7 Garden Tools for Beginners

If you’re just starting your gardening journey, here are 7 garden tools for beginners! As a novice or expert gardener, tools are a must. I’m going to share some of the tools I think are basic and easily found. Of course these are based on my opinion and experience. I can’t imagine garden life without them and anything that makes growing food easier is a win! 

7 Garden Tools for Beginners

Let’s get down to business of garden tools and how they are used to cultivate and maintain your garden.

1. Garden Gloves

Whether you’re weeding, planting, or harvesting, gloves fit the bill. A good pair of gloves is essential for gardening comfort. Gloves provide protection for your hands from scratches and nicks during garden tasks. Durability and a good grip are key and I suggest they be waterproof. A nice design is a welcome plus. I love flowers or circles.

2. Hand Shovel 

A good hand shovel has many benefits and I LOVE mine. I use it for digging and scooping soil as well as mixing it up with other materials such as compost or manure. Whenever I transplant seedlings, I dig the space with my hand shovel to make the hole in the soil. Shovels come in different sizes and colors. My personal preference is a stainless steel shovel with a rubber handle that has a good grip.

3. Hand Rake

Hand rakes with their sharp teeth are perfect for clearing weeds and other debris. You can also use them to break up soil that’s clumped together. The teeth act as a comb that moves through the soil. A hand rake is a plus because it’s used in the garden bed or small garden spaces. I use my hand rake to get under plants without damaging them.  

4. Water Can

Water cans are so much fun. They come in various sizes and all types of cool colors. They are used for, you guessed it, watering plants. They are very convenient because they are portable, unlike a water hose you have to drag around and tug on. My water cans are also used to mix in liquid fertilizers. I typically pick water cans that are plastic but high quality.

I once loved the metal cans; however, they rust over time. I especially had this issue when water was left in them. What I appreciate the most about the water can is the gentle stream you can use when you have small seedlings that can’t stand up to full blasts of water. 

5. Plant Markers

Plant markers save a lot of guess work. When you have seedlings, you won’t always remember what you’ve planted, unless you only plant one type of seed. When you use plant markers, you’ll always be able to identify what’s been planted in your garden.

You may use markers that are made for plants or make your own using popsicle sticks (even recycled ones). Sometimes I use plastic forks and write on them I stick the forks upright and plant them by the seedling. Any cutlery can be used as a plant marker and they’re kind of cute.

6. Permanent Markers

Some opinions may vary on this but I find permanent markers very useful in my garden. I use them on my plant markers because they don’t wash off too quickly and by the time they fade, you’ll most likely know what the plant is that’s been planted.

Permanent markers work on most if not all plant markers that are wooden, plastic, or cardboard. All you do is write what you’re planting and ta-da the mystery of what’s been planted disappears. I like to use various colors to coincide with what I’m planting.

7. Bucket or Container

Buckets and containers are great companions in the garden. I use them to mix soil and amendments such as compost or manure. Sometimes I use them to tote my garden tools from one space to another. For example: I may use a bucket or container to transport my hand rake, hand shovel, gloves, markers and small planters and save myself a trip. Once I get to the space, I’ll empty my bucket and then mix up my soil in it and keep it moving.

These days buckets are very versatile. Some gardeners are using larger buckets to grow food, that’s another story for another day. I also use my larger planters in leu of containers, they work just as well. 

Final Thoughts

Finding these garden tools are relatively easy. They can be found in your local big box stores and online. Check your neighborhood thrift store or garden center. I have found tools at yard sales and estate sales. You may already have buckets and markers laying around your home already.

There’s no need to break the bank either, start off with what you can afford and work your way up to better. Keep in mind that you do get what you pay for and gardening tools are an investment that pays dividends. If you have questions or comments leave them below.

Happy garden tool shopping. Let me know what you picked up and where you found it. Remember: Produce not just consume.