We agree that a garden tool is very important. But that doesn’t mean that we have to believe all those adverts that we must get this and that What most manufacturers wouldn’t tell you is that most tasks can be done with a few well-selected garden tools. This is the truth –
You don’t have to buy all that you see in the shop and good quality tools don’t always mean expensive.
There are good quality tools available at many outlets at low prices. And these tools could last a lifetime if carefully selected and properly cared for.
One easy way out is to buy garden tool kits. These kits are selected and packaged for various garden chores and are good to own especially since they are cheaper in the long run than single items.
A big problem faced by many gardeners is not knowing how to properly care for their garden tools. This shouldn’t be a problem because proper care starts with doing those little things like cleaning, drying, and proper storage. When you care for your them properly, they last longer and are safer to use.
Speaking of safety, this is one aspect of gardening that hasn’t been given so much attention. In the various sections that deal with the various tools in our garden tools guide, we will discuss some safety tips.
But on a general note, safety in the garden starts with giving your full attention to what you do when you work in the garden, especially when handling potentially dangerous ones. In addition, wearing safety gear like boots and gloves and also proper care and maintenance of your tools would add to your safety.
Finally, when you have decided on the tools you need to get, you should research to find out how to select those that are best suited for you.
A Few Tips On Tool Selection
1. As often as possible, try to handle the tools and make sure you’re comfortable with them before you buy them. If you must buy online, then read the return policy of the merchant to make sure that you can return the tool if you are not satisfied with it.
2. Try and get tools with long handles. This will prevent you from prolonged bending and prevent backaches.
3. Get tools with metal parts made of rust-proof metal.
The Wheelbarrow And The Garden
Wheelbarrows come in different colors, shapes, and sizes. But all wheelbarrows have the same basic features.
- A basin/cavity that holds the material to be hauled,
- Two handles for pushing or pulling,
- A tire, usually located in the front
And,
- Two stands at the back form a tripod with the tire in front. The three are responsible for making it able to stand when not in motion.
Uses In The Garden
It is a garden tool used for carrying.
Its main use is in moving heaps of sand or other heavy or large volumes of solid or semi-solid material within and outside the garden.
It can also be used to carry harvested tubers and roots like carrots and potatoes.
It can hold plants that are being transplanted.
Safety Tips
In order to get the best out of this good tool and prevent accidents, follow the following tips. (And of course, you must have also discovered yourself from your experience).
- Don’t overload it. Carry only that which the basin can safely carry. Avoid heaps!
- Don’t carry more than you can possibly carry comfortably. The basin doesn’t have to be full. It’s better to make frequent small trips than make one big trip and be sorry you did.
- Try to use it on hard or firm ground. Using it in the muddy or swampy ground makes you prone to accidents as it moves much slower and in an unpredictable manner and also requires more force.
- For long haulage tasks, use garden hand gloves to protect your hands. Gloves made from cloth are best suited for this.
Taking Care Of Your Wheelbarrow
- Wash or clean after use.
- Dismantle collapsible ones after use.
- Lubricate wheelbarrow wheels often.
- Check the condition of the tires before each use.
Selecting A Wheelbarrow
Some are collapsible while some are not. The collapsible ones are lighter, easier to store, and preferable for carrying lightweight material, but the non-collapsible ones are usually heavier, stronger, and can bear heavier burdens, but they require more storage space.
The wheelbarrow wheels can be “pneumatic”(inflatable) or “non-pneumatic”(not inflatable and usually of solid consistency). Non-pneumatic tires work well with lighter loads while pneumatic tires bear heavier loads.
Select tires with good threadings to ensure a good grip on the ground.
If you get a metallic one, get one made from rust-proof metal.
Handles with rubber sleeves help to cushion the friction between your hands and the handles.