People who would like to start gardening need to assemble the most appropriate tools for the tasks which they intend to perform. This article provides an overview of some of the basic digging tools or equipment which you will find helpful when you want to dig up the soil.
The Basic Garden Hoe
A hoe is a must-have for any gardener. It varies in shape and size depending on the specific tasks which it was designed to perform. However, the version which comes with a square head and medium-length handle is suitable for most digging tasks. You can also use it to weed or dig planting holes.
The Shovel
You will also find a shovel handy for digging up hard or soft soil as you prepare your garden. Shovels come with rounded or pointed blade surfaces for moving materials or penetrating the ground. Keep two things in mind when selecting a shovel. First, consider the material from which it was made. Stainless steel shovels will last longer than shovels made from ordinary steel. Secondly, select the type of handle which will be easy for you to use. Taller people may find it hard to use a shovel with a short handle, for example.
The Trowel or Transplanter
Trowels and transplanters are a gem when you want to dig in a specific confined area, such as between plants. These tools have narrow blades which will fit in the tiniest of spaces between plants. They are also good for digging small holes into which you can plant vegetables whose roots stay close to the surface of the soil. A simple way to remember these tools is to look at them as small shovels.
The Spading Fork
A spading fork has 4-8 tines which are excellent for digging up hard or rocky soil. The gaps between the tines reduce the force of the impact which you would have felt if you were using another tool, such as a hoe. The spading fork can also be used to loosen compacted soil or to harvest root crops. Don’t confuse it with a pitchfork which has weaker tines that cannot be used to dig soil.
Pick and Mattock
A pick and mattock are also useful for digging soil. The pick is especially good for rocky or very hard soil. That mattock can be used to break up the large clumps dislodged by the pick.
A Spade
A spade has a larger surface area to ease the process of moving light materials, such as dried compost, from one place to another. The cutting edge of the spade is usually square. The top part of the spade has a blunt surface or foot rest where you can place your foot and push the spade into the ground.
A Backhoe
Do you have heavier digging to do before your garden is ready for planting? A MAGNATRAC® Compact Crawler will make light work of that assignment. Use the loader to move the dirt away from the site without breaking a sweat.
