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Essential Gardening Tools For Your Organic Garden

All gardeners will have their favourite gardening tools and each of us has preferences.  However, there are some essential gardening tools for your organic garden that you will probably find invaluable as you enjoy growing your own organic plants; be they vegetables, herbs, fruit or flowers. This will in no way be an exhaustive list; for as you begin to cultivate your organic garden, you will find what best suits your individual needs. It will also depend on the size of your garden; whether a big block, patio or balcony.  Different garden tools are needed for different types of gardens.

SHOVEL: essential for preparing soil; double digging new organic garden beds

SPADE: smaller than a shovel and used for digging, planting your vegetables

SHEARS: for pruning your plants to encourage growth                                  

WATERING CAN: there are many types of watering cans; choose one with a

long spout and one that has a rosette that can be adjusted to a gentle spray for

young plants and seedlings. You don’t want to wash away the soil that is nourishing your plants just as you are getting started! 

GARDEN HOSE:  can be used on established plants; but still requires an adjustable nozzle to control water pressure.  Handy in larger garden areas.  Will not be required for container gardening 

TROWEL: used for accessing small areas for weeding your organic vegetable/herb garden

RAKE: there are different types of garden rakes, designed for specific purposes. They are used for either gathering up leaves or another type of rake is used for spreading soil over the ground.  This type can also be used for spreading compost and fertiliser over the area you are planting in. 

GARDEN FORK: used to break up soil

GARDENING GLOVES:  some gardeners like to feel the soil as they garden; but for those who don’t want dirt under their nails or on their hands, a sturdy pair of either good leather or alternatively water-proof gardening gloves should be on the list of essential gardening equipment.  They will not only protect your nails; but also your hands from thorns, scratches and cuts.

WHEELBARROW:  this is not essential when you first start out, but if you have a big backyard and plenty of digging and moving to do; it will become so.  Could be put on your “wish” list of presents you would like to get for your birthday, if your own budget can’t afford one. 

COMPOST BIN:  compost is not expensive when you have your own compost bin.  Make your own compost and not only the environment, but also your organic garden will benefit.  You get rid of your kitchen waste, it promotes biodiversity and cuts methane emission as you send less of your kitchen waste to landfill.  It gives you fertiliser at very little cost to name a few of the advantages of this piece of garden equipment.  Buy the compost bin that suits you.

This is not an exhaustive list and your own will depend on your individual situation.  Whatever type of organic gardening you do; enjoy it knowing you are doing your bit for the environment and hopefully staying healthy as you do.  Choose essential tools for your organic gardening and reap the rewards. Happy gardening.