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One key to successful gardening is using the right tools. Since the beginning of civilization, humans have crafted rudimentary instruments to cultivate the outdoors for food (and later, for beauty), and throughout history, those tools have become increasingly more sophisticated. However, some tools remain indispensable, proving that great design withstands the test of time, says Christopher S. Raimondi, CEO and president at Raimondi Horticultural Group in Ho-Ho-Kus, New Jersey.
Todays gardening world not only relies on these classic implements but also integrates sustainable practices, ensuring efficiency while protecting the environment, he explains.
Theres a world of gardening tools out there, but the following are some of the core old-school ones you need to keep in your shed, followed by practical gardening tips and advice for anyone interested in progressing beyond chaos gardening.
This is a crucial tool for indoor and outdoor gardening. See It The Garden Guru Heavy Duty Trowel is made of stainless steel, which resists rust, and it has an ergonomic handle. Used by early civilizations to cultivate small crops, Raimondi says the trowel remains a gardeners best friend. Modern versions incorporate ergonomic handles and rust-resistant metals, making digging easier, he explains. Additionally, some sustainable models incorporate recycled materials.
The addition of a cultivator allows this tool to pull double duty. See It The extended reach Corona 3244 Hoe makes it easier to reach into tight or far-away areas in your garden comfortably. Dating back to Mesopotamian agriculture, Raimondi says hoes were originally crafted from wood and stone. Today, forged steel stirrup hoes provide effortless weed control, while eco-friendly designs promote aeration without disturbing vital soil microbesessential for regenerative gardening, he shares.
This is as old school as it gets. See It The Earthway 6500 High Wheel Cultivator has comfortable handles and three positions from which to choose.
Lindsay Springer, Ph.D., director of plants, nutrition, and digital agriculture at Gardyn, recommends a wheel hoe if you have an extra-large plot. Especially those with cultivator tines and other attachments like plow blades, sweeps, stirrups, and harrows, she says. Springer admits that its probably not worth it for smaller gardens and raised beds.
Springer also recommends a stirrup hoe for walkways and between plants, and a triangle hoe as a great tool for weeding. You can get them as a handheld or on a long handle if you prefer standing up, she says.
We recommend a can that looks good when its sitting on the shelf. See It This watering can has a long spout, a detachable shower nozzle, and is available in several colors. Historically, Raimondi says, watering cans were basic clay or tin containers. Now, sleek, lightweight designs incorporate detachable spouts for water efficiency, he explains. Rainwater collection systems, integrated into modern cans, allow gardeners to reuse natural resources, reducing water waste, Raimondi adds.
Courtney Sixx, founder and co-designer of Bouquet Box, a floral company, likes galvanized watering cans and says they provide the perfect mix of serenity and nostalgia. These old-style metal watering cans are substantial, and the water flows through in a soft trickle that will never shatter delicate flowers or seedlings. In addition, Sixx says theyre just fun to hold in your hand.
Make quick work of clearing surfaces. See It The Groundskeep II Rake has a 55-inch fiberglass handle and 28 hardened steel tines. Spades played a critical role in early farming societies, and Raimondi notes that theyre now quite durable due to their high-carbon steel material. Adjustable rakes, once simple wooden tools, now boast cushioned grips, easing soil preparation and leaf collection. Additionally, he notes that some models can be made from recycled materials and feature bamboo handles.
