This list is ideal for new homeowners that want to begin landscaping and gardening.
Protect Yourself
- Before venturing into the backyard and starting the garden you should take a few minutes to ensure that you have the personal items required to keep yourself protected and ensure that you enjoy the process.
- Gloves are essential to protect hands from splinters and thorns.
- A wide brimmed hat is a must to avoid sunburn and heat stroke.
- Plenty of water should be kept close to prevent dehydration
- Loose light color clothes are preferable to deter annoying and biting insects, but you may also want to keep some repellent spray close by.
- A small but thick piece of rubber or other material will safeguard tender knees from rocks and other painful kneeling surfaces. These mats are widely available commercially or can be easily constructed at home.
Tools
Spades and Shovels
- Of course these items are crucial garden tools. Used for everything from moving soil to dividing plants, spades and shovels are in constant demand in the backyard garden.
Rakes and Forks
- Rakes come in a wide range of sizes and types. Strong metal ones are perfect for removing rocks and clumps of dirt from the garden beds, while plastic ones are light enough to spend hours raking leaves and other debris.
- Garden forks are useful for turning compost, loading material into wheelbarrows and aerating the soil.
Hoes
- There are many varieties of garden hoes, from ones with a single sharpened blade to ones with rake-like prongs. Hoes are great for removing weeds and keeping areas clear and cultivated.
Wheelbarrows
- Although you could make do without a wheelbarrow they make gardening chores much simpler. Many companies now offer smaller and lower designs that can be easily used without strain.
Pruners
- Depending on your specific requirements you may need larger pruning saws or you might be able to make do with handheld versions. Both types are beneficial to keep the garden tidy and make clean cuts on plants.
Compost
- Not technically a requirement, but a highly recommended addition to any garden. Composting can be a very simple task that provides great benefits for both your yard and the environment.
Watering Equipment
- Hose, connectors, nozzles and a sprinkler are essential garden supplies.
Hand Tools
- A selection of sturdy hand tools plays a very important part in the garden. A majority of work is performed literally at ground level and a variety of small trowels, forks, clippers and other tools make hand work much easier.
There are many more gardening tools and supplies available but the above list should get you through your first few seasons in the backyard garden.
For more tips and tricks for beginner gardeners visit these websites.
CanadianGardening.com
Garden.org