If you’re like me, hearing that a friend or a family member has the desire to learn more about gardening is music to your ears. If you don’t fancy yourself to be much of a green thumb, you might be a little unsure of what type of tools to give the budding gardener in your life.
It’s easy to become overwhelmed when trying to take on a new hobby or learn a new skill. Whether you’re a newbie gardener yourself or have someone in your life who is hoping to flex their green thumb, these are our top seven essential tools for beginners.
One of the most basic and best tools for beginners to invest in is a good pair of gardening gloves. Whether planting, weeding, composting, or harvesting their first-ever bounty of home-grown vegetables—it is essential that the beginner gardener in your life has a sturdy pair of gloves! They will protect from nicks, cuts, scrapes, and even potential infection. Watson has a great line of gloves that offer dexterity, grip, and even innovative features like conductive coating that allow the wearer to use a touchscreen device without taking them off!
Many gardeners continue perfecting their craft due to the therapeutic nature of simply digging in the dirt. With that said, while it is undoubtedly amazing for one’s mind—gardening can be pretty hard on your body! Gardening seats (most of which are used as a seat while upright or a kneeler when turned around) are an essential tool, particularly for those who struggle with back pain or limited mobility. Even if the newbie gardener in your life doesn’t currently struggle from back pain, gifting them with a gardening seat will help to ensure that they never have to!
Pruning is an essential aspect of plant maintenance, and to do so properly, good quality pruning shears are a must. Tools that are dull or inappropriate for the plant you are trying to prune will cause more damage than good. So, if you decide to purchase this essential gardening tool for the budding green thumb in your life, be sure to select a good quality brand. The FELCO line of secateurs (a fancy word for pruning shears) has been trusted by the horticulture industry for decades; they offer both right and left-hand models and will most definitely stand the test of time!
If that special someone in your life is hoping to create and build some new gardens in the spring, an edger (often also referred to as a lawn edger) is another tool that they will consider essential! Edgers help create crisp, clean lines between garden beds and grass, or even along patios, driveways, and sidewalk curbs. Having a good quality edger tool in the shed will help newbie gardeners take their landscaping game to the next level.
Receiving a fun gadget or tool is always appreciated! This mini pH tester, for example, is a great gadget for both seasoned and beginners in the garden to determine the acidic and alkaline levels in their soil, which is an important aspect of growing a big, healthy garden. A genuine leather holster that attaches to any belt will help them keep that brand new pair of gardening shears on hand at all times.
A gardening toolkit is not complete without a hand trowel; they are used for weeding, transplanting bedding plants and herbs, and so much more. There are plenty of different hand trowels, but be sure to opt for a trowel forged from stainless steel and one that is ergonomically friendly.
Also commonly referred to as a digging fork, this essential tool aids gardeners in turning soil both in new and existing beds, as well as breaking up stubborn, dense soil. Garden forks are also excellent tools to have around if you need to turn compost or aerate your soil before planting (which is highly recommended!).
These essential gardening tools make learning the tricks of the trade that much more enjoyable! Stop by Royal City Nursery for all your essential gardening tool needs in Guelph, and check out our extensive selection of other gifts for the gardener or landscaper in your life while you’re here!
