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Spending lots of time at home can get boring, and unfortunately it’s the situation we have all found ourselves in during these past months. We’ve all done our best to keep ourselves entertained, and hobbies play a huge part in this effort. What’s more, hobbies can quickly grow from being something to keep us busy into something we really love doing.
Of course, which hobby you choose depends on your specific needs and personal preferences. Gardening is one hobby that has seen a huge growth in interest this year, which I’m so happy to see!
The benefits of gardening
Gardening is good for you on so many levels. For starters, you’re doing something fun that is keeping you out of the house, getting you fitter, and helping you stay in touch with nature. Gardening is also relaxing, and a great way to combat stress and improve mood. Even psychology confirms that we have great reasons to love this hobby.
In addition to all these great benefits of gardening, you will also be rewarded with something beautiful to look at (or eat!), and a real sense of achievement. It’s not hard to see why gardening is such a popular pastime, is it?
If you’re new to gardening, you probably can’t wait to do some digging and planting, as well as to see the results of your efforts in the form of lovely plants and flowers. Just thinking about that might put a smile on your face – see, the gardening magic is working already!
As a beginner, however, you might be under the impression that you can just go out and use your hands for every single gardening activity. That can work up to a point, but gardening is definitely a hobby that benefits from having a few tools. This doesn’t mean that you need to fill your shed or garage with all manner of expensive equipment, rather that you should aim to kit yourself out with some basic tools.
Here’s a list of some of those essential garden tools for beginners, to help get you started with your new hobby.
Gardening gloves
It’s perfectly possible to garden with your bare hands – and some people prefer to do this – but I think a good pair of gardening gloves is essential if you want to protect your hands. As well as damage from things like thorns and splinters, gloves will help keep your hands clean, and protect them from the drying effects of harsh weather.
It’s important to find a pair of gloves that works well for you. Aim for a pair that is breathable, and capable of keeping your hands comfortable and cool while also being water resistant. Consider the fit too; they need to fit snugly to avoid blisters, but not be too tight. Finally, go for a high-quality pair if you can afford it; they will last much longer.
Shovel
Unsurprisingly, one of the most useful garden tools for beginners is a shovel. Unless you want to do all the digging by hand, you will definitely need one!
Once again, think carefully about which shovel you are buying; there are lots of different types available and some will be better suited to your needs than others. You’ll probably be using it for your gardening jobs every month, so it’s important to choose a design that suits you well. Look for one that feels comfortable to hold, isn’t too heavy, and is strong and durable.
Garden shears
When it comes to garden tools for beginners, Garden Peer confirms that gardening sheers are another essential. Shears will help you gain control over unruly plants, and keep borders and hedges looking smart.
Garden shears are available in a range of sizes and materials, so do your research and try out a few options before making a choice. Again, look out for comfortable handles and high quality materials. Weight is particularly important with shears, as you may well be holding them up high for a period of time.
It’s a good idea to find and read reviews about specific shears, this will definitely help you make the right choice.
Garden hose
It goes without saying that your plants will need water, regardless of what it is that you are actually planting. Following the watering instructions for each type of plant will help to ensure you’re providing the ideal growing conditions, which in turn will make your garden thrive.
A garden hose can save you a lot of time and effort with watering, particularly during the warmer months of the year. Hoses are available in a range of lengths, so make sure you measure the distance from your outdoor tap to your plants before choosing a product. Consider also how much space you have to store your hose; if you don’t have lots of room, a hose that shrinks back to a fraction of its size when not in use is a great option.
Are all these garden tools for beginners in your gardening kit? Do you have a favourite garden tool that you’d add to my list?
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