Garden Hoses: What To Know Before You Buy

Your garden hose is probably working overtime this summer as you water plants, irrigate a vegetable garden or wash the car. According to hose manufacturer Teknor Apex, a good garden hose will last five to 10 years if properly maintained. A bad garden hose, as most of us have already found out, will waste water, function poorly and cause bouts of frustration.
So to keep the kinks out of your relationship with your garden hose, let’s take a look at what to consider before you buy a new one.




Types of Garden Hoses
Lightweight or heavy-duty? Standard or coiled? Flat or expandable? Who knew there were so many types of garden hoses? Here are some of the most common types of hoses you’re likely to find at your local garden center:
-All-purpose hose. An all-around basic hose for watering and cleaning is available in different sizes and materials, and may be lightweight or heavy-duty.
-Flat hose. These compact, easy to coil hoses expand when filled with water but lay flat when not. Because they have to be flexible to collapse when empty, they’re usually made of lightweight material that typically won’t last as long.
-Coiled hose. If you’re tight on space or just hate fighting with your hose when it’s time to put it away, this type of hose retracts into a neat coil. They usually come in shorter lengths (see below for more info) so are suitable for watering small areas.
-Expandable hose. Another option for small yards or patios, an expandable hose looks petite, but its length doubles or triples when it’s filled with water. These lightweight hoses are for light-duty jobs, and generally don’t last long.

Garden Hose Features
Here are the garden hose features you should consider:
-Length. Hoses typically come in lengths of 25, 50, 75, and 100 feet. Consider the size of the area you need to water, or how far away your birdbath or dirty car are from the spigot/outdoor faucet, and choose a length based on that.
-Diameter. According to Lowe’s, hoses range from 3/8- to 3/4-in. in diameter, with most being 5/8-inch. The bigger the diameter, the more water a hose can carry, but the hose will also be heavier.
-PSI. The flow rate or water speed and pressure in a hose is measured in pounds per square inch, or psi. The hose packaging will be marked with the maximum psi the hose can handle. The tougher the hose, the higher the psi.
-Flexibility. The more flexible a hose, the easier it is to coil and uncoil. But if a hose is too flexible, it will kink easily, which can cause it to split and deteriorate faster.
-Material. With a few exceptions, garden hoses are made of rubber, vinyl or a combination of the two. Vinyl hoses cost less and weigh less, but they’re generally not as durable as rubber hoses. Rubber hoses are heavier and costlier, but are more durable and less prone to kinking than vinyl hoses. Hoses made of a combination of vinyl and rubber are a good mid-range solution — they cost less than rubber hoses but last longer than vinyl ones.

How To Choose the Right Garden Hose
Your garden hose purchase is likely to boil down to a few considerations, including:
-Usage and durability. If you need a hose for occasional watering, you’re probably okay spending less on a light-duty hose. For regular sprinkling or watering of a large lawn, go with a heavy-duty hose.
-Type. The amount of storage space you have will determine whether you want a coiled or expandable hose, or if you want to stick to a standard type.
-Length. Consider the dimensions of the area you’re watering, and buy a hose that’s slightly longer than the farthest point your hose has to reach.
-Budget. A 25-foot garden hose can cost anywhere from $18 to $60 at The Home Depot. Price usually correlates to quality.

Garden Hose Maintenance
Improve the lifespan of your hose by taking care of it using these tips.
-Put it away after each use. A hose left stretched out on the ground can get kinked, run over by the car and damaged by the sun’s UV rays.
-Wind it up. Don’t leave your hose in a heap — roll it onto a real or caddie to reduce kinks, or at least coil it up neatly.These
-Stow it in the winter. Disconnect your hose when gardening season is over, drain it and store it in the garage until next year.

Garden Tools and Equipment for Your Gardening Business

Planning to build a gardening, lawn mowing or landscaping business? It's always a good idea for people who have a passion for gardening. However, starting a gardening business requires a lot of preparation - such as the purchase of gardening tools.
In this guide, GarDepot will help those looking to build a gardening business gain insight into the various basic gardening tools necessary.

What tools are needed for the gardening business?
There are many different kinds of gardening services such as planting, landscaping, lawn care, etc. Although different gardening businesses require investment in different tools, there is always some equipment that can be used for all gardening tasks.

Long Handle Garden Tools
Shovel: A great tool for gardeners, the spade is a versatile tool for use in and around the garden. Shovels are used to dig and move materials. Use a shovel to dig holes, shift plants, pry up rocks and stumps, or break up compacted soil. When purchasing shovels remember to choose products made of corrosion-resistant materials such as stainless steel, as well as having sturdy, balanced handles.
Rake: The teeth of rakes are designed to spread and collect material around or level the soil. Rakes are commonly used to spread, collect or level soil, mulch, compost, gravel, fallen leaves and other garden debris. Rakes are usually made of steel or hard plastic materials, the former designed for tough jobs and the latter for lighter work.
Fork: Gardens are designed to break up soil before planting, move material, and remove plants without damaging the roots. Garden forks are commonly used to apply fertilizer, manure and compost around plants, move hay, and collect large garden debris into a neat pile.

Short Handle Garden Tools
Hedge Shears: Hedge shears have long, narrow blades and short handles. This tool is designed to cut and trim hedges, as well as shape bushes and shrubs into topiary. Hedge shears are quite versatile and are an essential tool for landscaping services.
Hand Pruner: The hand pruners are used for pruning, trimming and cutting fine branches, twigs, live and dead bodies up to 1CM in thickness. It is commonly used for propagating cuttings, transplanting, repotting, and pruning small plants such as succulents, bonsai, etc. For gardening endeavors that include growing flowers and potted plants, it is always worth investing in hand pruners.
Trowel: The basic trowels are small gardening tools that are commonly used to clear gaps between plants, pull out plants, and remove old stems. If someone asks what tool is best for growing and caring for small fruits, vegetables and plants, hand trowels are definitely the best answer. They enable gardeners to till the soil or transplant plants without damaging their roots.

Is a gardening business profitable?
Today, more and more people are turning their hobby into a career. This is certainly the case with gardening, which can be a business that brings in profit - as long as it is managed properly! With the quest for natural and organic living, the demand for gardening services will predictably increase as well. Remember, gardening tools will always make the job easier.
When it comes to choosing the best gardening tools for your business, choose equipment that is versatile and built to last. Choose tools with coated metal handles and those forged from corrosion-resistant materials. Avoid tools with flimsy handles or thin metal materials.

Gardepot is dedicated to providing quality wholesale gardening tools, and you can find various gardening guides on our website. Feel free to contact us with any questions or needs.

Cleaning and Sharpening Pruning Tools

After investing in a quality trimming tool or shears, it's worth taking a little time to keep them in good working order. Cleaning and maintaining your pruners isn't just about improving the life and usability of your tools, it's also important to disinfect your pruners if you're dealing with plants or trees that are at risk of infection.
It's also important to sharpen knives regularly, as dull blades tend to tear through plant tissue and cause jagged cuts. Now that it's winter and there's not as much pruning gardening to do, there's no better time to clean and sharpen your pruning tools!

