The hand tools we all personally use and favor are many and varied. Almost all of us have some sort of hand trowel and clippers. From those two, it’s everything and the kitchen sink – from old ones to brand new and specific brands. So what’s in my gardening tool box?
Too much, perhaps, but I use every one of them at one time or another in my community garden beds or on a volunteer workday during the year.
Most of my favorites are old. These two are the oldest and considered antique and the small claw is great for weeding close to a plant. The triangle makes great furrows for planting seeds.
My bulb planter makes a great hole for planting vegetable transplants. There’s a knife in my box too – it’s handy for harvesting broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower.
I have a vintage green fork and green claw. The fork worked well digging a circle around my potato plants and the claw is a great weeder too.
Surprisingly, I only use my clippers when we’re taking down plants past their prime like pea or bean or cuke vines. I prefer to use scissors or sometimes my fingers when harvesting.
My hand trowel has “Kombi” edges that cut through roots easily and digs a good hole (and I do have a Kombi shovel). The gentleman in North Georgia retired and no longer makes either. I highly recommend if you can find one, buy it.
What are some of your favorites????