Tools and Accessories
With the release of the magazine article “Mosquito Biologist to Master Gardener “ featured in the “In Her Garden” magazine I have been getting a lot of readers asking about my recommendations for how I got started and the materials and resources I use. This post will be broken up into three parts. Part 1 will be my tools and accessories. Part 2 will focus on literature and resources from my research over the years and part 3 will talk about all the extras that need to be a part of your gardening bag! This post will focus on the tools I use and recommend (and am not being paid for lol) to give my gardeners what they will need to get started or to keep going from anywhere they are in their gardening journey. Tools and accessories
Gloves: I am in the garden A LOT and I am constantly using my hands to weed or manage other involved tasks. I value my hands as much as my garden so I wear heavy duty gloves when I know its going to be a long day. I have purchased these gloves numerous times. Thick rubber on the palms to finger tips and cloth on the back for ventilation. Gloves are a must in the garden. I have fallen victim of the “ oh I will put them on in a minute” too many times. I then get hyperfocused and end up leaving with torn up, bloody hands, that burn for days from all the cuts. Not worth it.
MadGrip Large Green Rubber Gardening Gloves
Pruners: My number one tool is my pruners. I have several identical copies for when I set them down in the garden, leave them in my gardening bag or completely lose them to the the garden gods. I have tried several kinds but the link below takes you to my favorite. These can be purchased from Lowes, the brands website or just straight Amazon.
FELCO F-2 068780 Classic Manual Hand Pruner, F 2, Red
Garden Trowel: The corona gardening trowel I have had for years and not only has it stood up the test of time but there is no rust, chips or damage to it at all. Its very strong and perfect for routine digging in the garden beds. I use this in my beds which are all raised. Makes quick work of digging a hole for a seedling to go in or to create rows to plant in straight lines.
Corona CT 3314 Premium Stainless Steel ComfortGEL Garden Trowel, 13.5" Overall Length, Handle Length 7", Red
Snips: My felco model snipes are ideal for getting into tighter spaces when my pruners prove to bulky. These are great for small stems and cut flowers. They clean easily and are light.
FELCO FELCO322 Model 322 Snips, Red
Sickle: This sickle is sick ! lol. I just discovered it this year when I worked on a lavender farm for a day. This is the ultimate slicer for longer stems that you want to do quickly and in bulk. When my lavender harvest comes in I scurry right outside with my scythe and start hacking down the harvest. With every cut the smell of lavender explodes through the air. Its the most satisfying tool I own and a must if you need to cut down long grasses or stems quickly.
Zenport K208P Harvest Sickle with Plastic Handle, Light Serration, 6.5-Inch Stainless Steel Blade , Orange
Rock Bar: This next one has gotten me through some of the worst, most stubborn rocks imaginable. Now keep in mind, I live in Zone 6 B on top of a mountain amidst all the rocks that were ever created. But when I want a hole dug for a smaller perennial or plant I use my cast Iron rock bar. This is a bit of overkill if you don’t share the same terrain as myself but it will make quick work of a stubborn rock.
Rock bar:
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Project-Source-68-98-in-San-Angelo-Digging-Bar/5014530389
Harvest Gathering Apron: I never go into the garden without one of two things. A large basket or my gathering apron. If I know I am going to have a lot to harvest I go with the basket, but when its early in the season and I am desperate to get out there and harvest my first herbs or cold wether lettuces, I use my gathering apron. I also use it in the height of tomato season, but only after I have piled the basket too high. This apron is from Etsy and hand made. The color is true to the picture and it has multiple pockets.
Handmade Harvesting Apron
Kneeling Pad: Although this one might make you feel old, its a must. Most garden beds are only 1-2 feet high off the ground unless you are working directly in ground, then its even lower. You are either going to bend over, squat, kneel or sit criss-cross applesauce when you are working on one particular bed. Your bottom and/or knees are going to get sore and I cant count the amount of times I got stuck with a piece of cedar mulch or an errant sharp pebble. There are plenty of kinds on Amazon or featured in gardening centers. Usually foam but there are some that turn into a seat. All comes down to what works for you.
Kneeling Pad for gardening