Cleaning and Disinfecting Pruners
Cleaning - Pruning shears should be cleaned before they are disinfected, as dirt and residue on the blades will interfere with any disinfectant you use. It is usually sufficient to wipe the blades with a dampened cloth, and even better to add a small amount of detergent to the water. Cleaning should be done regularly to prevent pruners from jamming. If it has not been cleaned for a long time, we recommend taking the tool apart and wiping it down thoroughly.
Disinfection - Medical alcohol, the kind you can buy at the drugstore, is ideal for disinfecting pruners. Disinfection with alcohol does not require soaking, a simple wipe will do the trick, and there is no need to rinse it off.
Oil - After cleaning, oil the tool to keep it moving freely and to prevent corrosion. A generic mineral oil can be used. A thin vegetable oil should do the job well. Put some oil between the blades, on the springs, and a little on the latches that hold the chainsaw closed when not in use. Then move the parts so that the oil gets to all sliding surfaces and wipe off any excess oil.

Sharpening Pruners
It is important to keep your pruning tools sharp. First, a sharp blade makes the cut easier and the gardener works less easily to fatigue. Second, a clean cut will heal better and faster, making it less likely that the plant will become infected through the wound. Therefore, blades should be sharpened regularly and replaced if deeper scratches or nicks appear. Most hedge trimmers and pruners on the market are sold with replacement parts and there is no need to eliminate the entire tool.
It is beneficial to sharpen your pruning tools after use to keep them in top condition. Keeping up this habit isn't really as easy as you might think, but it's a fairly simple task. If you do this regularly, the life of your pruning tools can be greatly extended, and you can save money on new equipment. And, they'll always give you clean, fast cuts!
It is important to remember that common pruning tools such as hedge shears and hand pruners can only be sharpened on their single bevel. That is, not the "back" of the cutting blade, which needs to be kept flat. Cutting board pruners, on the other hand, usually have a double bevel, so sharpen on both sides.

Sharpening a Bypass Pruners
Grinding Stone - With the flat side of the diamond grinder, grind the bevelled side of the blade with a rotating movement at an angle of 20-30° (like a sharpening stone).
Sharpener - Pull the concave sharpening edge gently along the blade edge at an angle of 30-50°. Use either of the corner edges of the sharpener, i.e. do not try to have the sharpener ‘flat’ against the blade. Work only with one side of the sharpener. One light pass on the back of the bevelled side will remove the burr which has formed.

Pruning means more than just the work of cutting off branches! Proper cleaning and maintenance of tools is also an important part of gardening, and only then will you be able to create your garden better.
Gardepot is dedicated to providing wholesale gardening tools, as well as sharing gardening knowledge. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.

Garden Jobs for Fall and Winter

As days shorten and temperatures cool, the pace of gardening slows along with plant growth. But there is still plenty to be done during the fall and winter months. In fact, much of what is done in the garden now will set the tone for the following year.

Cleaning up your garden is an important task. Remove any dead plant material from your garden and add it to your compost pile. Pick up any fallen fruit from around the fruit trees. These actions will eliminate habitats for overwintering diseases and pests. 

Clean up fallen leaves with rakes. Matted leaves left on the lawn can choke the lawn. Instead, add your leaves (chop up the largest ones) to your compost pile.

Pruning is done during the dormant period of deciduous trees and shrubs. However, it is worth doing a little research on each plant to become familiar with its pruning requirements. 

For example, pruning early bloomers such as azaleas, flowering quince or forsythia in the fall will remove flower buds and reduce the spring bloom display. If these plants need pruning, it should be done after they have finished flowering.

Pruning tools: hedge shears, hand pruners, loppers

Consider planting a winter garden. Radish, spinach, pea and onion seeds can be planted in October or November. Cauliflower, broccoli, lettuce and radish seedlings can be planted in November. If you don't want a winter garden, clean up your summer garden by mulching it with straw, grass clippings or chopped leaves. Mulch will discourage weeds and provide soil nutrients for next year's garden.

Planting bare-root trees and shrubs during the winter dormant period allows for a healthy root system to develop before spring germination. Fall is also the time to plant bulbs and perennials. Disguise your work by flooding the soil surface with water and then covering the soil with mulch.

Renovate flower beds by weeding, adding organic matter and tilling the soil to a depth of at least 6 inches. Refresh the existing mulch around planted plants.

Conduct an irrigation review to adjust your watering schedule to reflect the lower water needs of the fall and winter months. If you have an automated system, make sure it is working properly.
Watering accessories: garden hoses and nozzles, sprinklers, watering cans, sprayers

If you are planning to start a new garden bed, fall is a good time to do so before you face the rush of spring gardening. If you plan to start a new bed on an existing lawn, a good way to do it is to cover it with a thick layer of newspaper and put down a layer of mulch. This will kill the lawn and the bed will be ready for work in early spring without the effort of manually removing the turf.

Finally, clean and sharpen your tools. Keeping your tools clean helps prevent the spread of disease and prolongs the life of your tools. 

If you prune sick plants, disinfect your shears, loppers or saws with a dilute bleach solution, dry them off and apply a thin coat of oil. Sharp tools will produce a clean cut, and clean cuts heal faster. 

If you have empty pots that you plan to reuse, remove the dirt with a coarse brush and then rinse them well with water.

How To Trim Hedges - Guide To Pruning

Hedges are a very common and important ornamental feature in the garden. If properly cared for, they can be one of the most eye-catching landscapes in the garden. Hedge care - that is, pruning - then becomes a daily task for many gardeners.
Hedge pruning is the best maintenance to help keep them looking good over time. In this article, we'll give you some tips on how to trim your hedges, including the proper time to trim, the tools to use, and more.

How to Trim Hedges
Trimming hedges is very different from trimming trees. When pruning trees and shrubs
best practice is to follow the natural lines of the plants. Unlike hedges, which often need to be trimmed to a specific shape for better ornamentation. This is actually contrary to the natural growth pattern of the plant and therefore requires better planning and consistent pruning.

When To Trim Hedges
Generally, hedges are trimmed before the new growth blocks the sunlight. As the leaves below lose sunlight, they will begin to die back in favor of new growth.
Some evergreens grow quickly and need to be trimmed every four to six weeks during the growing season, while others may grow more slowly and only need to be trimmed once. The best way to determine how often to prune is to watch the growth and prune before it begins to shade out the foliage below.

How To Trim Hedges Easily With The Right Tools
Many people use electric trimmers to trim hedges, especially some large landscaping providers, and power tools offer greater efficiency. But for individual gardeners, hand tools are a better choice. They ensure a cleaner cut and cause less damage to branches.
Power tools tend to leave uneven wounds on plants, which are difficult for them to heal. Therefore hedge plants trimmed with power tools are more likely to get sick. In addition, hand tools are more environmentally friendly and quieter.

Prepare To Prune
Before trimming your hedge, clear your workspace. Remember, it's a good idea to wear safety goggles and garden gloves. Clean and sharpen your tools before pruning. If you are trimming multiple hedges, have a bucket of soapy water and a rag on hand to clean your tools between two hedges. Since pruning can cause disease in the wood, it is important to make sure your tools are kept clean.
Manual Hedging Tools
1. Hand Pruners
Hand pruners are small tools that are ideal for removing wilted, dead or diseased branches and leaves. Hand pruners cannot cut branches that are too thick, so they are often used for softer plants or to trim the edges of hedge forms.
2. Pruning Saw
The saw blade of the pruning saw is so sharp that it is capable of cutting off large branches of more than 3/4 inch. Therefore, hedge trimming with a pruning saw will be very easy.
3. Hedge Shears
The hedge shears are slightly larger in size and can trim a larger area. This makes them very easy to use, especially when trimming large hedges and hedges at right angles.
Start trimming at the bottom of the hedge and trim all the way up so that the top branches and leaves are free to fall to the ground. Place the blade at a right angle to the branch to get the cleanest cut possible. Make sure you don't twist the branches or approach them at odd angles, as they won't cut cleanly.
4. Grass Shears
After trimming the hedge, the grass shears are then used to clean up any small debris that has sprung up after the cut and to remove any protruding leafless branches. Grass shears are the ideal tool for finishing and they are great for enhancing the decorative look of the hedge.

