Specialized & Ergonomic Tools

Below are tools that are more specialized than the basic essentials, but are very useful for more specific gardening tasks.

Specialized tools

PRUNING

Types:
• Pruning shears are often used for hedges
• Lopping shears are used for branches up to 3-inches in thickness but not for pruning as they tend to make ragged cuts which do not seal properly
• Pole pruners are useful when branches are beyond arm’s reach

HOES & CULTIVATORS
Uses:
• Cultivation and weeding
Various types include:
• a triangle hoe for breaking into stubborn soil, weeding and cultivation in tight spots
• a warren hoe has a pointed tip and used to make furrows
• a scuffle hoe is used to remove weeds just below the soil surface

SPADING FORK
Uses:
• Turning and carrying
• Mixing a compost pile
• Loosening soil

PITCHFORK
• Longer, thinner tines than a spading fork
Uses:
• For moving light, loose material such as straw

BOW RAKE & STRAIGHT RAKE
• Bow rake:  For smoothing, removing stones and breaking up clods
• Straight rake:  Use to smooth the seedbed and to compact soil over freshly sown seed for improved germination

RAIN GAUGE
• Weather-resistant polycarbonate tube with 1 inch measurements
• Bracket to attach to a post
Uses:
• To measure rainfall or snowfall in your garden location 

LABELING
• Label sticks indicate what you planted, when you planted and time to harvest or prune

STAKES, TWINE
• Stakes and twine help align straight rows
• Twine helps to secure plants to trellises or supports

MEASURING TAPE
• Measuring tape is useful for determine the distance between plants and rows

SAFETY GLASSES
• Safety glasses or goggles are a good idea for pruning, especially when using pole pruners

 

Ergonomic Tools

Ergonomic gardening tools keep hands and wrists in a natural position to reduce strain on the joints.  A good tool properly used should enable you to use good posture without excessive leaning or twisting or the need for excessive force. Maintain a natural wrist motion to increase your strength and control and decrease the chance of wrist injury. A good ergonomic tool will increase efficiency. 

Tools that reduce stress:  

Kneelers

Foam handle grips

Seats, low to the ground, on wheels or swivels

Extendable handle tools

D-shape and radius shaped handles and grips