloves and Work Gloves

Gardening gloves and work gloves are both useful. The soft knit gloves are adequate for very light tasks, but for serious gardening jobs a leather glove offers better protection. Waterproofing or a longer sleeved gauntlet style or reinforced leather may also be desirable.

Wheelbarrow or Garden Cart

Flower gardens should be mulched year round. Use a wheelbarrow or garden cart to move the mulch through the garden and for countless other heavy moving tasks (bagged or loose mulch, soil, transplants, stepping stones, etc.) Purchase a sturdy one. Be sure it is narrow enough to fit garden paths.

The Hoe as Weeding Tool

For weeding between plants, a narrow stirrup hoe accurately cuts weeds without damaging the flowers. A short handled circle hoe is effective in tight spaces or for use while seated. Every gardener has a favorite style of hoe, so try to test a few before purchasing. (More on weed control.)

Sharp Flat Spade and More for Digging and Dividing Perennials

Perennials are dug and divided periodically. A narrow, sharp, flat spade is ideal for this task. To divide a rootball, slice it with the spade or if necessary, use a knife, hatchet or mattock.

By-pass Style Hand Pruners and Shears

Pruners come in a variety of sizes, styles and price points. Get a by-pass pruner, not an anvil pruner. It should be comfortable to grip and be strong enough to cut the intended material. The seven inch grape/vineyard shears and pointed perennial shears are adequate for most flowers; the lighter weight will reduce hand strain during use. Rosarians often look for a rotating style hand pruner to conserve hand strength when pruning many roses at a time. The better pruners will have replaceable parts and can be sharpened repeatedly for years of use.

The Right Gardening Tool for the Job

Using the right tool for the job makes the work go faster, easier and more enjoyably. Having the right tool and using it correctly enhances safety, too. The above list of basic gardening tools should get every flower gardener off to a good start.

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