Pruning is one of the most frequent tasks in the garden. With a detailed guide and the right tools, every gardener can easily do the job and get a perfect hedge shape.
Gardepot is dedicated to wholesale gardening tools and you can find a wide range of pruning tools as well as gardening guides on our website. Feel free to contact us with any questions or needs.

What Tools Are Needed For Landscaping Business?

If you are planning to start your own landscaping business, then a good team and the right tools will be the two most important preparations. Using the right tools and equipment can make gardeners more efficient and landscaping service providers can expand their business by providing quality services to more customers.
In this article, Gardepot will introduce some useful gardening tools for those who are interested in landscaping to help them better understand the work of gardening.

Garden Hand Tools For Landscaping
Because of the versatility of hand tools, they are often critical in landscape design work. Hand tools allow gardeners to work with precision. Different gardening jobs may require different specialized tools, but the following basic tools are essential for landscaping services.
-Rake: A rake is essential because it helps sweep up debris from plant material, collect dirt, and scrape or move other things you may encounter on the job. When purchasing rakes, consider factors such as the length of the handle, the material of the rake, and the purpose of your use.
-Shovel: Shovels help dig up soil, break up clods, and scoop out materials such as pine needles or gravel. For gardeners with heavy workloads, it's best for the shovel to be light enough but strong enough. That's because they need to handle the work easily as well as be able to withstand difficult tasks, such as digging up dry, compacted ground.
-Spade: Often confused with a shovel, a spade has a square base and is designed to sweep and scrape hard surfaces such as concrete. For this purpose, the right spade needs to have a handle that is easy to grip and a head made of metal to withstand tough jobs such as moving gravel or concrete.
-Trowel: Small trowels are often used for garden planting, especially for small plants such as flowers or potted plants. Trowels are also ideal replacements in places where a regular shovel is too big to fit. Examples include making a small hole in a flower bed to plant seeds, or prying rocks up from the soil.
-Shears: Shrubs and hedges, common plants in garden landscaping, both require regular pruning to maintain a nice shape. Pruning shears are the best tool for this job, and they are used to cut twigs and stems to help landscapers shape hedges and shrubs.
-Wheelbarrow: Wheelbarrows are versatile tools used to transport materials with ease. Since there are many types of garden wheelbarrows, their materials, the number of wheels, and the type of surface they will be working on should be considered when purchasing them.

Garden Power Tools for Landscaping
With advances in technology, there are more and more options for garden power tools. Power tools often have greater power and greater efficiency, enabling them to perform tasks that are difficult with hand tools. For this reason, garden power tools are also essential for a successful landscaping business.
-Chainsaw: Cordless chainsaws are mobile and can quickly complete tasks such as cutting branches and trimming shrubs. As with all power tools, the weight of the chainsaw, battery life, and safety features are the three most important factors when purchasing. Because they are so loud, it is also worth investing in ear protection for gardeners who use such machines.
-Mower: Mowers are an expensive investment, but they are the most convenient and efficient tool when it comes to mowing large areas of lawn. Remember to consider their size when purchasing to ensure good mobility.
-Trimmer: Commonly called a “weed-eater“ or “weed-whacker,” these precision tools trim the areas a lawnmower can’t reach. They rely on plastic string blades to cut plant material, so look for a trimmer that’ll be easy to reload when it’s time to change out the string. It’s also worthwhile to look for a string trimmer with low vibrations to make precision trims easier.

Gardepot offers a wide range of gardening tools and equipment that landscaping business needs. Just contact us now to get a latest catalog of our all products!

Buying Guide - Different Types Of Wheelbarrows

In many cases, gardeners may not realize just how important a tool a wheelbarrow is in the garden. In fact, a wheelbarrow can perform many garden tasks.
Wheelbarrows can be used for a variety of purposes, such as moving rocks, mulch or compost to the garden, moving trees or large shrubs from one place to another, hauling bricks, disposing of garden debris, or even for mixing concrete or fertilizer.
However, there are different types of wheelbarrows designed for different jobs. Which wheelbarrow you should buy depends on what tasks you need it for. We've prepared an introduction and buying guide to wheelbarrows for you, so keep reading to learn more.

USING WHEELBARROWS IN GARDENS
With so many varieties available, it is important to choose a wheelbarrow that properly fits your gardening needs. In general, wheelbarrow buckets come in two materials: steel or plastic.
Steel wheelbarrow buckets can handle more weight, but they will rust and be heavier to handle. Steel wheelbarrows are used for heavy-duty work, such as moving rocks, bricks or large plants.
Plastic wheelbarrow buckets are lighter and often cheaper, but they can break from carrying too much weight or from bumps. Plastic wheelbarrows are used to move mulch, compost, garden debris and small plants. Plastic is also better for mixing things like concrete or fertilizer, especially some organic fertilizers that contain animal manure, which contains ingredients that can corrode steel.
Trolleys also come in different capacities to indicate how much weight they can hold. But we don't recommend filling them to the brim with rocks or bricks when using a wheelbarrow - as they say on the label that they can hold 500 pounds.
How much weight you put on the wheelbarrow will depend on your own strength. While such tools are designed to make it easier to move and dump heavy loads, a wheelbarrow full of rocks or other heavy objects may be too heavy for many people to handle.

How to Choose a Wheelbarrow
When choosing a wheelbarrow, also consider the handles and wheels. When you hear "wheelbarrow," you probably think of the classic wheelbarrow with two straight handles, one wheel in the center of the front, and two supports evenly spaced in the back. However, newer types of wheelbarrows may have ergonomic bar handles and/or two wheels. Single-wheeled wheelbarrows are easier to tip and maneuver, but they are also easy to tip over when turning or tipping, or due to unbalanced loads.
Carts with two wheels are less prone to accidental tipping, but may be more difficult to turn and dump. Wheels are also available as ordinary inflatable wheels or solid rubber wheels like bicycles. Solid rubber wheels don't flatten or burst like inflatable wheels, but they also don't have the shock absorption of inflatable wheels, making them more difficult to use on rough terrain.
The classic two-handle wheelbarrow is designed for good leverage. These handles are usually plastic, metal or wood. Plastic handles can break due to excessive weight. Metal handles can get very hot from being in the sun for long periods of time. Wooden handles can crack and split from too much weather exposure. Two-handled strollers may also require a lot of upper body strength, causing shoulder, arm and back pain.
Ergonomic handles are usually bar handles, like lawn mowers. These bar handles are designed to reduce upper arm strain, but actually have less leverage when dumping loads and can cause more back pain.

In addition to the types described above, there are also specialized slender carts that can be used in tight spaces. Now you can even find foldable canvas trolleys on the market for easy storage. Of course, these canvas trolleys cannot withstand a lot of weight.
Take the time to choose the best trolley for your own needs. All different types of trolleys have pros and cons, so base your choice on what seems easiest for you to use.

