You may look at golf courses and marvel at the unbelievably green putting greens. A lush-looking sports field may make you look at your own lawn and wonder how you can achieve that look. Their secret is artificial turf grass.
Artificial turf is a synthetic surfacing made from man-made materials to simulate the look of grass. Once the turf of sports professional athletic teams, artificial turf has expanded into the private sector and is popping up in homes and backyards near you. This has happened for two main reasons: one, the quality of the faux grass has improved greatly since the 1990's, and two, it requires much less care and landscaping. This makes it good for towns and cities that have to conserve water.
Artificial turf grass has a number of other benefits:
* Good for arid environments or those with little light.
* Can be used for indoor sport fields or putting greens.
* Good for people who can't devote a lot of time to lawn work.
* Great for roof-top gardens.
* Can last up to ten years.
* Some artificial turf can allow fiber optics to be integrated into the turf. This means that lighting or ads could be embedded into the surface. This can allow for custom ads or displays.
There are also some downsides:
* As far as backyard sports, the risk for injury is higher with artificial turf.
* Some turf manufacturers use heavy metals, which can leach into the ground water.
* Artificial turf is also much hotter when exposed to the sun than natural grass is. Grass is amazingly cooler, so you lose this benefit.
There are now a variety of products and services available now that will allow you to have an ever-green lawn without effort. They are manufactured now to be more environmentally friendly. They reduce the need for water, fertilizers, and pesticides. They are allergen-free, recyclable, and available in a lot of varieties. They eliminate the expenditure of time and money spent on maintenance, and installation is easy.
If you're tired of mowing your lawn on your weekends off or don't have the water to properly maintain your lawn, consider artificial turf grass. It looks natural and may be better for your needs. Make sure, before you buy, that the product you are getting will help, not harm, the environment.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Which Turf Grass You Should Select For Your Lawn
Are You Worried You Might Pick The Wrong Turf Grass For Your Lawn?
Worry No More! There are Lawn Care companies that offer a Lawn Consultation Service to homeowners, landscapers, gardeners and business owners wanting advice on what is the correct Turf Grass for their Lawn Area.
So why should you get advice at all? Good question!
What you really want is Independent Advice! Problem here is that some turf suppliers and turf farms grow different types of say buffalo (St Augustine) and couch (Bermuda) turf grasses. The buffalo turf grasses, for example, Palmetto buffalo or Sapphire buffalo, are grown under licence from the companies that own the Plant Breeders Rights (aka the patent).
Now, it is these licences that are valuable to the turf growers! Any turf grower would rather sell you a pallet load of Palmetto buffalo because the profit margin of that sale is greater than that on a sale of say Kikuyu Turf Grass (where there is no PBR or patent on the product, and where just about any turf farm grows the product).
So, in some cases, it is the almighty Dollar that drives the advice given by Turf Growers to the unsuspecting homeowner and landscaper. To avoid this scenario, what you can do is get a Lawn Care company in to give you the Right (and Independent) advice on What Is The Right Turf Grass for Your Lawn. Just for a small fee you will save yourself hundreds (and maybe even thousands) of dollars by making the Right Choice or Selection of lawn! Not to mention, you will be getting the right turf for the existing site conditions such as a lot of shade, sunny aspect or whatever!
Gerry Faehrmann is the managing director of Lawn Green Pty Ltd based in Sydney, Australia.
Worry No More! There are Lawn Care companies that offer a Lawn Consultation Service to homeowners, landscapers, gardeners and business owners wanting advice on what is the correct Turf Grass for their Lawn Area.
So why should you get advice at all? Good question!
What you really want is Independent Advice! Problem here is that some turf suppliers and turf farms grow different types of say buffalo (St Augustine) and couch (Bermuda) turf grasses. The buffalo turf grasses, for example, Palmetto buffalo or Sapphire buffalo, are grown under licence from the companies that own the Plant Breeders Rights (aka the patent).
