By John Bruce | March 2010

• Intro
• Basic and Not-so-basic Tools
• Newer Tools
• Storing Your Tools
• Download the FULL article as a

Click to enlarge

There are so many different types of gardening tools available. How do you know which ones you’ll really need?

For starters, you’ll need something to dig with—shovel or a spade. A shovel is typically a scoop for mixing or moving material from one place to another. A spade is designed for digging. The blade is straighter than a shovel’s and is made to be pushed into the soil.

Long-handle tools usually offer better leverage and reach and allow working from a standing position. The handle may be either straight or have a D-shaped grip. With some long-handle pruners, extensions may be available.

Short-handle tools are lighter, usually less expensive and more compact to store. They let you work in confined spaces or while kneeling. Common short-handled tools include hand pruners and clippers, hoes, garden trowels and cultivators.
Using short-handle tools means spending time low to the ground. A good, firm foam pad or strap-on kneepads can help prevent aches and pains. Choices range from simple pads to foldable seats.