The Old Farmer's Almanac 2021, Trade Edition

Gardening Tools 101

Garden Fork

A garden fork (similar in appearance to a pitch fork) is useful for turning over soil and compost, digging out root crops, and dividing perennials. Its long, metal tines allow it to easily penetrate the soil and avoid the smaller rocks that would get in the way of a shovel.

Garden Hoe

A hoe is used to remove shallow-rooted weeds. It is also used to create furrows for planting seeds and to break up clumps of soil. Hoe heads come in many different shapes and sizes.

Garden Rake

A garden rake or ground rake has metal tines and is used for smoothing soil and clearing the garden of debris or small rocks.

Garden Shovel

A key tool in a gardener’s arsenal, a shovel has a pointed, rounded blade and is useful for digging holes and moving soil. A spade is a type of shovel that has a straight-edged, flat blade and is good for digging straight-sided holes, cutting roots, and making edgings. When choosing a shovel or spade, the longer the handle, the more leverage you will have.

Hand Cultivator

A hand cultivator is like a mini garden fork. It’s useful for removing small weeds and roughing up the soil, both in the garden and in a container.

Hand Trowel

A trowel is a small shovel used for digging small holes for planting seeds, measuring depths in the soil, and digging up tough weeds. Look for a trowel with a narrow, sturdy blade that will cut into the soil easily, as well as one that has a comfortable grip.

Gloves

A good pair of gloves can help prevent blisters and cuts and keep your hands clean.

Hand Pruner

A hand pruner removes small branches from perennials, shrubs, and trees. Choose a bypass-style pruner with smooth operating blades and a comfortable grip. Hand pruners can also be useful for harvesting ripe vegetables without damaging the plant.

Watering Can

Able to evenly water plants anywhere, a watering can is best suited for small watering jobs. It should have a capacity of at least 2 gallons but be easy to carry when full. Select a plastic or metal model with a removable spout.