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Sometimes winter in Oklahoma leaves us wondering what just happened...
It can be 6 seasons in one day here, or at least it seems like it. I hate to complain about the weather, unless it's over 100* for more than a day in a row, then everyone is grumpy. My only real problem with winter is having to bundle up to the point my movement is hampered and having to break ice in stock tanks. Otherwise, I just usually end up wishing we had more snow. We seldom have enough moisture in winter. If it does snow, it's all dumped on us at one time in a dangerous blizzard, then melts so fast, it leaves slop behind to drive through. |
However winter went, and however long it lingers, seed catalogs start coming in the mail and the desire for green things begins to sprout. Someone recently asked what are the essential tools a new gardener needs. I need questions like that because I tend to take for granted this is something everyone knows. Please email me questions! I'm sure there are a ton of things you know and take for granted that I wouldn't know the first thing about. We need to share our knowledge.
1. Wheelbarrow
Unless you just have a little patio or kitchen garden, a wheelbarrow is a huge help. It can carry tools, small children, soil and plants. Moving around the yard with a wheelbarrow is so much easier than trying to lift and tote it all. It's easier to maneuver and empty than a wagon.
Make sure it has a solid tire. You won't have to find the right fitting tire later on.
Always store your wheelbarrow upside-down or in a shed. If it rains, it will rust along with everything in it.
Make sure it has a solid tire. You won't have to find the right fitting tire later on.
Always store your wheelbarrow upside-down or in a shed. If it rains, it will rust along with everything in it.
2. Leather Gloves
I like putting my hands in the dirt, but when you are gardening, it gets excessive. Some potting soils and fertilizers aren't good for the skin. And the tools, including the wheelbarrow handles will wear calluses and blisters into your hands. Protect yourself.
3. Rakes
Two rakes are important. One leaf rake for small things and one regular rake. In addition to raking twigs, weeds and leaves, they can be used to make small rows for smaller seeds and plants and to help keep walking rows cleared.
4. Hoe
A nice, sharp hoe will hack stubborn weeds and turn soil. It's invaluable in gardening.
5. Pruning Shears
When pesky vines get out of hand, these are a lifesaver. You can also clip suckers from around the trees if you get them when they just start.
6. Spade
This is a small, hand-held shovel. Perfect for digging those small holes for plants from the greenhouse, seedlings you started inside and for those larger seeds.
7. Sticker-picker
I'm sure there's a more professional name for this, but it escapes me... It's a little weed removing tool. Some call it a dandelion puller. (Dandelions aren't weeds!) Some weeds have very long roots and they just won't go away unless you pull the whole weed out. This handy tool will do it. Sand burrs are the worst, with roots that go forever and one of these with a little patience will do the job.
8. Shovel
You don't even need a tiller if you have a good shovel. You really kinda need three.
- The pointy shovel that really digs into the dirt and picks it up.
- The flat shovel for more shallow work. It will pick up a bit more and you can move sod with it.
- The big scoop shovel to scoop the bunny and goat droppings and sprinkle over the garden with. (Plus it works for clearing snow in the winter.)
9. Apron
I love aprons. It's probably an addiction for me. A good, sturdy garden apron with big pockets will help hold your gloves, tools, a notebook for notes and your phone if you feel like it needs to be with you outside. (I don't often take mine out unless I want to video something, like baby animals. Don't be afraid to let garden time be screen-free time.
10. Side-cutters
Wire cutters are handy for cutting and twisting wire for fences, cages and garden towers. A little roll of baling wire will help with so many things when you need to train a vine or tie up a pot or basket.
Don't let the men have all the fun with the nifty tools. Enjoy the usefulness too! Having the right tools makes the job easier on your body, saves time and energy, and simply makes things more enjoyable.
I hope this is a help to you. If you have a favorite tool I haven't mentioned, please leave a comment below. (Tractors don't count! ...thought they are definitely nice to have...)
I hope this is a help to you. If you have a favorite tool I haven't mentioned, please leave a comment below. (Tractors don't count! ...thought they are definitely nice to have...)
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