#Mulching Materials Market Size

[vijay34]

Global Mulching Materials Market: Enhancing Crop Yield and Soil Health

Growing Focus on Soil Health and Sustainable Farming Practices Fuels Growth in the Mulching Materials Market.

The Mulching Materials MarketSize was valued at USD 3.5 Billion in 2023. It is expected to grow to USD 6.8 Billion by 2032 and grow at a CAGR of 7.7% over the forecast period of 2024-2032.

The Mulching Materials Market is driven by the rising demand for sustainable agricultural practices, enhanced crop productivity, and decorative landscaping. Mulch is used to retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, reduce weed growth, and improve the overall health of plants and soil. With growing awareness about soil conservation and organic farming, the market for both organic (wood chips, bark, straw) and inorganic (plastic, rubber, landscape fabric) mulching materials is expanding rapidly.

Key Players:

The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company 

Barkman Concrete Ltd. 

The Mulch & Soil Company 

Pine Tree Farms, Inc. 

Landscaping Supplies 

Ewing Irrigation & Landscape Supply 

A.M.A. Horticulture Inc. 

Soil and Mulch Company, LLC 

Gardener’s Supply Company 

Duke’s Landscape Supply 

Future Scope & Emerging Trends:

The future of the Mulching Materials Market lies in the intersection of sustainability, technology, and efficiency. Biodegradable and recycled mulching materials are gaining momentum due to environmental concerns and growing bans on traditional plastic mulch. Innovations such as smart mulches that incorporate slow-release fertilizers and moisture indicators are transforming the sector. Additionally, urban gardening, rooftop farming, and landscaping trends are increasing demand for aesthetically pleasing and functional mulch solutions. Government initiatives promoting organic farming and soil health in developing economies are also expected to drive market expansion.

Key Points:

Used to conserve soil moisture, control weeds, and enhance soil health.

Organic mulches gaining preference due to eco-friendliness.

Plastic mulch remains dominant in commercial agriculture for high-yield crops.

Biodegradable and recycled mulches are emerging as sustainable alternatives.

Growing applications in home gardening, landscaping, and urban agriculture.

Asia-Pacific and North America are key growth regions due to agricultural innovation and landscape development.

Conclusion:

The Mulching Materials Market is on a promising growth trajectory as it aligns with global trends toward sustainable agriculture, climate-resilient farming, and eco-conscious landscaping. Continued innovation and increased consumer awareness are expected to fuel demand for diverse mulching solutions, creating opportunities for both established and emerging players in the industry.

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Jagney Dave — Vice President of Client Engagement

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Asia Pacific Playground Surface Materials Market Research Report 2024-2030

The Asia Pacific Playground Surface Materials market size was valued at US$ 523.6 million in 2024 and is projected to reach US$ 726.9 million by 2030, at a CAGR of 5.6% during the forecast period 2024-2030.

Playground surface materials are specialized products designed to provide safe, impact-absorbing surfaces for children's play areas, including rubber mulch, poured-in-place rubber, artificial turf, and engineered wood fiber.

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he Asia Pacific playground surface materials market is experiencing steady growth, driven by increasing focus on child safety and development of public recreational spaces. China leads with a 35% market share, followed by Japan at 25% and Australia at 15%. In 2023, rubber-based materials dominated with a 50% market share, followed by synthetic turf at 30% and engineered wood fiber at 15%. The market saw a 12% increase in demand for recycled rubber surfaces due to sustainability initiatives. Key players include PlayPower, Inc. (USA) and Kompan A/S (Denmark), collectively holding a 30% market share in the region.

The industry is investing in innovative materials, with a 18% increase in R&D spending on antimicrobial and heat-resistant formulations in 2023. Challenges include fluctuating raw material prices, leading to a 7% volatility in product costs. Government regulations on playground safety have driven a 15% increase in adoption of certified impact-attenuating surfaces. The market is benefiting from the trend towards inclusive play spaces, with a 20% growth in demand for accessible playground surfaces.

Report Includes

This report is an essential reference for who looks for detailed information on Asia Pacific Playground Surface Materials. The report covers data on Asia Pacific markets including historical and future trends for supply, market size, prices, trading, competition and value chain as well as Asia Pacific major vendors¡¯ information. In addition to the data part, the report also provides overview of Playground Surface Materials, including classification, application, manufacturing technology, industry chain analysis and latest market dynamics. Finally, a customization report in order to meet user's requirements is also available.

This report aims to provide a comprehensive presentation of the Asia Pacific Playground Surface Materials, with both quantitative and qualitative analysis, to help readers develop business/growth strategies, assess the market competitive situation, analyze their position in the current marketplace, and make informed business decisions regarding Playground Surface Materials. This report contains market size and forecasts of Playground Surface Materials in Asia Pacific, including the following market information:

We surveyed the Playground Surface Materials manufacturers, suppliers, distributors and industry experts on this industry, involving the sales, revenue, demand, price change, product type, recent development and plan, industry trends, drivers, challenges, obstacles, and potential risks.

Total Market by Segment:

by Country

China

India

Japan

South Korea

Australia

Thailand

Indonesia

by Products type:

Poured in Place (PIP)

Artificial Turf

Rubber Mulch

Engineered Wood Fiber

Others

by Application:

Schools

Parks

Residential Areas

Commercial Playgrounds

Recreational Areas

Others

key players include: (At least 8-10 companies included)

Beka Sport

Fairmont Industries Sdn. Bhd.

Shenzhen Flyon Sports Equipment Co., Ltd.

Zeager Bros., Inc.