If you have any pruner purchase needs or other questions, feel free to contact us. GarDepot is always happy to help!

Understanding Essential Lawn Care Tools

Lawn care is one of those tasks in gardening that is both important and complex. Unless you hire a lawn service to handle the weekly chores of lawn care, every homeowner needs a few basic lawn care tools to finish the task.
There are power tools and some hand tools needed for lawn care. These tools each meet different purposes and have their own different characteristics. This article will provide you with a detailed introduction to them.

Lawn Mower
Almost every homeowner who tends to their lawn will want to own a lawn mower. Mowers are usually of two types: reel mowers, which shear bed knives with a set of laterally mounted blades as the wheels turn, or rotary mowers, which cut with high-speed rotating blades hidden under a metal deck.
In the days before power mowers, reel mowers used to be the standard. There has been a resurgence in reel mowers as people seek non-polluting alternatives. While there are some gasoline-powered reel mowers for commercial applications, reel mowers for home use are usually powered only by the force of the gardener pushing them. Reel mowers are completely pollution-free and provide more exercise for the user.
Rotary mowers include most of the push-powered mowers used in homes across the country. They come in many, many different forms, from small push mowers to large riding mowers that resemble small tractors
Among these push mowers, increasingly common are those operated by plug-in cords and those operated by rechargeable batteries. The various electric models have many advantages, not the least of which is the absence of polluting fumes from burning oil and gasoline. And electric mowers are usually much quieter than gasoline-powered mowers.

Spreaders and Sprayers
To feed and weed your lawn, a spreader for spreading granules is an basic lawn care tool. It spreads fertilizer evenly over a wide, curved area. For spot treatment of weeds, the average size garden a small volume (from one to three gallons) pressure sprayer for spraying herbicides. For lots over half an acre, gardeners may need a backpack sprayer capable of holding four or more gallons.

Rakes
The rake is a basic garden long-handled tool for digging, spreading and collecting in lawn care. And there's a surprising variety to choose from. Hard, metal-tined landscape rakes or garden rakes are ideal for weeding, spreading, separating rocks from the soil and laying mulch. If you want to remove dead leaves, grass clippings and other debris from your lawn, the more flexible and lightweight plastic leaf rakes are better.

Shears
In addition to lawns, some owners like to have some landscaping with grass in their gardens. Grass shears or large hedge shears are the best tools for trimming these landscapes. Small hand pruners are suitable for decorative plants and can cut branches, shrubs and vines.
Grass shears can help you keep the grass high so the landscape doesn't look cluttered. When there are a few scattered weeds popping up and you don't want to bother starting the mower, that's when grass shears come into play as a lawn care tool.

Hand Trowel
This little gem of a lawn tool has multiple uses. Use it as a miniature shovel for digging small holes for planting seedlings and bulbs, or use it for weed eradication tasks. Some models are actually multi-purpose tools with serrated blades and markers that allow you to measure the exact depth of your garden digging.

Wheelbarrow
Moving things from one place to another can be a chore, even in a modestly sized yard. Wheelbarrows are great tools for transporting soil, plants, mulch, hay and other lawn equipment, no matter the distance.

Using these basic lawn care tools to maintain the health of your lawn is sure to keep your entire outdoor living space beautiful this spring and summer. Boost your curb appeal, enjoy your beautiful lawn, and revel in the compliments you receive from your neighbors!

Essential Watering Tools For Beginning Gardeners

Watering is a very important task in garden care. Like many other gardening tasks, watering requires the right tools to do it.
Not all plant watering tools are created equal. You may be confused by the wide variety of watering tools on the market. Some are cheap, but completely unreliable and break after one season. Others are expensive and of good quality, but you may be concerned about whether you really need them for your garden. There are even watering tools that you've never seen before, making the choice even more difficult.
Don't worry, we have prepared this guide for you on a few of the most important watering tools for your garden.

Essential Watering Tools in Your Garden
1. A Lightweight, Long Gardening Hose
One of the most important plant watering tools in your collection is a high quality hose. With a lightweight hose, even plants in the farthest corners of your garden can be watered with ease. What's more, you don't have to worry about accidentally damaging any fragile flower beds while you're hauling it around. Watering hoses have become one of the most recommended gardening tools for most gardeners.
Remember to check the length of the hose before you buy it, to make sure you can easily reach every corner of your yard. There's nothing more irritating than buying a new hose and finding yourself unable to reach your backyard herb garden! If you live in a seasonal climate, purchasing a weather-resistant hose is crucial to getting through the winter.
2. A Self-Propelling Sprinkler
Now that we have robotic vacuum cleaners for use in our homes, it was only a matter of time before they reinvented the sprinkler with the same concept. Self-propelled sprinklers may just change the way you think about your plant watering tools. You don't have to adjust the sprinklers multiple times throughout your yard. Sprinklers no longer have to babysit as they do their job. You simply lay the hose used by the sprinkler as its track across the yard and let it go!
3. A Rain Barrel
You can save a lot of money simply by collecting and using rainwater to water your lawn and garden. To do this, you first need to purchase a rain barrel. These are usually fairly inexpensive, and it's not even necessary to buy a brand new one. Being frugal and eco-friendly is also something every gardener wants. Buy a rain barrel and save your money and water!
4. A Multipurpose Hose Nozzle
While it is necessary to have a hose nozzle for watering your garden and plants, it is important to consider other uses when purchasing.
The hose nozzle should be durable enough to last a long time, and it must also be easy to use. Think of all the chores a hose nozzle can do, such as watering gardens and potted plants, washing vehicles, spraying the exterior of a house, or even giving the dog a bath. The best plant watering tools may also help you in other aspects of your daily life.
5. The Water Blossom
The Water Blossom is both a beautiful garden decoration and a root watering device that directs water to the roots of plants, making them stronger and healthier.
The problem with most traditional plant watering tools is that they cannot get under the hard surface layer of the soil. Especially in the hot summer months, water may not penetrate into the ground, causing most of the water to evaporate or run off. the Water Blossom root watering tool allows you to water your plants and garden more effectively than traditional watering systems. Whether indoors or outdoors, you'll be able to water deeply and less frequently. This watering method encourages deeper and wider root growth.

While you can't make it rain, you can equip yourself with some affordable tools that will help make watering your lawn and garden less of a hassle. The goal is to water smarter, not harder.
If you'd like to learn more about gardening tools, feel free to browse GarDepot. we offer a gardening guide guide, as well as a variety of useful gardening tools to help keep your garden in tip-top shape all year round.

The Tools You Need to Start a Garden

If you're planning to start a garden, you probably know that it takes more than a few gadgets to get the job done. However, you don't need an entire shed full of tools for every type of plant you plan to grow.
And you certainly don't need to give up growing your own vegetables and fruits because you lack gardening tools or expertise. We've prepared a detailed guide to the basic gardening tools you need to get started, plus helpful hints and optional add-ons that can make gardening easier.
Save yourself (and your wallet) a trip to the garden center by sticking with these essential gardening tools, which will get you off to a strong start.