Now, it is these licences that are valuable to the turf growers! Any turf grower would rather sell you a pallet load of Palmetto buffalo because the profit margin of that sale is greater than that on a sale of say Kikuyu Turf Grass (where there is no PBR or patent on the product, and where just about any turf farm grows the product).
So, in some cases, it is the almighty Dollar that drives the advice given by Turf Growers to the unsuspecting homeowner and landscaper. To avoid this scenario, what you can do is get a Lawn Care company in to give you the Right (and Independent) advice on What Is The Right Turf Grass for Your Lawn. Just for a small fee you will save yourself hundreds (and maybe even thousands) of dollars by making the Right Choice or Selection of lawn! Not to mention, you will be getting the right turf for the existing site conditions such as a lot of shade, sunny aspect or whatever!
Gerry Faehrmann is the managing director of Lawn Green Pty Ltd based in Sydney, Australia.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Garden decor into life
If you are searching to make a unique look out of your garden, coming up with your own garden decor and design may be the best way to start. It's not as hard as you think. Below you'll find a few tips and ideas to bring your garden decor into life.
First you need to come up with some sort of inspiration for your design. It may come from a color scheme you are liking, such as colors of your garden. It may be a picture you have in mind from some sort of publication of your liking or some painting you may have been interested in. Or it may just be from a piece of something you want to use. Whatever it is, inspiration puts you in proper prospective of what it is you want as a whole.
When you have found your inspiration, you need to gather up specific ideas for your design. Sift thru some books containing pictures or colors for various garden or design. You could often find various existing designs that you can incorporate to your scheme to make it you own.
Then, you need to look into the costs that will surely occur in the process. You may find it necessary to alter some details of your plan as you go along, due to finances. Don't let this bother you. Its quite usual for even the greatest of plans to be altered during the creating process. At the same time, try to stay congruent to your vision as you can by not going to far away from what the plan was in the first place. The finish product should be something you could be proud of for a long time.
First you need to come up with some sort of inspiration for your design. It may come from a color scheme you are liking, such as colors of your garden. It may be a picture you have in mind from some sort of publication of your liking or some painting you may have been interested in. Or it may just be from a piece of something you want to use. Whatever it is, inspiration puts you in proper prospective of what it is you want as a whole.
When you have found your inspiration, you need to gather up specific ideas for your design. Sift thru some books containing pictures or colors for various garden or design. You could often find various existing designs that you can incorporate to your scheme to make it you own.
Then, you need to look into the costs that will surely occur in the process. You may find it necessary to alter some details of your plan as you go along, due to finances. Don't let this bother you. Its quite usual for even the greatest of plans to be altered during the creating process. At the same time, try to stay congruent to your vision as you can by not going to far away from what the plan was in the first place. The finish product should be something you could be proud of for a long time.
Great types of garden decor
Garden décor… when post people think of décor, they probably think of the decorations in their living room, or elsewhere in the house. Only a minority of people connect “décor” with gardens and yards.
Some people may say that the best way to decorate your garden is with flowers and beautiful plants. And yes, this may be true, but there is so much more that you can do! With the proper garden décor, you can turn your garden into your own personal oasis.
Great types of garden décor:
· Garden Benches. What is the point of having a beautiful garden if you do not have a good vantage point to see it from? Setting a garden bench in the midst of your garden gives you the perfect place to sit, relax, and watch your garden grow. A garden bench is not only an inviting place to sit, it is also a beautiful visual addition to almost any garden.
· Bird Bath. There are many styles of birdbaths available these days. There are birdbaths that suit contemporary styles as well as birdbath that suit more traditional styles, and there are ones to suit any taste and style that falls in between. Not only do birdbaths themselves add beauty to your garden, but the birds that they attract add beauty, as well.
· Water Fountain or Pond. Water has many soothing qualities -- even the look and sound of water can be soothing. Placing a fountain or a pond in your garden will transform your garden into a mini oasis. You will love coming home from a hard and stressful day of work and sitting near the peaceful sounds and sights of your garden water feature.
