Throughout northern Utah, garden tools are coming out of storage in droves as gardeners across the region take to the great outdoors. It’s time to take stock of what you have, do a little tuning up and visit the garden center to grab a few new toys. Every gardener needs a basic arsenal, but good-quality tools will last a lifetime if you care for them properly. While you’re at the garden center, take a look at some of this season’s hottest new gadgets too.
The Top Garden Tools You’ll Need
Even the novice gardener will benefit from using the right tools and implements. Your needs will vary based on your own yard and garden, but there are a few “must haves” for everyone. A good pair of bypass pruners is critical, but many people swear by having two sets. Because diseases can transfer easily between plants, having two will make it easier to avoid cross-contamination. Likewise, good garden scissors are critical for smaller jobs. If you have an herb garden, invest in a pair of herb harvesting shears. Most even have a tiny stripping tool incorporated into their design for removing delicate leaves from the stems. You’ll need a shovel, spade, hoe and saw too, as well as a pair of long-handled loppers for the tall jobs.
Cleaning and Maintenance to Make Your Tools Like New
No matter how well you care for your gardening equipment, you’re bound to notice a little rust or grime after a long winter in the shed. Brew up some strong black tea and soak your rusty implements in the hot mixture for several hours, then use a rag to wipe away the oxidation. You may want to first disassemble any tools that have hard-to-reach nooks and crannies. Pick up a good sharpening tool for your pruners this year, so you won’t run the risk of crushing delicate flower stems and stalks. While you’re at it, give your shovel a sharpening as well. Finish everything off with a light coating of oil when you’re done, to help keep rust at bay. You can buy replacement handles online or at the garden center if any are broken. Finally, use a screwdriver to tighten up the wobbly parts and you’re ready to go.
The Hottest Tools to Add to Your Collection
Raised planting beds are all the rage today, but if you have them in your garden, you may have noticed that your standard tools aren’t quite the right size. This year’s must-have gardening implements are scaled for raised beds. Grab a weed popper or fulcrum weeder too, so you can use fewer chemicals and weed killers in your yard. Speaking of raised beds, several companies now sell decorative corner brackets in a variety of delightful designs. These handy gizmos allow you to quickly and easily build your own planters, holding the sides tight and looking adorable all at the same time. Finally, consider investing in a portable tool chest to store your implements. This will ensure that they are protected from the elements and always where you need them to be.
Whatever your garden tool or implement needs, Millcreek Gardens is your go-to spot in the Salt Lake City area. With decades of experience and a friendly, professional staff, Millcreek Gardens can get you ready to go with the highest quality, most affordable garden tools and supplies you need.