5 Must-Have Gardening Tools
1. Trowel
A small hand trowel is an essential tool for many everyday gardening tasks, including breaking up clods of soil, digging small holes, transplanting young plants, and even digging out weeds. Container-only gardeners and large gardeners alike will find themselves using a small trowel on a regular basis. If you're spending money on a piece of entry-level gardening equipment, this is the one to go for - choose one with a sturdy metal blade and a sturdy wooden handle.
2. Pruning Shears
Whether you're harvesting fresh produce or cutting back berry bushes, you'll want to equip yourself with a sturdy set of pruning shears.
For a clean cut, cut at the nodes of the plant (where the branch meets the stem in a Y-shape). Once your garden matures, you can invest in a set of shears designed for branches that are 2 inches or wider.
3. Hose and Watering Can
If you put your plants directly in the ground, then buy a hose and make sure it's long enough to reach from your faucet to your garden. Consider adding a sprayer attachment that lets you control water flow and pressure. If you're purely a container gardener, a watering can will suffice - look for one that's lightweight and still portable when filled.
For best results, water in the early morning when temperatures are cooler. Avoid midday watering, which evaporates too quickly, and evening watering, which can leave the soil waterlogged and create a breeding ground for harmful fungi and bacteria.
4. Garden Rake
Garden rakes usually have a long wooden handle with uniform metal tines and are stronger than the leaf rakes you use to clean up grass clippings and other loose material. They make it easy for you to create smooth, level soil while removing unwanted weeds. If you're tilling tough, weedy ground, consider swapping the rake for a garden hoe, a more weighty landscape tool that can help you chop and clear irregular spaces and remove weeds.
5. Angled Shovel
A shovel seems simple enough, but you'd be surprised at how many options are available in the store. Choose a shovel with an angle (with a triangular head) that will give you the ability to dig holes, move soil and relocate plants. If you're starting a large landscape bed, a square garden trowel will help you make cleaner cuts, but for most novices, an angled trowel is the tool for the job.

5 Nice-to-Have Tools to Make Gardening Easier
If your budget allows, consider these five items that will help make your entry into food gardening a bit smoother.
1. Gardening Gloves
While some people won't touch the soil without wearing gardening gloves, they're not technically necessary, especially when it comes to lighter workloads like container gardening. However, they will help prevent blisters and scratches, not to mention keep your hands clean. Look for gloves with reinforced fingertips and padding for added protection, plus a tightenable wrist strap to keep soil out.
2. Kneeling Pad
If you're concerned about soreness from kneeling for long periods of time, consider this comfort item. Most garden centers offer rectangular foam pads that you can place under your knees while you work.
2. Sprinkler
You can water your vegetable garden with a hose and sprayer attachment (plus a few minutes of your time), but sprinklers have proven to be useful for larger spaces. If you need to cover a lot of ground, look for a swinging or rotating sprinkler that will maximize the use of water.
3. Wheelbarrow
If you're working on a heavy project, consider using a wheelbarrow to help you move lots of soil, mulch, compost and plants (and, hopefully, a bumper crop in a few months!) . Plastic wheelbarrows are less expensive (not to mention heavier), while metal wheelbarrows may prove to be more durable. For smaller projects, an old 5-gallon bucket will do the trick.

Power Tools You Need For Your Garden

Who doesn't love a beautiful garden full of lush flowers and vegetables, or a perfectly uniformly trimmed lawn? These outdoor landscapes involve hard work, planting, cultivating, weeding, mowing and harvesting. Fortunately, we live in an age where garden power tools can alleviate some of the hard work that is necessary to achieve a beautiful garden and lawn.

Leaf Blower
Come fall, all the lush leaves fade to brown and cover your once lovely lawn. Using a leaf blower will save you time with your rake. The newer models that can both blow and suck are also useful for cleaning up debris in your yard.
Leaf blowers are also available in gas-powered, corded electric and battery models. Leaf blowers use a fair amount of energy for their tasks, so battery-operated leaf blowers have a fairly limited life between charges and are best used if the task at hand is fairly small.
An electric, corded blower is a good choice for home use because it is a compromise between power and weight. These blowers have no emissions when in use, start reliably and easily, and have enough power to move most leaf litter.
When choosing a leaf blower, look for an adjustable air deflector, a convenient on/off switch, a good hand balance to reduce fatigue, a speed control, and a gas operated model with a detonator bulb. For example, a model that can also be used as a vacuum cleaner can come in handy when cleaning garage floors.

Hedge Trimmer
If you have a lot of shrubs and hedges, you'll soon get tired of trimming them one by one by hand. Instead, this is the job of a pair of hedge trimmers, which use two toothed blades that move sideways to quickly clip off branches.

Again, you can choose between gas, corded electric and battery electric models. And, the battery model is best for light use and the gas model for very heavy use. Most homeowners will choose a corded model as a compromise between power and price: both gas and battery models are more expensive. Corded models are also lighter and quieter.
The blade length of a hedge trimmer determines its cutting speed and has an impact on the overall weight of the unit. Home landscape models are usually in the 16-inch to 24-inch range. The distance between the teeth determines the maximum size of branch you can cut; home models are usually 1/2" to 3/4".
On some hedge trimmers, one blade moves while the other remains stationary, while on better models, both blades move, resulting in a faster cut. A wrap-around handle will provide a firm grip, and you'll want a front handle guard and tine extensions to minimize any chance of injury. Choose a hedge trimmer that is well balanced and light enough that it won't tire you out.

Chain Saw
Chain saws are perfect for cutting large branches into smaller, more manageable pieces. These types of saws are also suitable for pruning branches that are too wide for other equipment.
Features to look for on a chain saw include a kickback lever (one danger of the saw is the tendency to kick away from the cut when the going gets tough), a brake to stop the chain when it kicks back, to prevent the chain from being thrown back at the operator if it breaks, and a wrap-around handle for maximum grip.

A good garden and lawn can give great satisfaction, but is very time consuming. Having the right power tools on hand can save you enough time to really enjoy the fruits (and vegetables) of your labor.

5 Most Useful Tips for Gardening Safety

Every year, gardeners and gardening enthusiasts spend a lot of time in the garden. With a lot of work to be done, gardening safety and gardener protection is something that needs special consideration.
Of course, when thinking of gardening safety, the first thing that comes to mind is sharp tools and machinery, but there are many other types of hazards beyond that. That's why we've prepared this guide to introduce you to head-to-toe garden protection.

Tips for Gardening Safety

1.PROTECT YOUR HEAD
Cutting down branches overhead can be a pain, both figuratively and literally. Branches that may fall from heights are always a major factor in gardening safety.
When pruning trees, wear a hard hat to protect your precious noggin and avoid hoodies and scarves, which can block your view and get tangled up in garden machinery.
Heat can also be a hazard. Therefore, wear a hat or bush hat when the sun is shining down.
Finally, removing items from a cluttered shed can be more dangerous than garden work. Stay organized - especially any raised shelves.

2.KEEP YOUR HANDS SAFE IN THE GARDEN
It's always a good idea to wear garden gloves when using anything from saws and loppers to lawn mowers. It's also important to wear gloves when handling plants, especially since some plants can cause irritation when they come in contact with your skin.
Don't cut what you can't see, and don't stick both hands into the hedge to trim. In many cases, it's not the hand holding the tool that gets hurt, but the other hand. In the worst cases your fingers may even be cut off.
It may seem obvious, but you certainly need to be aware of the mower blades - make sure the engine is turned off or unplugged before going near them.
Finally, be sure to protect cuts and scrapes with plaster or protective gloves. It is absolutely essential to keep your wounds clean when rooting in the soil. If you're not careful, you can contract some nasty pathogens, including tetanus.

