Spear & Jackson E-Series Soil Rake
You can certainly create a thriving and bountiful organic garden without purchasing a bunch of equipment but the right gardening tools will definitely make the job easier.
As you work at learning gardening you will find that there are some tools out there that are important for specific types of projects. The practical thing to do is to start with some simple tools and then add more as they become necessary. These are just a few of the tools you should buy right out of the gate with your first gardening project.
You need to have a garden rake. A garden rake is not the same thing as the yard rake you will use when you need to gather leaves together for bagging at the end of the fall season. Garden rakes are shorter and they are sturdier and have teeth made from steel. To make sure that your rake fits your project make sure that you buy one that has an adjustable width-do not buy a fixed width rake. You cannot use a fixed width rake in every project so you should buy an adjustable width rake instead because doing so is more cost effective. Garden rakes are used to smooth and level out the dirt in your gardens.
Gardening gloves are something that every gardener should have whether you are a beginner or an expert. Gardening gloves protect your hands while you work with your plants and with the earth. You might enjoy the feeling of digging in the dirt with non-gloved hands but gloves will help keep your hands safe and clean while you work. For example, when you are pruning rosebushes or other plants with thorns, you will want to wear gloves to protect yourself against scratches and being stuck.
Gardening gloves also protect your hands from the residue that is left behind by compost and fertilizer. Wearing gloves also protects you against the various creatures (like bugs) that might inhabit your garden.
Having a garden spade in your toolbox is essential if your garden is going to contain smaller and more delicate plants and flowers. You can easily uproot weeds with a garden spade. They can also help you clear dirt and debris from plants without doing damage to the bases of the plants. Gardeners can also use spades for help with planting seeds. While you probably won’t put the spade to use every single day that you work in your garden, the days when you have intricate work to do around your plants will make you glad that you have your spade on hand. Your spade will save you lots of time and effort with a bunch of different gardening tasks and projects.
Another tool you will want is a kneeler or two. Most gardening involves spending a lot of time crouching or on your hands and needs. Garden kneelers can easily be constructed from spare pieces of Styrofoam or other cushy materials-anything to provide a soft barrier between your knees and the ground. Gardening mats are also available for purchase if you don’t want to make your own. Many gardeners protect their knees form wear and tear by using kneelers or garden mats. Many gardeners choose to use mats and kneelers because they help keep their clothing from getting to worn while they garden.
Lots of people find organic gardening to be relaxing. Many gardeners enjoy organic gardening because they have control over the situation-they can garden at any time of year, in whatever location they choose and do as much of it as they want to do! With the right gardening tools even the best gardening experience will be made better because they save time and get more done!
Want to learn more about composting? Get your copy of Composting:The Keys to Great CompostingFiled under Gardening by on Aug 26th, 2010. Comment. 