· Garden Statues. Garden statues come in many different varieties. You can find garden statues that add humor, elegance, sophistication, or whimsy to your garden. Indeed, you can find a garden statue to suit any gardener's taste, whether you want to place and hide bunny sculptures throughout your garden, or whether you want a funny garden gnome.
· Lights. There are many different ways to light up your garden at night. And why shouldn’t your garden be lit up at night? There is no reason that you should not be able to enjoy the beauty of your garden at any time of day or night.
These are just a few types of garden décor that you should consider adding to your garden. Adding garden décor to your garden is like adding a beautiful frame to a painting – it enhances it. Sure, your flowers and other plants are still the main event, but the right garden décor can really make your garden unique and beautiful.
Some people may say that the best way to decorate your garden is with flowers and beautiful plants. And yes, this may be true, but there is so much more that you can do! With the proper garden décor, you can turn your garden into your own personal oasis.
Great types of garden décor:
· Garden Benches. What is the point of having a beautiful garden if you do not have a good vantage point to see it from? Setting a garden bench in the midst of your garden gives you the perfect place to sit, relax, and watch your garden grow. A garden bench is not only an inviting place to sit, it is also a beautiful visual addition to almost any garden.
· Bird Bath. There are many styles of birdbaths available these days. There are birdbaths that suit contemporary styles as well as birdbath that suit more traditional styles, and there are ones to suit any taste and style that falls in between. Not only do birdbaths themselves add beauty to your garden, but the birds that they attract add beauty, as well.
· Water Fountain or Pond. Water has many soothing qualities -- even the look and sound of water can be soothing. Placing a fountain or a pond in your garden will transform your garden into a mini oasis. You will love coming home from a hard and stressful day of work and sitting near the peaceful sounds and sights of your garden water feature.
· Garden Statues. Garden statues come in many different varieties. You can find garden statues that add humor, elegance, sophistication, or whimsy to your garden. Indeed, you can find a garden statue to suit any gardener's taste, whether you want to place and hide bunny sculptures throughout your garden, or whether you want a funny garden gnome.
· Lights. There are many different ways to light up your garden at night. And why shouldn’t your garden be lit up at night? There is no reason that you should not be able to enjoy the beauty of your garden at any time of day or night.
These are just a few types of garden décor that you should consider adding to your garden. Adding garden décor to your garden is like adding a beautiful frame to a painting – it enhances it. Sure, your flowers and other plants are still the main event, but the right garden décor can really make your garden unique and beautiful.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Working With Children For Setting Up School Gardens
Working with children to set up a garden in their school is always a challenging project. From my experience of teaching horticulture to schoolchildren in Israel, the most critical factor behind a project's success is the extent to which they are involved mentally in all the various tasks that they will be performing.
The first important step is to hold a class, preferably a series of them, to explain the significance of each act and stage in the process. Admittedly, a lecture on soil fertility or weed control will probably bore the children to death, so it is advisable to adopt the Socratic method of asking questions and imparting the necessary information by means of the answers they themselves provide.
For example, when I ask what the plants require to grow and develop a shower of hands shoot up and answers such as "water" and "food" are proffered. "What about air?" I ask. "Oh yes they need that as well." "How do the roots get access to oxygen? Is it absorbed by the leaves and then circulated down to the roots?" After they are reminded that this is of course not the case, the importance of adequate supplies of air in the soil is better understood. This puts such tasks as digging the soil and composting into context.
Soil tests
One of the best ways of grabbing the children's' interest is to conduct a soil test. The process as a whole and the data gathered provide an authoritative basis for all that follows. The children, under the supervision of the science teacher, should be involved in collecting the samples to be sent to a laboratory, told of the type of information that is sort and how they will be acting on it. Data concerning the soil pH, (acid - alkaline scale) nutrient levels, soil salinity and presence of pathogens affect decisions as to fertilizing and soil improvements.
