Choosing The Right Garden Tool Sets For You

Choosing the right garden tool set can be challenging. There are many attractive garden tools on the market, but how can you tell which ones are most durable and contain all the tools you will need? There are a few rules of thumb that can help you choose exactly the right garden tool set for you.

Most garden tool sets are made of either aluminum or stainless steel, though their handles can be made of composite materials, wood, or even plastic. Both aluminum and stainless steel tools are rustproof. Aluminum is lighter and easier to handle, but stainless steel makes up for its increased weight with improved durability. If weight is an issue, then aluminum is a solid choice, and some of the newer plastic handles can cut down on weight without sacrificing significant tool life.

The most basic and important garden tool in your set is almost certainly the trowel. Used in planting, weeding, and digging, the trowel will likely get the heaviest use from day to day. Look for a trowel with an ergonomic grip, and see how it feels in your hand before committing to a tool set. Some garden tool sets include two different trowels, one for weeding and one for transplanting. While this is a nice addition, it’s really not necessary; the right trowel can handle both easily.

A weeding implement of some kind should be included, and it should have a sharpened edge to cut through the roots easily. These can vary a great deal, so what kind you choose will have more to do with personal preference than any qualitative difference in them. Find a weeder you are comfortable with, and ensure that it can be resharpened if it loses its edge.

Garden forks help to aerate the soil and are useful in preparing your garden for planting. Forks are often used to mix fertilizer and compost into soil to enrich your garden. Again, your preference will determine whether you choose a larger or smaller fork, and the number of tines you select. Think about the way you will use your garden fork: will it be used primarily for large-scale turning of soil, or for delicate close-in work near rooted plants? Your needs will determine your choice.

Some garden tool sets include a pair of weed trimmers, which are useful if you have woody plants or vines which require pruning. They are usually too small to deal effectively with trees or shrubs, so unless you foresee a lot of pruning of smaller plants, you can safely omit these from your tool set.

Finally, consider the entire set as a whole. Is it comfortable and attractive? Will it be durable enough for the use you will make of it? What kind of warranty does the manufacturer offer for the tool set? By considering these questions, you can be certain you select the right garden tool set for today and for years to come.