The Top 11 Garden Tools and Supplies

If you want to grow a lush verdant garden, having the right garden supplies and tools is essential. Knowing what those supplies are if you're a novice gardener might be a challenge. Below is a list of the garden items you should have on hand to get your garden started and to keep it growing and looking beautiful.

Spade: similar to a shovel but with a flat, squared edge; good for digging, loosening ground and lifting up/removing dirt.

Shovel: similar to a spade but with a concave blade that makes lifting and removing material easier.

Fork: typically has a long handle, four sturdy, steel tines and is good for loosening, lifting or turning soil.

Hoe: a straight-edged blade attached at a right angle to a long handle that helps remove weeds from soil.

Rake: there are two basic types of rakes: A flexible rake aids in the collection of leaves and debris. A steel rake (garden rack) smooths out soil in a planting bed.

Trowel: a hand tool with a pointed, scooped-blade that acts like a miniature shovel. It is great for breaking earth, digging holes and scooping dirt.

Watering can: a garden staple since water is a necessity. Available in a variety of materials including metal, plastic and brass, the watering can is a vessel with a spout for pouring water.

Hose: a flexible tube that attaches to an outdoor water supply. Typically made with plastic or vinyl. A sprayer nozzle is a good addition for a hose that will create a mist-like spray.

Gloves: essential to protect hands and arms from common gardening injuries like blisters, thorn pricks, fungus and more.

Wheelbarrow and Carts: these tools help transport compost, debris and other large loads like soil.

Kneelers and Seats: help prevent common aches and pains associated with the repetitive motion of bending down and standing back up while gardening.