Design considerations
The workshop is a golden opportunity to explain something about the rules of design. It may be a good idea to enlist the services of the art teacher to explain the reason why particular combinations of plants are suitable and others not so. The most important thing is to make it clear that there is nothing capricious or personal in the choices that have been made.
When the work is being carried out, time should be allocated for questions and answers. It is an opportunity in fact to reiterate what was discussed in class, thereby clarifying the connection between the tasks themselves, and the reasons for them. Schoolchildren no less than adults, hate having things imposed on them. Telling and barking out instructions alienate them, while involving them in the mental processes involved, includes them properly in the project, with far more satisfactory results ensuing.
The first important step is to hold a class, preferably a series of them, to explain the significance of each act and stage in the process. Admittedly, a lecture on soil fertility or weed control will probably bore the children to death, so it is advisable to adopt the Socratic method of asking questions and imparting the necessary information by means of the answers they themselves provide.
For example, when I ask what the plants require to grow and develop a shower of hands shoot up and answers such as "water" and "food" are proffered. "What about air?" I ask. "Oh yes they need that as well." "How do the roots get access to oxygen? Is it absorbed by the leaves and then circulated down to the roots?" After they are reminded that this is of course not the case, the importance of adequate supplies of air in the soil is better understood. This puts such tasks as digging the soil and composting into context.
Soil tests
One of the best ways of grabbing the children's' interest is to conduct a soil test. The process as a whole and the data gathered provide an authoritative basis for all that follows. The children, under the supervision of the science teacher, should be involved in collecting the samples to be sent to a laboratory, told of the type of information that is sort and how they will be acting on it. Data concerning the soil pH, (acid - alkaline scale) nutrient levels, soil salinity and presence of pathogens affect decisions as to fertilizing and soil improvements.
Design considerations
The workshop is a golden opportunity to explain something about the rules of design. It may be a good idea to enlist the services of the art teacher to explain the reason why particular combinations of plants are suitable and others not so. The most important thing is to make it clear that there is nothing capricious or personal in the choices that have been made.
When the work is being carried out, time should be allocated for questions and answers. It is an opportunity in fact to reiterate what was discussed in class, thereby clarifying the connection between the tasks themselves, and the reasons for them. Schoolchildren no less than adults, hate having things imposed on them. Telling and barking out instructions alienate them, while involving them in the mental processes involved, includes them properly in the project, with far more satisfactory results ensuing.
Types And Varirties Of Container Vegetable Gardening
Container vegetable gardening is becoming more prevalent in these days of smaller yards and more hazards with our food supply. More people want to grow some of their own vegetables in an attempt to avoid buying non-organic product or having to pay the high prices of organic produce. With the recent prevalence of outbreaks of salmonella, e. coli and other from products such as green onions and spinach, we are left concerned about whether any of the produce we buy is really safe. The problem is, the produce we eat is mass produced and mass processed. This means a lot of hands are touching each and every item we end up eating. When you grow your own vegetables, you know whose hands are touching your food!
Of course, most of us don't have the space for large gardens. Many of us have very small yards. Apartment and condo dwellers may have no space at all! That is where container vegetable gardening is very handy. Growing vegetables in containers means you can grow your vegetables on a deck or patio, or even indoors using special grow lights. Because of container gardening, we can now grow our own vegetables no matter where we live.
Some types of vegetables are more appropriate for growing in containers than others. Some of the larger types of plants won't do as well in containers. For example, corn is so large that you would have to use a very large, very heavy pot to support it. Large melons grow on long vines and may set out multiple root systems, thus they don't do well in containers. Very large varieties of tomatoes and squashes may be hard to support in pots.
Some types do especially well in containers. Lettuce, spinach, and other leafy vegetables typically do very well in containers. Smaller varieties of tomatoes such as salad tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, plum tomatoes, and grape tomatoes are great for container growing. Many types of bush beans and peas do well in containers. If you use large tubs, you can even plant potatoes in containers! It's not difficult to do this, and they grow remarkably well in this manner. In fact, most smaller varieties of vegetables will grow just fine in pots.
