Garden tools have changed a lot over the years, from using simple sticks and scissors they have evolved to highly specialised tools. Each season brings new gardening tools and gadgets, but before you get the latest and greatest in gardening equipment you should ensure you have the basic groups covered.

There are some basic gardening tools you must have, but there are a huge variety of designs and sizes- each designed for a specific purpose. There is a reason for so many tool options, as the right gardening tool makes the gardening task a lot easier. Here are some of the gardening tools you may find useful for everyday gardening.

SHOVEL-
The shovel is the main tool and the one that gets the most use for gardening.

Round point shovel- this is the number one tool for digging, lifting and throwing soil. The round point cuts into the soil, and the rim on the top allows for added foot pressure, allowing you to dig deeper holes. Look for one with a wide rim if you plan on doing a lot of digging, your feet will appreciate it!

Square point shovel- this is a great tool for moving materials around the garden. Larger size square point shovels are known as a scoop.

RAKES-
Before the invention of the rake, gardeners had to use their bare hands to move soil and other objects. But today’s rakes are designed to extend the human hand and finger to a larger scale and come in all sizes and styles.

Leaf rake- this is designed for movement of leaves, grass and other lightweight materials. Flexible steel or poly tines work well removing debris from grass. These rakes come in small and large sizes but a shrub rakes works best when cleaning planting beds.

Garden rake- this is designed for removing or moving debris, or working soil to prepare for planting. Use the top edge of the rake to level up garden beds. These garden rakes come in three different styles:
· Flat- this rake has a t-shaped head, attached directly to the handle, giving it extra strength.
· Bow- this rake has the head attached by two curved (steel) supports
· Thatch- this rake is designed to scratch into tough turf and remove thatch.

HOE-
A simple, yet ancient tool, the hoe helps the keen gardener to weed and lightly break the ground. The hoe comes in many different head shapes and sizes. These are:

Regular garden hoe- these come in square or rectangular blades and it is at a right angle to the handle, to assist you with chopping.

Warren hoe – these are designed for planting assistance rather than weeding. The V-shaped blade is used to dig furrows whilst the open part can be used to close furrows.
Weeding hoe- these have a flat blade on one end (used for chopping) and pointed tips (used for pulling out weeds by the roots).

Action hoe- these hoes pivot back and forth beneath the soil for cutting weeds. The blade does this via a push or pull stroke.

Mortar hoe- these are not necessarily used for gardening, but has holes in it to easily mix cement or mortar.

HAND TOOLS-
Hand tools make gardening a lot easier and are a handy device for everyday use.

Bulb Planter –this tool is designed especially to dig small holes for bulbs. Some bulb planters are marked for exact hole depth, the digging tube removing soil to allow room for the bulb. You can purchase a long-handled version to get extra food pressure behind it.

Trowel/transplanter – this tool is designed for precision digging in smaller spaces. This tool has a narrow blade, perfect for putting in bedding plants and the transplanter is even narrower.

Weeder – this tool is also known as a dandelion digger which looks like a notched screwdriver. It penetrates the soil and removes the weeds and their roots from deep in the ground.