3.TORSO PROTECTION
It may not occur to many people that wearing the right clothing is also an important part of gardening safety. Tough tops and long pants are important, as quality clothing can protect you more than you think.
Likewise, temperature is important. For example, don't overdress if it's a hot day, and don't underdress if it's wet and cold. If you're working hard on a cold day, be sure to get inside immediately after you finish to avoid getting sick as your body cools.
When working in the hot sun, remember that clothing is the first line of defense, so it's a good idea to wear long sleeves to protect delicate skin. Likewise, you should always remember to use a sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher.

4.BE KIND TO YOUR KNEES
Since most gardening is done on the ground, many times you will have to get down on your knees. Knee mats or knee pads are the best way to protect your joints and make weeding or seeding more comfortable. After all, a gardener's physical health should be among the things to protect for gardening safety, right?

5.TREAT YOUR FEET WELL
Always wear proper footwear. You can wear wellies for soft work, but if you're paving or operating heavy machinery, then it's best to wear steel-toed shoes. When digging, wear sensible shoes so you don't get hurt by misalignment of the shovel.
When you have to tend to your garden in rain or snow, remember to wear rain boots to keep your feet warm and dry.
It is important to obtain the proper clothing and safety equipment to stay safe and healthy in the garden. Hopefully, this guide has provided you with some practical gardening safety tips so that you know how to get the job done easily and safely.

Gardepot offer a wide range of tools and protective gear that gardeners need, and if you want to learn more about gardening, check out our other articles. Or contact us now to get a latest catalog of our all products!

The History of Gardening Hand Tools

You may have seen different lists of the most revolutionary inventions in history that have changed human life to a considerable extent. But in my opinion, it was the invention of hand tools that triggered all these changes.

Today, we would like to discuss the history of hand tools. In particular, we will also talk about the history of gardening hand tools.

How have hand tools begun?

Tools are a means of altering raw materials in the production process. Humans' ability to use tools makes them one of the most powerful creatures of all species. Humans can change the world around it through the use of tools.

Making tools, using and upgrading them to create the desired objects is a uniquely human ability. By understanding this ability, humans have been able to achieve everything from the most basic types of life to traveling to other planets and moving at high speeds. Living with upgraded machines and tools is a very valuable accomplishment.

The role of tools in our lives

This diversity and improvement in tools has allowed us to create a wide range of work in the industry that is faster and more efficient than traditional work. Solving surrounding problems and population growth have also influenced the need for better tools. Humans are able to use tools to overcome natural disasters and do not need to relocate as often.

By studying the tools found in human life thousands of years ago, we can see the usefulness of tools, even though they were very primitive. Their diffusion allowed farmers to become industrialists.

The earliest gardening hand tools

In the history of gardening hand tools, these have not changed much since the first gardening hand tools were put into use (say thousands of years ago). Ancient weeding hoes, rakes, shovels, scythes and sickles, to name a few, are tools found all over the world.

It is only by looking at these ancient hand tools and their modern versions that we understand that these tools are essentially similar in shape and may differ in construction materials depending on the resources available at the time.

1.Rakes

The rake is said to have originated in China because agriculture and horticulture have a long history in China, when the main work of the country was to cultivate and harvest for subsistence.

2.Wheelbarrows

Wheelbarrows also originated in China, probably in the 3rd century. Archaeologists have found many paintings from that time that clearly refer to early wooden wheelbarrows. The materials may have been different from modern metal and heavy plastic, but the shape was essentially the same and did not change much throughout the era.

3.Watering tools

Humans have found samples of various watering pots and jars at the sites of ancient civilizations, showing the existence of watering tools for thousands of years in the past. Their designs may have varied, but they were all designed to bring efficiency and convenience when delivering water to plants, trees and flowers.

4.Pruning Tools

Today, a wide variety of gardening scissors and scythes are used for various purposes of pruning or cutting. In fact, this is not exclusive to the modern era. These gardening hand tools have been in use since long ago, and their shapes and uses are the same.

All in all, many tools that were common in ancient times and eras are still popular and useful, even as gardening methods have improved and evolved.

Incredible Uses of Hand Trowel In Gardening

A hand trowel is a gardening tool that is used to break up the soil, remove weeds, and transplant plants. It can also be used to apply fertilizer or compost to the soil.
Hand trowels come in many different sizes and shapes, so it's important to choose a size and shape that's right for the job at hand. Some small trowels have serrated edges that can be used to cut through stubborn weeds or roots. Others have a curved blade that can be used to scoop up soil or compost.
Whichever type of hand trowel you choose, make sure it is comfortable to use and has a sharp blade to easily accomplish your gardening tasks. For taking benefits about the usage of the trowel you also have to know about the maintenance of hand trowel keeping it long time.

What are the uses of hand trowel?
1. Breaking up soil: The hand trowel is the perfect tool for breaking up soil in a small area, such as a flower bed or vegetable garden. The sharp blade makes light work of any clods of soil, and you can create a smooth, flat surface with a small trowel.
2. Removing weeds: Garden trowels can also be used for removal Whether you are an experienced gardener or just starting out, having a good hand with a small trowel is vital to your success in the garden.
This simple tool makes it easy to create the perfect hole for planting seeds or seedlings, transplanting mature plants, and digging out pesky weeds.
3. Transplanting plants: In addition to breaking up soil and removing weeds, hand trowels can be used to transplant plants. If you have an existing garden bed with larger plants growing in it, you can use a hand shovel to gently dig around each plant and lift them out.
Whether you're moving an existing plant to a new location in your garden or simply repotting it into a larger container, the hand trowel's sharp blade will get the job done quickly.
4. Applying fertilizer or compost: Another great use for a hand trowel is to apply fertilizer or compost to your garden beds. Instead of trying to spread this fertilizer evenly by hand, simply scoop up a trowel and use a small trowel to distribute it more evenly over the surface of the soil.
5. Create furrows for seeds: When planting new seedlings or direct seeding, it can be helpful to use a small trowel to make furrows in the soil. This will space the plants evenly and ensure they get the right amount of sunlight, water and nutrients.

As you can see, a small hand trowel is a versatile gardening tool that can be used for a variety of tasks. If you're looking for garden tools to help make gardening easier, then hand trowels are definitely worth considering.

To summarize, the main uses of hand trowels include breaking up compacted soil, digging holes for planting new plants, weeding and cultivating the soil, and removing unwanted weeds and grass from around existing plants.
In addition to these basic functions, many gardeners use the trowel to apply compost or fertilizer to the soil, or to move plants from one location to another.
When choosing a hand trowel, it is important to consider the size and shape of the blade, as well as the overall weight and construction of the tool. For example, someone with small hands may prefer a short, narrow trowel, while someone with large hands may find a wide, long trowel more comfortable to use.
The weight of the trowel is also important, as heavier tools may be more difficult to control, especially when digging in hard or compacted soil.

Conclusion
Whether you are a gardener, a farmer or a gardening enthusiast, garden trowels are essential tools for your work. There are many useful uses for this tool, and by understanding its different uses and how to best utilize this handy gardening tool, you can make your job easier and more efficient.

