Gardening Tools

Question

My family are now moving to our new house. We have a beautiful big garden. I was dreaming of having such a garden for a long time. I am thinking of buying battery powerd tools for my garden. Those tools aren‘t really cheap. I would liketo ask someone before buying it.  
  Which tools would you highly recommend to buy, or must have in your garden? Is that worth to invest your money in those tools? And are battery powered tools better than electric tools?

Douglas Hunt · Answer

I am one of those people who thinks it is worth it to invest in good garden tools. They last longer, stay sharper and cost less in the long run. I don't know of any powered garden tool—electric or battery—that I would consider essential. Those I would consider to be would be a good pair of pruners and loppers, a shovel and a spade, a fan rake and a hard rake, a water hose and wand, and good gloves and a hat.

Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com · Answer

I agree with Douglas Hunt. The more you spend the longer and easier it is to do the chore that the tool was designed for. Same with any type of tool. 
As far as battery vs. electrical? This depends upon the amount of work that the tool will be seeing. For a small yard battery lawn mowers work fine, As long as you remember to plug them in and recharge them. And if you have a small porch a battery powered blower is ok as well. But that is about where I would start thinking about using electrical or even fuel powered tools They simply have more power, do not fade just before your done and does not require re-charging in the middle of a larger project. Me? I am a gas tool kind of guy. But do have battery operated drills and a few saws that only get used once in a long while. But for everyday use. Go electrical cord or gas. But as Doug said, most of the tools that are now battery and electrical can be had manual power, old school which has really tested to be the best.

Patti @Hearth and Vine · Answer

I agree with @Doug. Here are a couple of my favorites: Felco hand pruners. They are expensive but last forever. I use them all the time. Nitrile garden gloves. I never used to use gloves because I didn't like the feel of them but these are like a second skin. Very affordable. A good hand spade that's nice and wide. Either buy one with a bright handle or paint it. That way it will be easier to find when you leave it somewhere. Finally you may want to invest in a hori hori knife. Comes in handy for digging and cutting and some have markings on them to use as a planting guide. Good luck on the new garden. How exciting!!

Debi · Answer

Buy gas tools battery operated is a waste of money. Echo makes a great blower Black + Decker for your weed wacker, and if you are going to be composting I would get a sweeper to pick-up your thatch and leaves. Don't be cheap on your hand tools you will just be spending again when they fall apart. get a sharpener for your blades clean cuts will prevent damage to your trees and shrubs. And remember to always have a seat where you can enjoy your garden. ENJOY

Dona DeZube · Answer

I see you're in San Francisco. You can rent tools from the local Tool Co-op: http://www.sfcleancity.com/resources/tool-lending.html John Rhia did a HouseLogic article on must-have landscaping tools that you might like. It's at: www.houselogic.com/home-advice/landscaping-gardening/must-have-landscape-tools/?search_link_clicked=10 Must-Have Landscape Tools?eo_sm_sa_ddz For me, the key to making gas tools last is to use the proper fuel (or fuel additive) and to not store them over the winter with fuel in them. Putting straight fuel from the gas station into them ends badly.

Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com · Answer

only thing I would add is depending upon how much your going to use these tools may make a difference if you do want fuel types. Reason why I say this is that the new fuels you purchase for your lawn equipment as with many cars, tend to foul the carb if the gas is left in them for a long period of time without use. Not like years ago before they had all the special blends. Even the expensive power equipment unless its used all the time the gas goes bad and you end up having a heck of a time getting the machine to run again.

April E · Answer

battery operated tools are a great waste of time because you have to spend a lot on the extra batteries so they last through the job and they are not heavy duty enough for a lot of garden work i agree with all above either old fashioned hand tools or gas

Douglas Hunt · Answer

We had a speaker on adaptive gardening (which basically teaches you techniques to keep gardening as age or other physical limitations set in) at my men's garden club yesterday, and she whipped out a lightweight battery-powered chainsaw that she just loved. So I guess it is all about what is right for you personally.

Uppsallaa · Answer

I really enjoy reading all comments it is very very useful. Thank you so much for all of your suggestions.

I guess cutting tree can be no longer a women work. That sounds very interesting @Douglas with a lightweight battery-powered chainsaw..

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