The biggest concern with regards to growing your vegetables in containers is choosing the right size of container for your plants. You should look up the average root depth, as well as the average diameter of the plant. If your plant has 6 inch deep roots and normally grows about 10 inches wide, you should get a container that is about 8 inches deep and 10-12 inches wide. You should always leave a small amount of room for error. Sometimes your plant's roots may grow a bit deeper than normal, or the plant may grow larger than expected. You don't want to have to risk damaging your plants by transplanting them if you don't have to.
If you are concerned about the safety of your food, I suggest you give container vegetable gardening a try. Remember, you can also grow many types of herbs and even fruits in containers, too!
Of course, most of us don't have the space for large gardens. Many of us have very small yards. Apartment and condo dwellers may have no space at all! That is where container vegetable gardening is very handy. Growing vegetables in containers means you can grow your vegetables on a deck or patio, or even indoors using special grow lights. Because of container gardening, we can now grow our own vegetables no matter where we live.
Some types of vegetables are more appropriate for growing in containers than others. Some of the larger types of plants won't do as well in containers. For example, corn is so large that you would have to use a very large, very heavy pot to support it. Large melons grow on long vines and may set out multiple root systems, thus they don't do well in containers. Very large varieties of tomatoes and squashes may be hard to support in pots.
Some types do especially well in containers. Lettuce, spinach, and other leafy vegetables typically do very well in containers. Smaller varieties of tomatoes such as salad tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, plum tomatoes, and grape tomatoes are great for container growing. Many types of bush beans and peas do well in containers. If you use large tubs, you can even plant potatoes in containers! It's not difficult to do this, and they grow remarkably well in this manner. In fact, most smaller varieties of vegetables will grow just fine in pots.
The biggest concern with regards to growing your vegetables in containers is choosing the right size of container for your plants. You should look up the average root depth, as well as the average diameter of the plant. If your plant has 6 inch deep roots and normally grows about 10 inches wide, you should get a container that is about 8 inches deep and 10-12 inches wide. You should always leave a small amount of room for error. Sometimes your plant's roots may grow a bit deeper than normal, or the plant may grow larger than expected. You don't want to have to risk damaging your plants by transplanting them if you don't have to.
If you are concerned about the safety of your food, I suggest you give container vegetable gardening a try. Remember, you can also grow many types of herbs and even fruits in containers, too!
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Earthly Gardening For Better Growth
Moon Phase Gardening
Gardening by Moon Phases is one of the oldest activities of humankind, and it is still one of the most rewarding and least complicated. But even though this universal pastime is pleasant and simple once you know what you're doing, a helping hand or bit of advice at the start can save disappointment.
If you've never turned a spadeful of earth (or even if you've gardened for years by rule of thumb), it is important for you to understand the soil underfoot: what it's composed of, how to improve it, how to water it and add nutrients for good plant growth.
Once you've dealt, literally, with the groundwork, you can delve into special techniques such as sowing seeds, growing cuttings, and soil amendments. You can learn how to be a wise nursery shopper, and how to get your plant off to a good start after you bring it home.
Learn such specialties as outdoor gardening in containers, indoor plants, vegetable gardening, flowering plants, and basic trees and shrubs. Purchase a special gardening glossary which interprets some of the special gardening jargon that old hands like to toss around in conversation.
Learn your garden fundamentals. You'll find it comes in handy from the day you choose your first spade to the time later on when you may decide to try your hand at something more challenging.
How to Cultivate Your Green Thumb
Approach gardening as an exhilarating adventure! You are going to create beauty with living plants that grow and change from day to day, and month to month, as you watch and aid. This is exciting, fascinating and satisfying.
There are no hard and fast rules to make things difficult, just some general, helpful ones. Let the following be your guide to optimizing your moon phase gardening. Study basic gardening techniques, plants you should know and understand the basic how and why of growing them.
Tips for Beginners
The following conclusions and advice are based on the observations of many gardeners who like you were once novices in the garden.
Don't get into emotional knots about gardening. Enjoy it!
