Essential Gardening Tools

Here are the must-have tools for any garden type :

For Indoor Seed Starting

For starting seeds indoors, this is what you’ll need:
Seed-starting containers. We discuss specific options in chapter 4 , but the most common container is a seed-starting tray. Trays with six cells make transplanting easier, plus you can customize the number of trays based on how many plants you plan to grow indoors.
Seed-starting mix. Seeds require what is called a “soilless mix” to reduce disease in young seedlings. Although you can make your own, small bags of seed-starting mix can be purchased at most garden supply stores or online.
Grow light. The light from a window is usually not enough to get your seedlings off to the healthiest start. Invest in a grow light. Many beginning gardeners find a 2-foot T5 fluorescent light sufficient, but you should consider LED options. LED technology continues to improve, and the bulbs are becoming more affordable. The biggest consideration is how far the light extends; you want to make sure all the seedlings you start will be covered in light.

For Starting and Sustaining Your Garden

You’ll find that the right garden tool makes a world of difference. These are my favorites:
Garden gloves. Garden gloves do more than keep dirt off your skin. Nitrile gloves that contour to your hands give you a better grip when hoeing and weeding, dexterity when planting, and protection from hidden thorns or stickers.
Rain gauge. A simple rain gauge found at any garden center will help you know when you need to supplement your plants with water.
Shovel and hoe. These tools are must-haves for adding and incorporating soil, mulch, and other amendments. A hoe will also help with planting seeds in rows and with heavy-duty weeding. Choose a design with a stainless steel head; a rubber grip is also a plus.
Soil thermometer. Planting when the weather is warm but the soil is still cool results in lowered rates of germination, rotting seeds, and stunted plants. A soil thermometer will help you know when to plant your seeds. Choose a quick-read digital thermometer for ease of use. You will find the optimum soil temperature for each plant in the plant profiles in part 2 .
Trowel. The primary function of a trowel is to help you easily transplant seedlings or plants. But you will also use it to add compost, fill containers, and harvest root crops. A stainless steel trowel with a rubber grip makes this multifunction tool comfortable and durable.
Watering can. A watering can is essential for container gardens. And though raised beds and in-ground gardens often require more than hand-watering, all gardeners need a watering can during transplanting and for adding diluted liquid fertilizer when needed. Choose a two-gallon can with a removable sprinkle nozzle. Use the sprinkle nozzle when watering seeds and seedlings, and remove the nozzle for more thorough watering of established plants.

For Harvesting and Storing Vegetables

Thinking about harvesting and storing vegetables when planning a garden may seem like jumping the gun, but when harest time arrives, you will be glad you prepared.
Bucket or basket. A bucket or basket is great to have handy while you pick. If you choose a basket, one with a tighter weave is preferable in order to prevent smaller vegetables (such as green beans) from slipping through.
Garden knife. Some vegetables (e.g., zucchini, cabbage, and broccoli) are easier to harvest with a knife rather than pruning shears. A garden knife makes a clean cut without damaging the plant.
Pruning shears. You can easily harvest many vegetables and herbs by hand, whereas others (e.g., peppers, okra, and cucumbers) require a precise cut to prevent damaging the remaining plant. A pair of pruning shears is a multifunction tool that is my go-to for harvesting.
Reusable produce bags. Once you harvest your crops, most of them (with the exception of tomatoes and a few others) require prompt refrigeration. Choose resealable zip-top bags to last you season after season.

Other Nice-to-Have Tools

All gardeners find some tools well worth the investment, even if they are not absolutely necessary. If you have the budget, consider investing in these handy favorites.
Drip irrigation or soaker hose(s) with timer. Gardens in almost every climate will require supplemental irrigation at some point. When coupled with an automatic timer, drip irrigation lines or soaker hoses save you time to do other garden tasks.
Micro-tip pruning shears. Micro-tip pruning shears make quick work of more delicate tasks, such as harvesting tomatoes, small peppers, and herbs. Though an all-purpose pruner is enough, I find having both to be helpful.
Moisture meter. A plant responds to overwatering and underwatering in the same way. A moisture meter instantly tells you whether you need to water your plant or bed. Although helpful in all gardens, this meter is most useful for container gardeners.
Stool or kneeling pad. From planting to weeding to harvesting, your back and knees will thank you when you can comfortably sit or kneel to work. My favorite garden seat is a folding stool with pockets for tools.
Three-pronged fork. For loosening soil ahead of planting or for smaller weeding jobs, a three-pronged fork makes the task easier. Choose a stainless steel option with fine tips and a rubber grip.
Wheelbarrow. Transporting soil, compost, and mulch is part of any gardener’s life. A wheelbarrow makes these tasks infinitely easier.

Resources

Find your average frost date

The Old Farmer’s Almanac, https://www.almanac.com/gardening/frostdates

Find your local cooperative extension service by zip code

Gardening Know How, https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/extension-search

Find soil-testing labs by state

Gardening Products Review, https://gardeningproductsreview.com/state-by-state-list-soil-testing-labscooperative-extension-offices

Garden tools

Gardener’s Supply Company, https://www.gardeners.com

Seed and plant suppliers

Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds, https://www.rareseeds.com

Seed Savers Exchange, https://www.seedsavers.org

Southern Exposure Seed Exchange, https://southernexposure.com

Territorial Seed Company, https://territorialseed.com

References

Bradley, Fern Marshall, Barbara W. Ellis, and Deborah Martin. The Organic Gardener’s Handbook of Natural Pest and Disease Control. New York: Rodale, Inc., 2009.

Bradley, Fern Marshall, Barbara W. Ellis, and Ellen Phillips. Rodale’s Ultimate Encyclopedia of Organic Gardening. New York: Rodale, Inc., 2009.

Bradley, Fern Marshall, and Jane Courtier. Vegetable Gardening. White Plains, NY: Toucan Books, 2006.

Cool Springs Press. Gardening Complete. Minneapolis: Cool Springs Press, 2018.

Damrosch, Barbara. The Garden Primer . New York: Workman Publishing, Inc., 2008.

Harrington, J. F. “Soil Temperature Conditions for Vegetable Seed Germination.” University of California at Davis. Accessed October 18, 2019.

https://extension.oregonstate.edu/sites/default/files/documents/12281/soiltemps.pdf .

McCrate, Colin, and Brad Halm. High-Yield Vegetable Gardening . North Adams, MA: Storey Publishing, 2015.

Reich, Lee. Weedless Gardening . New York: Workman Publishing Co., Inc., 2001.

Southern Exposure Seed Exchange (blog). “The Major Plant Families in a Vegetable Garden.” Accessed October 22, 2019. http://www.southernexposure.com/the-major-plant-families-in-a-vegetable-garden-ezp-190.html .