When you are working in the garden, having the right tools for the job can turn a back-breaking chore in to a pleasure. Whatever jobs need to be tackled, whether you need to weed the flower beds, dig up daisies from the lawn, or you are beginning a bigger project such as digging over an elderly bed and preparing it for new planting, make sure you have the right tools. They will reduce aching muscles and you'll get the job done in no time!
For a professional looking garden, read our specialist guide to using a range of hand tools.
Spades and forks
A spade and fork are essential tools for any gardener. As you will often use one or the other when working in your garden, be sure to select the right size to prevent worn out, aching muscles. Select from two shaft lengths, 28ins and 32ins depending on your height and what feels most comfortable. Ask yourself what type of digging you are likely to be doing because this will influence the head width you need to select.
Do you have narrow border beds, or a large area such as a vegetable plot? If the area you are digging is large, select a wide head to get the job completed faster. But bear in mind that a spade or fork with a wider head will be heavier so in case you have difficulty bending and lifting, select one with a narrower head.
For additional strength, make sure you select a model with a solid forged carbon steel head and socket, and a weatherproofed hardwood shaft which fits in to the socket. Lots of have a tread or flattened area along the top of the head and this will feel more comfortable when you place your foot on it. The choice of handle is one of personal preference. D-shaped, wishbone or T-shaped handles are all a matter of personal preference but be sure to check that the handle on the model you select is large for you to grip comfortably even when you are wearing gloves. Some models have a special ergonomic handle, which is tilted at a forward angle to reduce fatigue by making digging more comfortable. Heads made from highly polished steel or with a PTFE coating will minimise soil stick and will be rust resistant . PTFE works like the coating on a non-stick pan and protects the head from wear and tear.
Digging Spade
Ideal when digging over larger plots or digging on a regular basis. The blade is about 11 x 7ins. Select an even bigger blade for large areas, but keep in mind that bigger spades will be heavier.
Border Spade
Ideal in tiny, narrow borders and beds. With a blade about 9 x 5ins, a border spade is narrower and lighter than a digging spade, making it simpler to make use of in confined spaces, as well as being ideal for anyone with limited bending and lifting ability.
Digging Fork
Ideal for digging a bigger plot or digging on a regular basis. The fork head is about 12 x 8ins with three tines, or prongs.
Border Fork
Ideal in tiny, narrow borders and beds. A border fork has a narrower head than a digging fork, and measures about 9 x 5ins with three tines, or prongs.
Hand Fork
Do you need to hand weed a tiny area or loosen the soil in pots and tubs? A tiny hand fork is ideal for this type of job, and if bending is a controversy go for a long handled version as it will be more comfortable to make use of. Tiny tools like hand forks often get lost amongst the shrubbery, so a brightly coloured handle will help you to keep track of it!
