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.