GardenersCardiff answers:

Fun! This is challenging my own knowledge. I hope I don’t make myself look foolish…lol.

List of “hand tools only”…

Shovels.. (round point & square)
Rakes.. (leaf and hard grading rake)
Hand pruners (preferably “Felco”)
Pruning loppers (anvil, bypass,or ratchet)
Pruning Shears (scissor)
Pruning Saw (fold out)
Weeding Hoe
Trowel
Wheel Barrow or Garden Cart
Pitchfork or Spud Fork
Garden Pick
Post Hole Digger
Bulb Planter
Knee Pads or good pillow
Gloves (leather or cotton)
Bottle of Sun Screen (SPF 50+)
Big Brimmed “Ecuadorian” Hat… Aka “Panama” (to deter UV)
Tall Pitcher of iced, freshly squeezed “lemonade” sitting on the table under the umbrella, next to the comfortable patio chairs. Man, I’m getting thirsty already..lol

**Billy Ray**

GardenersCardiff answers:

Here are the basic garden tools:

1. A spading fork is your first tool. Before you plant anything, you will need to open and improve the soil. A spading fork looks like a pitchfork but has a shorter handle and wider tines. It is used to dig down into hard soil and break up the ground.

2. Next, choose a hoe. A hoe is useful for weeding and cultivating the surface of the soil to allow for penetration of nutrients and water.

3. You’ll need a watering can. Long nozzles allow the water to come out at a very gentle flow rate and are useful for reaching across long distances. Select a watering can that has a detachable spray head – this type of watering can is perfect for watering young seedlings.

4. Choose a round-ended shovel for larger digging projects, such as planting shrubs and trees.

5. You’ll need a good bow rake, which has short tines on one side attached to a metal frame or ‘bow.’ It’s used for leveling the soil after it has been turned and prior to planting, or for removing large clods of earth or rocks from the soil. You can also turn a bow rake over and use the flat side to smooth soil in preparation for planting.

6. Select a pair of garden shears that fits comfortably in your hand. Shears, sometimes called clippers, are used for pruning, shaping and removing foliage or branches. Don’t buy the most expensive shears until you decide you like gardening.

GardenersCardiff answers:

Ok… First, basic garden tools….

You will need…..

*Spade
*Trowel
(I prefer the narrow, transplanter trowel)
*Cultivator
*Garden gloves (water proof, preferably)

Optional….

*Knee cushion
*Pruning Sheers
*Bucket/basket to carry supplies around in
*Hand rake

The tools you need will depend on what you plan to do, really.

Here are some websites that tell a little about gardening tools….

Http://www.thegardenhelper.com/tools.html
http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=howTo&p=LawnGarden/GardenToolBG.html
http://www.doityourself.com/stry/toolbasics4gardens

Next, your plants….

You have three choices:

1. Seed
2. Bulb
3. Potted plants

For instant results, nothing beats the potted plant!
But… Nothing beats seed if you are wanting to stay on the economical side!
…Why not a combination, a few plants, and several packets of seed? =)

You can get seeds online, in garden shops (local nurseries, Walmart, Kmart, even the Dollar Stores)… Some grocery stores carry seeds.

What type of flowers/plants you choose really depends upon your preference.

As for flowers that are easy to start from seed, I would recommend Marigold, Zinnias, Pansies and Petunias.

You may want to choose a combination of flowers, foliage plants (Hostas, Caladium, Ferns, etc), herbs and even veggies if you’d like.

A couple of websites to get some tips and ideas….

Gardening for beginners: http://www.thegardenhelper.com/gardenerindex.html

Also see:

http://www.doityourself.com/scat/gardeningandoutdoor
http://www.thegardenhelper.com/
http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/

Good luck, and have fun in your new garden!
Gardening can be addictive… =)