Equipment

Gardening equipment info

Basic gardening equipment is as simple as a fork, spade, trowel, wheelbarrow and a pair of sturdy gardening gloves. As you become more experienced and as your budget allows, you can add more items to your collection of tools – things like electric hedge trimmers, trugs, secateurs, shears, and much more. The list of garden tools is almost endless, with new labour-saving devices always coming onto the market. Start small and build up.

How to store garden equipment

Store your tools in a dry shed, outbuilding, or garage, out of the elements and away from sources of damp which can damage wooden handles and cause metal surfaces to rust. Hang tools like forks and spades from the wall, while smaller forks and trowels are best tidied away in a bucket filled with sand and oil. Always clean your tools thoroughly before storing them – this prevents moisture buildup and prevents the spread of diseases from plant to plant.

How to take care of gardening tools

Always clean your tools after use and keep them in a damp-free environment. Protect wooden handles by applying linseed oil to keep the wood waterproof and supple, and give metal blades a wipe with an oily rag before you put them away to stop rust. Sharpening your shears and secateurs reduces strain on the tool, helping it to stay in good order for longer.