One look at all of the tools used to grow your own plants and food can make you double-think that new gardening hobby. In order to get the job done more quickly and efficiently, you need the right gardening tools.
However, ensuring that you have all the necessary tools for your garden can be expensive and time-consuming. Don’t let the sheer number of options overwhelm you: we’ve created a basic guide of gardening tools so that you can decide what you need, according to what you’re going to grow.
The first thing to know is – what tools you need for what job.
When starting out, it’s best to have the basics available so you’re not stuck in the middle of a project. As such, a typical outdoor garden will need a hose, necessary connectors, and nozzles; a tap adaptor, a hand cultivator, couplings; a multi-purpose hand pruner; and a sprinkler.
Take a look at the detailed version of our guide below:
GARDENING WATERING SOLUTIONS
Hose
Hoses are pretty straightforward. The only major choice you’ll be making is between a classic model, and a new type that’s lighter, capable of expansion, and is easier to carry around, but wears out more quickly. After you’ve chosen from different hose models, determine the necessary length. For instance, will a 15m model travel far enough to accomplish all of your watering needs?
Also consider the rate of flow: a 5/8” hose is going to have more water flowing than a ½” wide model.
Hose Connector
Hoses require a hose connector or adapter to attach the hose to the spigot, and these components must match the size of the hose and the “gender” of the fitting or coupler on the spigot. (Don’t worry! This may sound complex but it’s just a matter of matching two pieces, and sizes are clearly indicated on the packaging.)
Some need a male or female coupler to attach to the spigot. They also have different benefits: You can use a water stop connector, where you don’t have to turn off the water between tools as it stops when disconnected, and starts to flow again when reconnected.
Tap Connector
These is a tool which is used to create liquid-tight connections attaching the hose to a tap. A tap connectors enables a secure connection and is used to attach threaded taps or other accessories. Combined with a hose connector, it provides better security. It is advisable to look for the right-sized tap connector to save time when fitting, as well as for easy and no-fuse installation.
These form a fit connection between the hose, waterstop connector, and threaded tap.
Coupling
Couplings are water-tight tools used to connect the rotating shaft. A coupling connects 2 hoses together easily and immediately – just one movement is required. They can be flexible or rigid depending on the placement and the system requirements, and are used for power transmission between two rotating shafts such as pumps, generators, etc.
Couplings don’t require any tools for installation, and ensure a stable and leak-free connection. Other features include ergonomic design, automatic coupling, and inlet quick connection.
Garden Reel Set
Gardening reels are used to properly store your hose and prevent it from developing splits (because of poor storage) so that it can last longer. It also helps to move your hose around your garden easily. This combines watering solutions which connect to the hose, and are ideal for small to large gardens and patios. A garden reel set can include a hose, jet spray nozzle, a tap connector, and couplings.
Other features include wall mounting, outlet quick connection, and tool-free assembly.
Irrigation System
The versatile programming of an irrigation system enables you to look after your plants and be water-efficient at the same time. This can be a perfect tool for gardeners who are working on a large scale or those who are exceptionally busy. They are easy to install and can help save a lot of time and effort – more so when they are used on raised beds or in green houses.
A water distributor, for instance, is a practical solution for watering plants when travelling/holidaying, which doesn’t need open taps or electrical connections.
Mender
A mender is a versatile, tool-free solution to repair a hose or create an irrigation line of any length. Menders are used to repair cracks or holes in the length of your hose wherever it has a crack or a hole. You can fix it by cutting the damaged part and splicing the ends back with a mender.
These ensure a stable and leak-free connection for hoses of varying sizes. Plus, they’re easy to install (can be done immediately!), and weather resistant as well.
Pistol
Pistols are used to control water flow at the end of the hose. They have multiple settings that turn the hose into a versatile gardening tool that can efficiently handle all your watering tasks. They enable the user to adjust the flow of water with a single hand, and are comfortable to hold and manage. Pistols enable precise targeting for watering plants as well as outdoor cleaning – without tiring your hand.
Add-on features of a pistol include a multi-function shower spray, lock mechanism, inlet quick connection, and adjustable jet and water flow.
