5 Pieces of Equipment Gardeners Cant Live Without

Gardening is fun and rewarding and may be considered a hobby, talent or both and sometimes it's just luck. Gardening is not as easy as it looks and involves dedication, time and consistency and many trials and errors. There are many aspects to maintaining a healthy garden, but some aspects are more important than others. An individual who likes to garden can have the knowledge to produce the best garden in the world, but without the right equipment and materials it just wouldn't be possible.

Below you will find a list of the top 5 pieces of equipment which gardeners simply cannot live without:

1. Trowel ? A trowel is a shovel-like piece of equipment which is used to dig up dirt and set small plants. There are many styles to choose from and type of handle on your trowel will determine how well it works. Easy grip, non-slide and non-slip grips are the best form of handle to choose. These will be easier to use and will require less work than any other form of trowel. A trowel with no grip will be difficult to use and could end up ruining your garden. Try one out in your hand first to ensure it feels comfortable. There's nothing like having your hand cramp or the trowel slip while using it to dig in a beautiful, new plant.

2. Pitchfork ? A pitchfork is a gardening tool which has 2-6 prongs and a long handle. The sizes of pitchforks vary, depending on what they are being used for. The space between each prong varies as well. Pitchforks are used to separate, lift and throw loose pieces of material such as dirt and leaves.

3. Spade ? A gardening spade has a long, thick handle and a heavy flat blade. This tool is used to dig up and move pieces of dirt from one place to another. It can also be used to pack down dirt once the flower has been planted.

4. Pruning Shears ? Pruning shears are tools which have a long handles and blades. This type of gardening equipment is used to allow gardeners to precisely prune rose bushes and other plants and unruly vines, etc. It can also be used to cut the grass at the edges of walkways and garden beds, in those hard to reach places. It is also used to trim the edges and remove dead leaves or wood on flowers. There is no other piece of gardening equipment which can do the same job as pruning shears. Without the use of this piece of equipment, your garden will end up looking messy and disorganized. Always, always, always invest in good quality pruning shears. Good ones have a lifetime guarantee and low-end ones will make shrapnel of your heritage rose.

5. Wheelbarrow ? A wheelbarrow is one of the larger pieces of garden equipment. It is a cart with a handle and at least one wheel which is designed for easy transportation of materials from one place to another. Purchasing a wheelbarrow will save you a lot of time and effort, especially if you are off to the compost heap, and will make for a pleasant gardening experience. Another option is the 4-wheeled gardening cart.

There are many pieces of gardening equipment which will make this hobby easier and more efficient, however the ones listed above are recognized as the most important. These pieces of equipment will likely last a very long time.

Colin Smith is a freelance write for http://www.gardenequipment101.com ? a site that features information about playground equipment, swing sets, riding lawn mowers and more.

In The News:

