6 Garden Tools You NEED in Your Shed

Spring is coming. Is your shed ready? Here's the scoop on what you need to make Spring 2018 really bloom.

1. A Great Pair of Gloves

Okay, so they're not a tool...exactly. But you need them in your shed, and you'll want them on your hands. Cuts and scratches while clearing and digging are no fun, and you'll be more hesitant to really "get in there" if you know you're in for discomfort. So grab a great, thick pair of gloves - this is one piece in your garden arsenal you can't do without.

2. Shears That are Easy to Grip and Close

Here we're again going with comfort. Fledgling gardeners may give up before their garden truly gets off the ground if the tools slip, are hard to grip, and require superhuman effort to open and close. So look for an ergonomic, easy-grip, reliable pair of all-purpose shears. You'll use these all season long and then again for pre-winter pruning, so they're your perfect garden investment.

3. Supportive Knee Pads

If you do a lot of kneeling in your garden (and many of us do), get a superior pair of knee pads. These should not only resist water seepage but provide enough cushion to protect your knees, which can really take a beating over time if left unprotected. Neoprene and other waterproof, flexible, supportive materials will work best for this purpose.

4. A Quality Shovel

Shovels get dull over time. And some just don't start out all that easy to get into the ground, dull or not. Make sure you purchase a shovel that gets positive reviews for penetrating sandy or clay dirt easily and for enough capacity that you will be able to dig up/turn over your area, but not so large that it will be prohibitively heavy when lifted.

5. At Least One Compact Garden Hose

If you don't have a sprinkler or underground watering system, invest in a quality retractable or compact garden hose. The steps you'll save in wrapping up a difficult hose that's prone to kinking will really add up over time. We recommend this to any garden grower and any size garden; you never know when a particular crop, group or even individual flower/bush/veggie planting will need a bit more moisture.

6. A Lightweight Trimmer

Try cordless if you'll be trimming only for short periods. Big, unwieldy trimmers can make your gardening more chore than pleasure. Go for a lightweight trimmer and try rechargable if you don't like cords (many of us don't).

Garden Tool Tips

• Take stock of your garden tool situation NOW (yes, mid-winter) even if you don't plan on actively gardening until spring has fully sprung. You don't want to feel pushed into making a quick purchase. Give yourself this time to check out your options and reviews on products, then having them shipped to you (or picking them up in-store).
• Clean and oil tools that have been sitting in your shed over the winter. They've probably been exposed to moisture, and critter "visitors" may have left unwanted gifts in the vicinity. 
• Think about the tools you wished you had last season - or consider what was comfortable, what wasn't, and how you'd like gardening to be easier or more productive. Then gear this year's tool purchases (or givaways to friends) accordingly.
• Make sure any garden tools you purchase come with a guarantee or warranty. Reading reviews will be helpful in this regard, too. Are other customers satisfied? Ask questions and make sure you're making the perfect for you, your needs, and your garden plans.

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