When the time comes to start planting your garden and developing your Delta outdoor living space, it’s easy to go overboard. Harvesting fruits and vegetables from your own garden is quite appealing to most any homeowner, and everyone knows that it takes proper gardening tools to get the job done right. While there are certainly some necessities that are a worthwhile investment, there is no reason to go overboard.

Trowel

Perhaps one of the first tools on any gardener’s wish list is a trowel. Used to plant herbs, remove weeds and dig around the corners of precious plants, this tool is multipurpose and can help you to care for your garden without damaging the roots of delicate fruit and vegetable plants.

A mid-range priced trowel is best for beginners looking to get the job done. Look for one with a sturdy handle and forged from stainless steel, and consider the width of blade as they vary depending on the task you are using the trowel for. A narrow blade is great for transplanting seedlings, and a wider blade is ideal for removing weeds. If you can only afford one, look for a blade that’s in the mid-range so that it can function for multiple tasks.

Weeder

While a great trowel is ideal for removing many of the peskiest weeds, sometimes it simply is not enough. A good quality weeder makes this task easier and less time consuming too. If you are working with a raised bed or around very delicate plants, a weeder is truly a great investment. There are several types on the market, so discuss your weeding needs with a professional at your favorite Delta greenhouse or garden supply store to find the right one for your needs.

Shovels

Shovels come in lots of different sizes for different tasks in your garden or yard. There are long and short handles and with round, pointed and square points. They are essential for adding soil or composting beds in your Delta garden and can be used for many other tasks too.

Look for shovels with steel heads and fiberglass handles for long lasting potential. While this quality of shovel won’t be cheap, buying right means having something that will last you year after year, so consider it an investment in your garden and outdoor lifestyle.

Rake

In the months of fall when the leaves are quickly piling up on the ground, a rake is an indispensable tool for any gardener. Relatively inexpensive and useful for smoothing out raised beds or composting too, a rake helps to keep your garden clean and your plants thriving.

Hose with Nozzle and Rain Wand

Without water, no garden can survive, so keep yours healthy with the help of a quality hose with nozzle and rain wand. Make sure that it can reach every area of your garden so that none of your plants ever have to get too thirsty.

Hand Tools

If you are in the market to add just a few extras to your gardening tools kit, consider a selection of hand tools. Garden scissors, handheld pruners and a digging fork are a great place to start. Each is useful for both small and large gardens. Look for stainless steel tools with sturdy handles for long lasting appeal and great functionality.

Wheelbarrow

While this last tool isn’t a necessity for container gardening, it’s a great one to own for anything that is much larger. Wheelbarrows are handy for transporting mulch, composting and moving soil. If one isn’t in your budget, consider going in with a few neighbours to purchase one together. None of you will need this tool more than once or twice a year, so it’s an easy one to share in coop style.

If you are ready to bring the farm to your table with a great backyard garden, start with the right tools. You don’t have to spend a fortune, but buying a few will make your life easier and your garden much more fruitful for your labors. Start with the basics, and you can always build from there as you discover different needs and delve deeper into the world of gardening.