However small your plot of land, when you set about turning it into a garden, you will find that some tools are basic necessities. It is important to have a sharp spade to open the soil, a garden fork to break it up, a shovel to dig holes in it and a level-head rake to crumble its surface.
Then you will need a trowel for small-scale digging, a garden hoe and a scuffle hoe to keep down weeds and a long-handled and short-handled cultivator to keep the surface loose and friable. You will also need a good long garden hose, equipped with an adjustable nozzle and a garden line to ensure you have straight rows.
If your garden space is larger than a few square yards, a rotary tiller is a good investment; it makes deep cultivation a quick and relatively effortless job. A wheelbarrow is in order, as well as a light roller. Other tools that may come in handy include a crowbar for lifting large rocks and a mattock or pick for breaking hardpacked surfaces.
When buying tools, look for the best–cheap tools are always more expensive in the long run. Lift each one to be sure the handle fits your hands comfortably and the tool is well balanced. Carefully examine the way the handle is joined to the working end; this is the weak point. Round handles should be fitted into long metal shanks and riveted firmly in place. Make sure all cutting edges are solid, sharp and well aligned.
Good tools deserve good care, so make sure to clean them off after use. Remove rust spots with a solvent and steel wool and use a file to smooth out nicks as soon as they occur. Tighten anything that is loose and occasionally apply a drop of oil to moving parts. At the end of the season, rub down all metal parts with an oily rag before storing tools for the winter.
by the Editors of Reader's Digest
No comments:
Post a Comment