At GarDepot, you can find almost a full range of gardening tools and equipment. We also offer guidance for gardeners on the various tools available. Feel free to visit our website to learn more.

5 Most Useful Tips for Gardening Safety

Every year, gardeners and gardening enthusiasts spend a lot of time in the garden. With a lot of work to be done, gardening safety and gardener protection is something that needs special consideration.
Of course, when thinking of gardening safety, the first thing that comes to mind is sharp tools and machinery, but there are many other types of hazards beyond that. That's why we've prepared this guide to introduce you to head-to-toe garden protection.

PROTECT YOUR HEAD
Cutting down branches overhead can be a pain, both figuratively and literally. Branches that may fall from heights are always a major factor in gardening safety.
When pruning trees, wear a hard hat to protect your precious noggin and avoid hoodies and scarves, which can block your view and get tangled up in garden machinery.
Heat can also be a hazard. Therefore, wear a hat or bush hat when the sun is shining down.
Finally, removing items from a cluttered shed can be more dangerous than garden work. Stay organized - especially any raised shelves.

KEEP YOUR HANDS SAFE IN THE GARDEN

It's always a good idea to wear gloves when using anything from saws and loppers to lawn mowers. It's also important to wear garden gloves when handling plants, especially since some plants can cause irritation when they come in contact with your skin.
Don't cut what you can't see, and don't stick both hands into the hedge to trim. In many cases, it's not the hand holding the tool that gets hurt, but the other hand. In the worst cases your fingers may even be cut off.
It may seem obvious, but you certainly need to be aware of the mower blades - make sure the engine is turned off or unplugged before going near them.
Finally, be sure to protect cuts and scrapes with plaster or protective gloves. It is absolutely essential to keep your wounds clean when rooting in the soil. If you're not careful, you can contract some nasty pathogens, including tetanus.

TORSO PROTECTION
It may not occur to many people that wearing the right clothing is also an important part of gardening safety. Tough tops and long pants are important, as quality clothing can protect you more than you think.
Likewise, temperature is important. For example, don't overdress if it's a hot day, and don't underdress if it's wet and cold. If you're working hard on a cold day, be sure to get inside immediately after you finish to avoid getting sick as your body cools.
When working in the hot sun, remember that clothing is the first line of defense, so it's a good idea to wear long sleeves to protect delicate skin. Likewise, you should always remember to use a sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher.

BE KIND TO YOUR KNEES
Since most gardening is done on the ground, many times you will have to get down

on your knees. Knee mats or knee pads are the best way to protect your joints and make weeding or seeding more comfortable. After all, a gardener's physical health should be among the things to protect for gardening safety, right?

TREAT YOUR FEET WELL
Always wear proper footwear. You can wear wellies for soft work, but if you're paving or operating heavy machinery, then it's best to wear steel-toed shoes. When digging, wear sensible shoes so you don't get hurt by misalignment of the shovel.
When you have to tend to your garden in rain or snow, remember to wear rain boots to keep your feet warm and dry.

It is important to obtain the proper clothing and safety equipment to stay safe and healthy in the garden. Hopefully, this guide has provided you with some practical gardening safety tips so that you know how to get the job done easily and safely.
Gardepot offer a wide range of gardening tools and protective gear that gardeners need, and if you want to learn more about gardening, check out our other articles. 

How To Choose The Right Lawn Sprinkler

Have you been struggling to choose the right lawn sprinkler?

For those homes with gardens, landscape irrigation accounts for almost a third of residential water use, especially lawn watering. So it's no surprise that people are always looking for the best and most effective sprinklers to use in their homes.
This article is an introduction and buying guide to lawn sprinklers. Read on to learn how to choose the right one.

How to Choose the Right Lawn Sprinkler

The perfect plush grass that you want to roll around in is not always easy to have. Choosing the right sprinkler can help you get the perfect lawn you want, because proper watering is the key to a perfect yard.
Keep in mind that the size and area you want to water will have an impact on how you choose a lawn sprinkler. The good news is that even if you want an eco-friendly sprinkler system, this is still possible.

Things to Consider

When deciding which sprinkler system to choose, make sure you check the capacity that the system can handle. The larger the area, the more complex the system is likely to be.
You'll also want to figure out what type of soil you have and choose a system that is appropriate for that particular soil type. Different sprinkler systems are ideal for certain types of soil.
Consider how much water you have available to you. Due to the drought, certain cities have strict rules about how much water you can use. Some sprinkler systems will require more water than others. If your area has strict water restrictions, it would not be a wise decision to choose a system that requires more water.
Double check how complicated the installation of your lawn sprinklers is. Some systems install quickly and without any problems, while others may require experienced professionals to come out and help.
One other thing to consider is how much money you are willing to spend on lawn watering. Depending on your budget, you will be able to narrow down your sprinkler system options.

Common Sprinkler Systems
Below are the three most common lawn sprinkler systems to help you narrow down the type you need based on the above considerations.
1. Rotary Head Systems
This type of sprinkler system is ideal for covering large areas. A typical system sprays less than one inch per hour. This gives the soil plenty of time to absorb the water. If you have a large lawn, this may be the best choice for you.
2. Drip system
This system is used for specific plants and sections. You can set up these systems for certain flower beds, flowers, plants, etc. In this system, water drips directly into the soil, hence the name.
3. Spray system
This is great for smaller areas that need a lot of water in a short period of time. A typical sprinkler system sprays an average of 1.5 inches of water per hour. These systems are best for flat surfaces and absorbent soils. If your lawn is not too large, then a spray system may be the best choice for you.

Time to Choose
Keeping the above few tips in mind when choosing a lawn sprinkler will help you save time in consideration and make a more informed decision. The goal is to make your task of watering your lawn more efficient and not so time consuming.

GarDepot is committed to providing the highest quality gardening tools to customers around the world. If you have any need to purchase a lawn sprinkler, please feel free to contact us.

Must-Have Pruning Tools for Gardeners

Having the right pruning tools for your tasks will make gardening easier and make your garden healthier and more beautiful. Start with high-quality, well-made pruning tools that are kept sharp and rust-free - clean cuts will ensure your plants recover quickly and look better than ever.
What pruning tools does every gardener need in his or her garden? Here's our list!

Hand pruners
Manual pruners are best for cutting small stems, and they have scissor-like blades for clean cuts. There are also ergonomic handles for a more comfortable grip.
Use hand pruners on branches that are no more than 1/2 inch thick. Do not wrestle with the blade on large branches. You may damage the tool and the plant.

Needle-nose pruning shears
You most likely already have a good pair of pruning shears. But you may have noticed that when it comes to delicate pruning, they don't fit in tight places or are bulky.
Needle-nose pruning shears allow you to get into small areas and cut off a damaged leaf or two. They carry more weight than scissors when cutting woody plants and clipping fibrous stems from perennials. Once you see how handy they are, you'll be picking them up every time you go out in the garden.

Loppers
Stronger than hand pruners, but less work than a pruning saw, loppers take the middle ground. The longer the handles, the more leverage you have, so the larger the branch you can trim. Some loppers have ratcheting gears to assist you in cutting hard wood wood with less effort. These models often have anvil blades, where the cutting blade meets a flat surface of the opposite blade, much like a knife on a cutting board.
Loppers will cut branches from ½ in. to 1½ in. thick. Use bypass loppers for green wood, but anvil loppers to cut hard, dead wood because they tend to crush stems as they cut. Get loppers with telescoping handles to reach out of the way branches.