table border=0 width= valign=top cellpadding=2 cellspacing=7trtd valign=top class=jfont style=font-size:85%;font-family:arial,sans-serifbrdiv style=padding-top:0.8em;img alt= height=1 width=1/divdiv class=lha href=http://www.citywebshopper.net/articles/includes/redirect.php?url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/showbiz-and-lifestyle/features/2008/10/11/a-garden-good-enough-to-eat-91466-22008222/cid=0ei=OMPySIL0EqTe6AO9rrGtBQusg=AFQjCNHtnwlJgwKC5nDlcFxAdtusO9OWhAA bgarden/b good enough to eat/abrfont size=-1font color=#6f6f6fWalesOnline,nbsp;United Kingdomnbsp;-/font nobrOct 11, 2008/nobr/fontbrfont size=-1“Basically, edible blandscaping/b is a way of growing flowers and vegetables together in a way that looks beautiful and is good to eat. b.../b/font/div/font/td/tr/table
table border=0 width= valign=top cellpadding=2 cellspacing=7trtd valign=top class=jfont style=font-size:85%;font-family:arial,sans-serifbrdiv style=padding-top:0.8em;img alt= height=1 width=1/divdiv class=lha href=http://www.citywebshopper.net/articles/includes/redirect.php?url=http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article%3FAID%3D/20081012/ART08/810119863/-1/ARTcid=0ei=OMPySIL0EqTe6AO9rrGtBQusg=AFQjCNH3sxRESbs__IyDNpTAikIpYrSdjQToledo area women redesigned their yards to suit their families/abrfont size=-1font color=#6f6f6fToledo Blade,nbsp;OHnbsp;-/font nobr17 hours ago/nobr/fontbrfont size=-1In one area of the bgarden/b, she has easily personalized the blandscape/b by painting everyone#39;s names on the larger rocks. #39;It#39;s a great stroll down memory lane b.../b/font/div/font/td/tr/table
table border=0 width= valign=top cellpadding=2 cellspacing=7trtd valign=top class=jfont style=font-size:85%;font-family:arial,sans-serifbrdiv style=padding-top:0.8em;img alt= height=1 width=1/divdiv class=lha href=http://www.citywebshopper.net/articles/includes/redirect.php?url=http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article%3FAID%3D/20081011/LIVING02/810110304/1084/LIVING02cid=1256338608ei=OMPySIL0EqTe6AO9rrGtBQusg=AFQjCNHPVHCTVoJpVIL66njbfT7h5XUynAHome and bGarden/b Calendar/abrfont size=-1font color=#6f6f6fIndianapolis Star,nbsp;United Statesnbsp;-/font nobrOct 10, 2008/nobr/fontbrfont size=-1Collect seeds from the prairie habitat and native flower beds to use in home blandscaping/b. Instructions on how to collect seeds will be given by naturalists. b.../b/font/div/font/td/tr/table
table border=0 width= valign=top cellpadding=2 cellspacing=7trtd valign=top class=jfont style=font-size:85%;font-family:arial,sans-serifbrdiv style=padding-top:0.8em;img alt= height=1 width=1/divdiv class=lha href=http://www.citywebshopper.net/articles/includes/redirect.php?url=http://www.star-telegram.com/home/story/964322.htmlcid=0ei=OMPySIL0EqTe6AO9rrGtBQusg=AFQjCNEySl00Fc1KQE_lZxtw3i7mE_xzfgNeil Sperry: For unusual blandscaping/b areas, try a creative or b.../b/abrfont size=-1font color=#6f6f6fFort Worth Star Telegram,nbsp;TXnbsp;-/font nobrOct 10, 2008/nobr/fontbrfont size=-1Neil Sperry publishes Gardens magazine and hosts Texas bGardening/b radio show 8-11 am Saturdays and Sundays on KRLD/1080 AM. Reach him during those hours at b.../b/font/div/font/td/tr/table
table border=0 width= valign=top cellpadding=2 cellspacing=7trtd valign=top class=jfont style=font-size:85%;font-family:arial,sans-serifbrdiv style=padding-top:0.8em;img alt= height=1 width=1/divdiv class=lha href=http://www.citywebshopper.net/articles/includes/redirect.php?url=http://www.vicksburgpost.com/articles/2008/10/11/features/doc48efbe0c76aac520203711.txtcid=0ei=OMPySIL0EqTe6AO9rrGtBQusg=AFQjCNF0ec5E7dKwV18BZp3Ri5AHRpwScQMiriam Jabour in the bGarden/b/abrfont size=-1font color=#6f6f6fVicksburg Post,nbsp;MSnbsp;-/font nobrOct 11, 2008/nobr/fontbrfont size=-1b.../b but small animals that love to munch on some of our favorite bulbs can disrupt our blandscaping/b endeavors. Nothing is more upsetting to a bgardener/b than b.../b/font/div/font/td/tr/table
table border=0 width= valign=top cellpadding=2 cellspacing=7trtd valign=top class=jfont style=font-size:85%;font-family:arial,sans-serifbrdiv style=padding-top:0.8em;img alt= height=1 width=1/divdiv class=lha href=http://www.citywebshopper.net/articles/includes/redirect.php?url=http://beaconmedianews.com/%3Fp%3D2111cid=0ei=OMPySIL0EqTe6AO9rrGtBQusg=AFQjCNG1ObmxT-DKWvk1R5_gKXuPkTQxnQFashion bGardening/b/abrfont size=-1font color=#6f6f6fThe Foothill Weeklies,nbsp;Californianbsp;-/font nobrOct 10, 2008/nobr/fontbrfont size=-1b.../b I decided to warm things up by inviting my “bLandscaping/b Queen” to help me the next day, in preparing the proposed rose bgarden/b for planting. b.../b/font/div/font/td/tr/table
table border=0 width= valign=top cellpadding=2 cellspacing=7trtd valign=top class=jfont style=font-size:85%;font-family:arial,sans-serifbrdiv style=padding-top:0.8em;img alt= height=1 width=1/divdiv class=lha href=http://www.citywebshopper.net/articles/includes/redirect.php?url=http://www.mydesert.com/article/20081011/COLUMNS38/810100341/1067/lifestyles11cid=0ei=OMPySIL0EqTe6AO9rrGtBQusg=AFQjCNFumUsySUV5u68ZolhH-WV-nWlATAbGardening/b by community/abrfont size=-1font color=#6f6f6fThe Desert Sun,nbsp;CAnbsp;-/font nobrOct 11, 2008/nobr/fontbrfont size=-1“Developing Guidelines for HOA Utilizing Desert bLandscape/b” presented by Tess Anas of Summit HOA at noon. “bGarden/b Club” presented by Robin Pokorski of b.../b/font/div/font/td/tr/table
table border=0 width= valign=top cellpadding=2 cellspacing=7trtd valign=top class=jfont style=font-size:85%;font-family:arial,sans-serifbrdiv style=padding-top:0.8em;img alt= height=1 width=1/divdiv class=lha href=http://www.citywebshopper.net/articles/includes/redirect.php?url=http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/nwgardens/382349_garcal09copy.htmlcid=0ei=OMPySIL0EqTe6AO9rrGtBQusg=AFQjCNHRa88GoMU8VSCfhlKPWF8bhTo6pAbGarden/b Calendar/abrfont size=-1font color=#6f6f6fSeattle Post Intelligencernbsp;-/font nobrOct 8, 2008/nobr/fontbrfont size=-1Oct. 18, 9 am2 pm -- bLandscape/b and bGarden/b Design Consultations: Miki Wade, experienced bgarden/b designer from Olympic bLandscape/b and Irrigation Co. will help b.../b/font/div/font/td/tr/table
table border=0 width= valign=top cellpadding=2 cellspacing=7trtd valign=top class=jfont style=font-size:85%;font-family:arial,sans-serifbrdiv style=padding-top:0.8em;img alt= height=1 width=1/divdiv class=lha href=http://www.citywebshopper.net/articles/includes/redirect.php?url=http://www.jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/101108/lif_342559079.shtmlcid=0ei=OMPySIL0EqTe6AO9rrGtBQusg=AFQjCNGZm_-cR2cn7HkpLpAWcaVoUZTJVwHome and bgarden/b briefs/abrfont size=-1font color=#6f6f6fFlorida Times-Union,nbsp;FLnbsp;-/font nobrOct 10, 2008/nobr/fontbrfont size=-1With a little help from the Reflections of Nature bGarden/b Center, you can brighten your fall blandscape/b with native wildflowers. James Loper will discuss b.../b/font/div/font/td/tr/table
table border=0 width= valign=top cellpadding=2 cellspacing=7trtd valign=top class=jfont style=font-size:85%;font-family:arial,sans-serifbrdiv style=padding-top:0.8em;img alt= height=1 width=1/divdiv class=lha href=http://www.citywebshopper.net/articles/includes/redirect.php?url=http://www.theithacajournal.com/article/20081010/LIFESTYLE04/810100332cid=0ei=OMPySIL0EqTe6AO9rrGtBQusg=AFQjCNE3ba3-wym6qUniGL2hufnomaWTsgHouse amp; bGarden/b Briefs/abrfont size=-1font color=#6f6f6fIthaca Journal,nbsp;NYnbsp;-/font nobrOct 10, 2008/nobr/fontbrfont size=-1The bGarden/b Hotline will be open from 10 am to noon Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays to provide advice on a variety of blandscaping/b, bgardening/b, and lawn care b.../b/font/div/font/td/tr/table
landscaping gardening - Google News

