Gardening Tools

Starting anything new can often times be overwhelming. Any new and unfamiliar business can get you really confused with all the nicks and knacks of the trade, and which products are best used for what. It is the same for everything from photography to getting skiing equipment. The same goes if you want to take up something as organic and refreshing as gardening. It is important not only to know your plants, flowers and trees but also to know how to properly care for them.

If you decide to take up this wonderful hobby, there are some basic things you should purchase straight away. Those include watering cans, watering hose or sprinklers depending on the size of the lawn you want to plant, a few pairs of high-quality glower to protect your hands, bypass pruners for cutting smaller plants and perhaps even a cordless reciprocating saw if you have some branches you need cutting off. And don't forget about a leaf rake to keep your garden as fresh and leafy free for as long as possible. Now for the more specific equipment, there are several things you should consider getting, depending on what type of gardening you will be doing.

Shovel
This is the most basic of all tools. It is the most versatile and it is ideal for moving soil and digging up plants from the ground, but also for moving piles of soil, sand and other materials. Therefore this is one of the most basic tools you will be using in your gardening. Make sure to seasonally sharpen your shovel to make the digging easier.



Garden Spade
A lot of people confuse this tool with a shovel but they actually differ in the shape of the blade. Whereas the shovel is rounded, therefore making it better suited for picking up material, a spades' blade is flat and squared-off, the handle is in most cases short and it is used for edging beds, digging planting holes, removing sod and working soil amendments into the garden. It is best to get these with stainless steel blades- they won't rust and will last you a a long long time, so don't be afraid to invest in a proper spade, it will be worth it.

Trowel
A trowel is a must-have gardening tool in almost every garden. If you plan on planting any smaller plants, this is the thing for you. From bulbs to seedlings, this is the tool you will use for planting them. They are made with sturdy handles and metal blades with tapered tips. You can even use them to cut small roots up, or dig out shallow-rooted weeds. Bear in mind to test the thing before you buy it- if it feels to big or too heavy in your hand, opt for a different one. And also try looking for a rubber-coated one for an easier hold.

Garden Fork
This tool is perfect for turning and aerating soil. You can use it to break up big chunks and to work organic matter, fertilizers and other amendments into the soil. You can also use them to take care of roots and rocks that are buried a bit deeper in the ground.



Author’s bio: Dan Radak is VPS security and Hosting generally specialist. Currently employed as a consultant in a couple of Web Hosting companies. In his free time he likes to play with his pets and maintains his home. You can reach him on Twitter.

Creating Your Own Garden Sign

The garden of your home is a fantastic space that when used to its full potential is a stunning and tranquil environment to be in. There are a huge range of ways to transform your garden from patio decking, gravel, grass, ponds, flowerbeds, lighting, greenhouses, BBQ areas and much more depending on what it is you are looking for.  But how to add those final personal touches? Well for me it’s by creating homely, decorative handmade signs for labelling shrubs, areas of the garden or for just plain and simple fun.

To create your sign:
Creating your sing is an easy process that requires no more than wood, sand paper, twisted wire, paint and paintbrushes. 


To begin with you will need to locate your wood, whether it be old planks you have lying around or newly bought planks.  The wood doesn’t need to be high quality however it will need to be reasonably thick.  Once you have found your wood and you are happy with it break it down into the size you want. This can be done using a saw or by simply snapping it with your foot for a more rugged and textured finish. 

If you are using old wood it will need sanding, new wood is optional however it does give it an old and grainy look that’s smashing for the garden.  After sanding down the wooden sign two holes should be drilled an even width apart to be used for hanging the sign. 

That’s the hard work out of the way, now you can get to it and be creative. Patio paint works well for painting your wood and not much is needed.  Simply coat the wood in one or two quick brush strokes to add some colour. Once the paint has dried you can then sand back over it to create a washed out and dated look. 

It’s now time to add some pictures such as flowers, bees, rainbows and the writing you would like on the sign.  Be as creative and colourful as you like for a personal and effective garden sign. Once happy with your design allow it to dry and add twisted wire to your previously drilled holes.  This will allow you to hang the sign from a wall or on a peg stand in the ground. 


Place your sign in a spot in your garden and voila, you’re done.  These really are quick and easy to make but so much fun to do. The results are brilliant and as you practise you will find yourself becoming more and more creative. Be careful though as it may just become too addictive. 

Author Bio:
Emma is a keen writer who is extremely interested in garden signs.  She currently writes for Croft Cast Signs, suppliers of metal house signs.


 Image source - Selena N. B. H