Hedge shears
With hedge clippers, you can cut off a few stems at a time, or even a light cluster of branches. But they will prune indiscriminately, leaving stubs and partially cut leaves, so don't use them for precision pruning.
Hedge clippers can cut branches 1/4 inch thick or less. Use them often to trim for a more formal look. They are also effective for deadheading flowering shrubs, or cutting back ornamental grasses in the spring.

Pole pruners
Pole pruners help extend your reach and make pruning trees easier. They operate similarly to regular saws and shears, except that to close the blades of the shears, you pull a corded pole.
You can use a pole pruner when you want to trim branches from trees or shrubs that are out of reach of other tools. Get one with a telescoping handle for a larger reach.

Pruning saw
Pruning saws are great tools for working on larger branches. Most are cut during the pulling process. This allows you to put some physical force into the cut and keeps the saw teeth from sticking. Folding pruning saws are a good choice because they are easier to store.
Use a pruning saw on branches between 1 inch and 10 inches in diameter. Choose a fine-tooth saw (8 teeth per inch) for green wood and a coarse-tooth saw (4 teeth per inch) for dead wood.

Pole saw
If you have a lot of trees to prune or maintain, a battery-powered or gas-powered pole saw is a worthwhile investment in order to avoid wear and tear on your arms. It has the ability to cut larger branches quickly, but can become a bit heavy after prolonged use.
Use a pole saw when cutting large, tall branches that can be tedious with a manual saw. When cutting branches above your head, remember to use protective equipment to avoid accidents caused by falling branches and debris.

At GarDepot, we offer a wide variety of pruning tools to build and maintain our customers' dream gardens.

3 Uses For Hedge Shears In Your Garden

Hedge shears look a lot like large scissors with a pair of long, straight blades. They are designed to cut as many plants as possible in one clearing. When you trim your shrubs with hedge shears, they create long, sharp edges on what you cut. This makes them perfect for maintaining rectangular hedges.
However, hedge shears are not very good at shaping shrubs and plants with strong woody branches and stems. Because hedge shears are suited for cutting soft stems, their blades are damaged when used on hard wood. They can also create imperfect cuts on plants.

Hedge shears are somewhat limited by what they can cut and are primarily used for soft, non-woody stems. But you shouldn't underestimate their usefulness. Because hedge shears can cut plants so quickly, they are one of the main tools that every beginning gardener should have.

In this article, let's take a look at three uses for hedge shears in the garden.

1 - Maintaining a straight-edged hedge
Hedge shears are ideal for maintaining straight hedges.
As mentioned above, hedge shears are suitable for cutting long, straight lines. Their design is suitable for trimming geometric designs and straight lines to create "boxy" shapes. If you want to trim your hedges and prefer a long, manual design, hedge shears are a great choice. Since these large plant shears can cut long, straight lines in one motion, the professional gardener's job of shaping the shrubs will be done in no time.
However, if you prefer a more rounded, natural-looking hedge, you should avoid using hedge shears. It is almost impossible to achieve a rounded effect with these long, straight blades.

2 - Cutting back perennials
Hedge shears can also be used to cut back perennials.
Perennials are long-lived and can grow indefinitely, expanding their territory in a matter of months. Overgrown perennials can look messy and cover other slow-growing plants nearby, blocking them from sunlight. Hedge shears can effectively manage their growth by trimming regularly throughout the year. This will keep them looking neat and allow delicate plants to compete for sunlight.
Shears are most effective when pruning soft plants such as catnip and lilies, which requires little effort to do. Despite the imprecision of the shears, you don't have to worry too much about being completely precise when pruning perennials. These plants will quickly grow up and hide any unnatural cuts you make, making your garden look great again.

3 - Other general hedge shear uses
Thanks to the considerable cutting force produced by the sizable blades, hedge shears can cut down most soft-stemmed plants. If accuracy is important, you may have to spend some time, but if you just need to get rid of excess growth, the job can be done in a matter of minutes.
Hedge shears can be used to manage greenery, as they can successfully cut most plants in the garden. Hedge shears with long blades can easily cut off troublesome plants, even stems that are hidden in large bushes and hard to reach.

At GarDepot, we offer a wide variety of pruning tools to build and maintain our customers' dream gardens. We are always happy to discuss your requirements, get in touch with us and we will be happy to help.

Top 5 Gardening Tools

If your job is to grow plants, you know how important it is to have all the core gardening tools you need to maintain the health and appearance of your garden.
While there are many premium gardening supplies available online, there are only a few basic tools that are necessary for professional gardeners. With these top gardening tools, you can keep your garden looking neat and properly landscaped.

1.Telescopic Pruner
Also known as shears or loppers, the telescopic pruner is an absolute must if you do a lot of pruning in your garden. It is essential for pruning trees and shrubs, removing excess green leaves and dead branches, and trimming and shaping taller plants.
The advantage of telescopic pruners is that they come with an adjustable handle. You can use a locking mechanism to shorten and extend the handle. This is a great tool if you are used to carrying a ladder when doing sporadic yard work. Pruning shears come in different designs, but the most popular ones are the ones with bypass blades.

2.Hoe
What's a garden without a hoe? The humble hoe happens to be one of the oldest gardening tools ever made, and it remains one of the most rewarding tools for gardeners of all skill levels to own. The hoe is known for its versatility; it can be used to till the soil, remove unwanted debris, create clean edges in the lawn, and dig in the garden.
It has a wide paddle or stirrup and a long handle. The hoe is perfect for tilling the soil at the beginning of the growing season. It removes unwanted debris from the garden while breaking up compacted soil.

3.Hand Trowel
Professional gardeners are always planting, transplanting and potting, and these tasks require a special tool that provides versatility and accuracy - such as a hand shovel. Think of a hand shovel as a small spade - it is used to transplant and spread small plants and seedlings. It can uproot weeds, dig holes in the ground, loosen compacted soil and move it out of the way, or remove unwanted debris from the garden.

4.Rake
Just like a hoe, a rake is another basic gardening tool that every garden should have. A standard rake has a tined rod set horizontally on a long handle. This tool breaks up clods, moves soil, and removes fallen leaves, twigs, hay and other unwanted debris. A rake is also useful if you are composting or weeding.
Not all rakes are created equal. Some rakes have plastic tines, while others have more traditional steel tines. Plastic rakes are often used for delicate tasks such as raking up leaves and dry trash, while steel rakes are better suited for more strenuous tasks such as tilling soil, removing unwanted debris from large areas or breaking up compacted soil. Short-tined rakes are suitable for narrow areas, while wide rakes are suitable for large areas of lawns and gardens.

5.Shovel
A shovel, also known as a spade, has a flat, wide blade that is either rectangular or almost domed with a pointed blade. It is used for a variety of garden tasks, including digging, transplanting and moving materials.
The shovel is commonly used to work with compacted soil, dig holes, lift sod and move mounds of soil from one area to another. It can also be used to create a clean edge to a lawn. Shovels come in a variety of designs, but professional gardeners tend to stick with the traditional, plain shape (the kind with a pointed tip) because it's the most versatile.

Even the most experienced gardeners need the right tools, otherwise, they can't get any work done. The gardening tools we listed above are not only the most versatile, but they will also help you work safely in your garden. By investing in these gardening supplies, you can create and maintain the garden of your dreams.