Sprinkler
A sprinkler is a tool that’s used to deliver water to the soil. They help to push water out over a large area where they are connected in a line, or at the end of the irrigation hose. Some have twisted nozzles which allow you to change the direction of the water without changing the position of the system.
Sprinklers are easy to use and meet all watering requirements with their functional characteristics. Other additional features include adjustable water flow, a quick-click system, and effortless adjustment.
Tap Connector
Tap connectors are tools used to connect taps with the hose. They can be either plastic or metallic, depending on your choice as well as hose capability. If you need to attach more than one hose pipe or outlet to your tap, a tap connector will do the job. A quick-fit and easy-to-use water connector / distributor, which is completely watertight can help you increase irrigation possibilities by vast measures.
You can also pick from threaded, two-way and three-way tap connectors, and even two to four-outlet distributors for saving on time and maximizing efficiency.
Hose Nozzle
Hose nozzles can have one function or many functions: some are built to mimic a rain shower for watering plants, and others can have many settings, from mist to hard stream. These can be used for gardening, but also come in handy when cleaning pathways, washing cars, and more.
Some nozzles use a single-function twisting end to open or close, whereas others are multifunctional with different spray patterns and rates of pressure. If you have a large garden or enjoy DIY projects like maintaining your landscaping and vehicles yourself,multiple nozzles are ideal.
Nozzles are also included as part of Claber hose sets, which can include a hose, quick-fittings and multi-thread connectors.
Gardening Timer
Need to create a no-hassle watering schedule for your plants?
You can consider using a Claber timer that attaches between the spigot and the hose. There are many different ways to water your plants, and irrigation systems of all kinds require timers with different programming options and frequencies. Other features include a battery-operated and quick-click system (no electricity required), easy connectivity, and more.
As with any tool, these products are best purchased with the highest quality in mind for greater functionality and longevity.
HAND TOOLS
There are so many different types of little tools for hand use! These include shears, hand trowels, pruners, trimmers, and more. These are designed for different purposes such as weeding, cutting, snipping and more. In addition, they’re also great for getting at deeply-rooted pesky weeds, or newly-sprouted trees. Every gardener should have a set of essential hand tools, whether for digging in pots or a garden bed.
Cultivator
A hand cultivator is a good tool to have as it helps you keep your garden tidy and weed free. A carbon steel cultivator for instance, can be used for light forking of the surface soil with minimal soil adhesion. It features three sturdy carbon steel prongs and comes with both long and short handles. This helps you with loosening soil and spreading compost when you are preparing to plant shrubs and flowers.
It’s a comfortable yet durable hand tool which features an ergonomically-designed handle, requires minimal strength, and is easy to store as well.
Transplanter
A slightly more tapered hand tool is the transplanter, meant to fit neatly inside a trowel hole to transplant new plants – including everything from 2” to 4” pots. This is one of those essential gardening tools that you need for digging and transplanting. They are mostly short-handled for you to grip the handle under the load.
Easy to use and store, a transplanter is ideal for planting bulbs, transplanting seedlings, and for loosening up and transporting soil.
Sprayer
There are all different kinds of sprayers but between the liquid fertilizers and pesticides (organic or otherwise) that every garden needs, a sprayer is a very handy tool if you’re growing in a yard or larger outdoor garden. There are pressure sprayer options, backpack sprayers, and other choices, depending on your purpose and needs.
A quality sprayer usually comes with an adjustable nozzle, filing scale markings on the bottle, and a safety valve – to protect against overpressure. This doubles up as a handy tool for both gardening and cleaning purposes!
Where do you Start?
When you start out on your lifelong gardening adventure, don’t be afraid to over-invest in tools and accessories. The funny part of gardening is that the love of growing plants, whether for flowers or food, grows as your garden flourishes.
Even if you’re not using your new pruners when you’re planting your first rose, that rose will grow, and you’ll wish you had some when the time comes to make your first bouquet. Being prepared is a major part of being a good gardener, so do your research, invest in your garden, and enjoy the delightful feeling that it will surely bring!
A well-designed irrigation system can only do your garden good. Take a look at some high-quality, proven gardening products now!
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