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GARDENING BASICS

FRUIT, VEGETABLES & HERBS

TREES, SHRUBS & VINES

LAWN & TURF

HERBACEOUS ORNAMENTALS

INSECTS, DISEASES & WEEDS

WILDLIFE IN THE GARDEN

PLANT YOUR LANDSCAPE

HOME:    GARDEN BASICS:   GARDENING EQUIPMENT

Introduction Gardening Equipment: Tools for getting started Soil Preparation Composting Fertilization Use of Pesticides in the home landscape Organic Gardening Irrigation

Tools for getting started Tools are essential for establishing and caring for a garden. They are necessary for soil preparation, planting, cultivation, manicuring of plants, irrigation, applications of fertilizers and pesticides, and in some cases harvesting. The type of equipment needed depends on a number of factors, including the garden size, physical abilities of the gardener, time dedicated to gardening, and budget. There are many tools, both hand-operated and power-driven available to assist both novice and seasoned gardeners. The most commonly used tools include hoes, shovels, trowels, all of which come in several forms for different applications. There are also spading forks, tillers, shredders, pruning shears, loppers, tillers, and other specialized tools. Once you have a little gardening experience you will be better able to decide which tools fit your personal tastes, situation, and objectives. For a discussion on the different types of tools you can click on the following links: See a comprehensive discussion of tool selection and care from the Idaho Master Gardener Handbook, at: www.ag.uidaho.edu/mg/handbook/MGH05.pdf. Obtain a list of recommended garden tools from the University of South Carolina, at: www.cosm.sc.edu/cse/plantinggarden.html. Dr. Leonard Perry, University of Vermont, discusses specific uses of garden tools, at: www.uvm.edu/pss/ppp/articles/tools.htm. top