Don't be too ambitious the first year or so, while you develop your skill. Take on just a little at a time.
Beware of impulse buying. Make a plan, and know why you need a plant and where you're going to put it before you start shopping.
Get the basic plants in first, working on a long-term plan. The first to go in should be your major shade trees.
Remember that plants develop rapidly. Shrubs and trees will grow large sooner than you think.
Don't plant bulbs and other flowers in a long single-file row. They'll look better in groups.
Keep a notebook of suggestions to yourself about what you want to plant where, dates to do things, and dates you have done them.
You must thin annuals. Otherwise they will stretch up and become lanky.
Get ideas by visiting other gardens. Drive about to see what is in bloom each week.
Learn identification of plants by sending for illustrated seed and nursery catalogues.
Gardening by Moon Phases is one of the oldest activities of humankind, and it is still one of the most rewarding and least complicated. But even though this universal pastime is pleasant and simple once you know what you're doing, a helping hand or bit of advice at the start can save disappointment.
If you've never turned a spadeful of earth (or even if you've gardened for years by rule of thumb), it is important for you to understand the soil underfoot: what it's composed of, how to improve it, how to water it and add nutrients for good plant growth.
Once you've dealt, literally, with the groundwork, you can delve into special techniques such as sowing seeds, growing cuttings, and soil amendments. You can learn how to be a wise nursery shopper, and how to get your plant off to a good start after you bring it home.
Learn such specialties as outdoor gardening in containers, indoor plants, vegetable gardening, flowering plants, and basic trees and shrubs. Purchase a special gardening glossary which interprets some of the special gardening jargon that old hands like to toss around in conversation.
Learn your garden fundamentals. You'll find it comes in handy from the day you choose your first spade to the time later on when you may decide to try your hand at something more challenging.
How to Cultivate Your Green Thumb
Approach gardening as an exhilarating adventure! You are going to create beauty with living plants that grow and change from day to day, and month to month, as you watch and aid. This is exciting, fascinating and satisfying.
There are no hard and fast rules to make things difficult, just some general, helpful ones. Let the following be your guide to optimizing your moon phase gardening. Study basic gardening techniques, plants you should know and understand the basic how and why of growing them.
Tips for Beginners
The following conclusions and advice are based on the observations of many gardeners who like you were once novices in the garden.
Don't get into emotional knots about gardening. Enjoy it!
Don't be too ambitious the first year or so, while you develop your skill. Take on just a little at a time.
Beware of impulse buying. Make a plan, and know why you need a plant and where you're going to put it before you start shopping.
Get the basic plants in first, working on a long-term plan. The first to go in should be your major shade trees.
Remember that plants develop rapidly. Shrubs and trees will grow large sooner than you think.
Don't plant bulbs and other flowers in a long single-file row. They'll look better in groups.
Keep a notebook of suggestions to yourself about what you want to plant where, dates to do things, and dates you have done them.
You must thin annuals. Otherwise they will stretch up and become lanky.
Get ideas by visiting other gardens. Drive about to see what is in bloom each week.
Learn identification of plants by sending for illustrated seed and nursery catalogues.
Garden Aids And Tools
Basic Garden Tools
With a handy supply of primary garden aids, you won't be constantly thwarted by commonplace tasks, such as digging a hole or cutting a twig just when the moon is in the proper phase. If you're in doubt as to those tools you would like, try out some of your neighbor's tools. But don't be a permanent borrower; it's bad for everyone's disposition.
Tools can be bought at garden supply, department or hardware stores and at some lumber yards. Shop carefully for your first garden tools and be sure to only buy quality tools. Good tools should last for many years.
You'll need as a minimum :
A spade or long-handled shovel for digging holes to place large plants.
A spading fork for turning over and loosening soil. (You'll find there are "ladies' sizes" available for both spade and fork.)
A trowel for digging holes for small plants, mixing soil, and innumerable other small chores. My preference is for a sharp-pointed one similar to a small mason's trowel, because it's useful for cultivating, too. Those with slightly rounded sides, like miniature shovels, are excellent for digging small plants and making holes in which to place them.
