Tools of the Trade
Basic gardening tools include a spading fork, shovel, rake and hoe. Other
tools may be purchased to make gardening easier, but should not be considered
absolutely necessary for successful gardening. When purchasing garden tools,
make certain they are well built and sturdy. Avoid bargain tools which obviously
will not last more than one or two gardening seasons.
Rototillers make the task of soil preparation much easier, but for many
gardeners they are not a wise purchase. Such equipment is expensive, but
can serve a purpose in a larger garden. For most small backyard gardens,
it may be better to rent a rototiller from a local rental center rather
than to buy one. Rototillers may be used only once or twice a year, and
it is difficult to justify such an expense.