The Sundial - Garden Ornament or Exotic Timepiece?

Most of us regard a sundial as an attractive ornament... Read More

Wildlife Gardener

Gardening for wildlife has become quite a passion for me,... Read More

A Kids Tree

During my youth kids were required to pass through a... Read More

Starting Seedlings Indoors

Unless you have access to a greenhouse, or something like... Read More

Durable Wooden Swing - Decorate Your Outdoors with One

There is nothing better to do on a hot, lazy... Read More

Easy Pond and Water Garden Construction

Today's successful water garden usually is designed as an ecosystem... Read More

Ceiling Patio Heaters

It is unavoidable, Fall is coming and we like to... Read More

Create and Furnish Your Outdoor Room

More and more people are enjoying their time spent outdoors... Read More

Bedding Plants and Plugs (small plants)

It is not difficult to grow bedding plants from seeds,... Read More

Gardening During Hard Times or Emergencies - You Can Feed Yourself!

Do you ever worry about always having to rely on... Read More

Outdoor Furniture: Exploring the Benefits of Teak

Of the many types of materials that are available for... Read More

Secrets of Growing Killer Tomatoes

Tomatoes have always been my favorite garden vegetable to grow... Read More

Planting Bare Root Roses

Before planting, the plants must be prepared. The following suggestions... Read More

Mix Perennials into Your Garden for Staying Power

Perennial plants and flowers stay around for more than just... Read More

With Outdoor Lighting You Can Enjoy Your Garden Into The Evening Hours

It is a beautiful evening and you are relaxing on... Read More

Popular Adirondack Chairs - Everything You Need To Know

Adirondack chairs were invented during the early 1900's by a... Read More

5 Things To Consider Before Purchasing a Push Reel Mower

Push Reel Mowers are making a "comeback" of sorts, though,... Read More

A Quick Overview of Outdoor Hot Tubs

There is nothing quite as relaxing as a leisurely evening... Read More

Plan Before Buying Rose Bushes

So, you have decided to plant rose bushes in your... Read More

Brighten Your Path By Installing Decorative Landscape Lighting

Landscape lighting can add a beautiful quality to any home.... Read More

CO2 for Free

We've all heard that there is no such thing as... Read More

Closing Up Your Container Garden

All good things eventually come to an end and so... Read More

How to Make Your Own Rooting Hormone

When starting a new plant from a leaf or stem... Read More

Balcony, Patio, and Courtyard Gardening

People choose balcony, patio, and courtyard gardening for many different... Read More

Nontoxic Pest Control for Your Home and Garden

Pesticides are toxic and, while often effective against pests, can... Read More