Tools For The Small Garden

 The small space garden will require a different set of tools that a full size garden; however, the difference is not in quality or the need for the tool, but in the nature of the tool itself.

The container garden has the same or similar tool requirements as the small space garden.

The five must have tools for the small space or container garden are:

1- a hand trowel

2- a pocket knife

3- a bulb planter

4- a watering can

5- a pair of shears for pruning.

I have a sixth tool that I carry and use mostly for my African violets and other indoor plants, to take stem cuttings, but they are also handy in the outdoor garden but not essential, the exacto knife. The sharp blade of the exacto knife is excellent for taking stem or leaf cuttings as I have said but also do a good job on harvesting cut flowers for the table.

All these tools can fit into a small kit or hand tool belt and are easy to store as they take up little space.

The tool that I have made the most use over the years and the one that I have in some case used for all my gardening needs, is my pocket knife. I use a lock back pocket knife that is kept very sharp. I have planted seeds with this,; it is excellent for making seed rows, I have dug small holes for seedling and small plants with it; I have used it for weeding, harvesting lettuce and other cut and come again greens and many, many other uses.

The hand trowel is the tool of choice for planting while I can dig a hole with my pocket knife the hand trowel does it quicker and easier and is much more useful when it comes to backfilling holes. If you are a container gardener the hand trowel can help you fill the containers quickly and with a minimum of mess.

When it comes to maintenance of container smaller than a foot across, a dinner fork can aerate soil and a dinner spoon can be useful for adding fertilizer, organic, of course. I have not included these two items on the must have list but especially for small indoor gardens, they are very useful.

The watering can makes watering easy for containers as you can direct the water away from the plant’s leaves right to the roots, which is helpful for many plants. You will waste very little water this way. Watering cans can also add to the décor as they can eb quite fancy, get one to match yoru garden.

If you grow bulbs, the bulb planter is a must for the time it will save you when planting those spring and fall bulbs. Planting a bulb at the proper depth can make all the difference between success and failure.

Last but certainly not least are the pruning shears, if you are pruning shrubs, bushes or small trees you will need a pair that is strong and sharp enough to do the job. The grip is important as you will be exerting some pressure when making the cut. Get a pair to match your needs this includes both your personal physical need and the needs of the plants you will be pruning. You can ask a local plant nursery manger for suggestions and be sure to tell the manger what plants you are pruning.

Now you have your garden toolbox in order, happy gardening.

knife