A rake for smoothing soil that's been dug, and tidying up messes.
A hoe for cultivating and weeding.
Hand pruners for pruning small size growth and picking flowers. These should be of good quality and should fit your hand and grip. Try out several at the store.
A watering can and/or garden hose
Buy your tools a little at a time
If you follow your hunches, and buy the most familiar tools-shovel, rake, and hoe-you'll be right. But how about all the other tools offered? Actually, most of these were originally introduced to do specific agricultural jobs, but sometimes a home gardener found other functions for one or two of them, or the manufacturer altered a tool's design to fit the home gardener's needs.
The asparagus knife, for example, makes a dandy weeder, and the Warren hoe, originally designed for making furrows and for seeding operations, is now used more in home gardens for cultivating around shrubs. These are things that you will learn as you go along. So, start your tool collection sparingly and build it up as your needs become apparent.
Quality counts
When you buy garden tools, get the very best you can afford. A top quality product, if properly taken care of, will last you through most of your gardening years.
Don't buy any tool until you have checked it over thoroughly. Lift and swing the piece of equipment around a bit to test its weight and proper balance. A man-sized hoe may be just right for you but too heavy for anyone else in the family. How about handle length?
You may feel that a long-handled spade or fork is easier to wield. (It's a good idea to take along all the gardening members of the family when you're out buying garden tools.) Try the grip on all small hand tools. Get the one that "feels right" in your hand. Armed with the proper gardening tools you are ready to start your garden.
With a handy supply of primary garden aids, you won't be constantly thwarted by commonplace tasks, such as digging a hole or cutting a twig just when the moon is in the proper phase. If you're in doubt as to those tools you would like, try out some of your neighbor's tools. But don't be a permanent borrower; it's bad for everyone's disposition.
Tools can be bought at garden supply, department or hardware stores and at some lumber yards. Shop carefully for your first garden tools and be sure to only buy quality tools. Good tools should last for many years.
You'll need as a minimum :
A spade or long-handled shovel for digging holes to place large plants.
A spading fork for turning over and loosening soil. (You'll find there are "ladies' sizes" available for both spade and fork.)
A trowel for digging holes for small plants, mixing soil, and innumerable other small chores. My preference is for a sharp-pointed one similar to a small mason's trowel, because it's useful for cultivating, too. Those with slightly rounded sides, like miniature shovels, are excellent for digging small plants and making holes in which to place them.
A rake for smoothing soil that's been dug, and tidying up messes.
A hoe for cultivating and weeding.
Hand pruners for pruning small size growth and picking flowers. These should be of good quality and should fit your hand and grip. Try out several at the store.
A watering can and/or garden hose
Buy your tools a little at a time
If you follow your hunches, and buy the most familiar tools-shovel, rake, and hoe-you'll be right. But how about all the other tools offered? Actually, most of these were originally introduced to do specific agricultural jobs, but sometimes a home gardener found other functions for one or two of them, or the manufacturer altered a tool's design to fit the home gardener's needs.
The asparagus knife, for example, makes a dandy weeder, and the Warren hoe, originally designed for making furrows and for seeding operations, is now used more in home gardens for cultivating around shrubs. These are things that you will learn as you go along. So, start your tool collection sparingly and build it up as your needs become apparent.
Quality counts
When you buy garden tools, get the very best you can afford. A top quality product, if properly taken care of, will last you through most of your gardening years.
Don't buy any tool until you have checked it over thoroughly. Lift and swing the piece of equipment around a bit to test its weight and proper balance. A man-sized hoe may be just right for you but too heavy for anyone else in the family. How about handle length?
You may feel that a long-handled spade or fork is easier to wield. (It's a good idea to take along all the gardening members of the family when you're out buying garden tools.) Try the grip on all small hand tools. Get the one that "feels right" in your hand. Armed with the proper gardening tools you are ready to start your garden.
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