Steven asks…
How to select garden tools?
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.
Daniel asks…
Advice on good tools for the garden?
My grandpa had tools that really lasted through the years – some he only ever had to buy once. I’ve already bought several tools that I’ve already replaced because they were made badly.
Anyone know of some good quality tools that are hard wearing and comfortable to use? I’m looking for small hand tools like a handfork and a shovel and a fork.
I DON”T JUST WANT A LINK! I want names and YOUR personal experience with the tools and what you like and don’t like.
Vote cheaters shouldn’t bother answering (you know who you are!) – I will be voting for the best answer.
GardenersCardiff answers:
Radius Garden Tools.
Hands down, the best money we’ve spent in the garden (other than the plants!). Radius PRO tools have a large “O” handle that is easy to hold and your hands don’t get as tired. They are bright neon green so easy to see in the grass when you’ve put it down. They have a resin-encased steel core shaft, making them almost unbreakable and they have a lifetime guarantee. They also look cool 
We own the Border Fork, the Edger, a shovel and the Hand Weeding Tool and love them all.
The only issue we’ve had is on the Weeding Tool – ours bent as we were weeding but we called the company and they asked for a photo of the damaged tool and when we provided that, they sent us a brand new tool.
If you don’t want to fork out the money on these (they are about 2-3 times what you’ve pay for the same tools at Walmart), then examine the tools you look at carefully. Don’t buy a tool that has plastic parts – plastic parts break quickly. Check the point where the tool joins the shaft – is it a metal join or plastic? Does it look like it would hold up to rough use?
Garden tools are like anything else – you get what you pay for. Be smart about your purchases and don’t skimp and you will be ok
Helen asks…
Required Garden Tools?
Hi Guys,
I am looking out for online garden tools.
GardenersCardiff answers:
As you have asked this question in Yahoo India I guess that’s where you are? If you google “India garden tools”it throws up several websites in India that sell garden tools such as www.tradus.com/gardening-tools, www.ankurnursery.com and www.zansaar.com
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