Viha Steel & Forging

Nurcub Nursery Supplies https://sites.google.com/view/statsmr/automotive-market-updates/ai-dash-cams-market-global-outlook-and-forecast-2023-2032

Wet Pour Pty Ltd

Garg Sports International

CCGrass

Marathon

Including or excluding key companies relevant to your analysis.

Competitor Analysis

The report also provides analysis of leading market participants including:

Key companies Playground Surface Materials revenues in Asia Pacific market, 2019-2024 (Estimated), ($ millions)

Key companies Playground Surface Materials revenues share in Asia Pacific market, 2023 (%)

Key companies Playground Surface Materials sales in Asia Pacific market, 2019-2024 (Estimated),

Key companies Playground Surface Materials sales share in Asia Pacific market, 2023 (%)

FAQs: Asia Pacific Playground Surface Materials Market (2024–2030)

1. What is the market size of playground surface materials in Asia Pacific in 2024?

The Asia Pacific Playground Surface Materials market was valued at USD 523.6 million in 2024, driven by increasing demand for safe and sustainable recreational infrastructure.

2. What is the projected market value of playground surface materials in Asia Pacific by 2030?

The market is expected to reach USD 726.9 million by 2030, reflecting strong investment in child safety and urban play environments.

3. What is the CAGR for the Asia Pacific Playground Surface Materials market during 2024–2030?

The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.6% from 2024 to 2030, indicating steady expansion in the region.

4. What are playground surface materials?

Playground surface materials are specially designed flooring materials used in playgrounds to enhance safety, durability, and accessibility. These include:

Rubber tiles

Poured-in-place rubber

Artificial turf

Wood chips

Engineered wood fiber

Rubber tiles

Poured-in-place rubber

Artificial turf

Wood chips

Engineered wood fiber

5. What is driving the growth of this market in Asia Pacific?

Key growth factors include:

Rising urbanization and infrastructure spending

Increased focus on child safety standards

Government regulations on playground safety compliance

Demand for inclusive and accessible play spaces

Environmental push for sustainable materials

Rising urbanization and infrastructure spending

Increased focus on child safety standards

Government regulations on playground safety compliance

Demand for inclusive and accessible play spaces

Environmental push for sustainable materials

Key Points of this Report:

The depth industry chain includes analysis value chain analysis, porter five forces model analysis and cost structure analysis

The report covers Asia Pacific and country-wise market of Playground Surface Materials

It describes present situation, historical background and future forecast

Comprehensive data showing Playground Surface Materials capacities, production, consumption, trade statistics, and prices in the recent years are provided

The report indicates a wealth of information on Playground Surface Materials manufacturers

Playground Surface Materials forecast for next five years, including market volumes and prices is also provided

Raw Material Supply and Downstream Consumer Information is also included

Any other user's requirements which is feasible for us

Reasons to Purchase this Report:

Analyzing the outlook of the market with the recent trends and SWOT analysis

Market dynamics scenario, along with growth opportunities of the market in the years to come

Market segmentation analysis including qualitative and quantitative research incorporating the impact of economic and non-economic aspects

Regional and country level analysis integrating the demand and supply forces that are influencing the growth of the market.

Market value (USD Million) and volume (Units Million) data for each segment and sub-segment

Distribution Channel sales Analysis by Value

Competitive landscape involving the market share of major players, along with the new projects and strategies adopted by players in the past five years

Comprehensive company profiles covering the product offerings, key financial information, recent developments, SWOT analysis, and strategies employed by the major market players

1-year analyst support, along with the data support in excel format.

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Table of content

1 Market Overview    

1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Playground Surface Materials 

1.2 Segment by Type    

1.2.1 Asia Pacific Market Size YoY Growth Rate Analysis by Type: 2023 VS 2030     1.2.2 Poured in Place (PIP)     1.2.3 Artificial Turf 1.2.4 Rubber Mulch 1.2.5 Engineered Wood Fiber 1.2.6 Others

1.3 Segment by Application  

1.3.1 Asia Pacific Market Size YoY Growth Rate Analysis by Application: 2023 VS 2030     1.3.2    Schools 1.3.3    Parks 1.3.4    Residential Areas 1.3.5    Commercial Playgrounds 1.3.6    Recreational Areas 1.3.7    Others 1.4 Asia Pacific Market Growth Prospects     1.4.1 Asia Pacific Revenue Estimates and Forecasts (2019-2030)     1.4.2 Asia Pacific Production Estimates and Forecasts (2019-2030)  

2 Asia Pacific Growth Trends    

2.1 Industry Trends     2.1.1 SWOT Analysis     2.1.2 PESTEL Analysis   &nbs

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The right tools can make your gardening chores easier—and maybe faster, too. There are a variety of gardening tools that can help with digging, weeding, planting, and more. “Every gardener needs a high-quality spade, shovel, rake, hand trowel, pruners, and loppers,” says Tom Hughes, owner of Iowa-based Hughes Nursery and Landscape. “And a hoe is an essential tool for vegetable gardens.”  Of course, the best gardening tools for you might be different than the best gardening tools for your neighbor. When you’re looking for gardening tools, consider how tall you are, how much you can lift, and what chores you do regularly. If you have limited mobility, you might want to choose one of the many ergonomic tools on the market. If you have trouble bending and kneeling, long-handled tools and a kneeling pad might be good to have on hand.   “Look for tools constructed with the fewest number of parts,” says Lindsay Miller, horticultural writer for Gardener’s Supply Company. “The more individual pieces attached by bolts and collars, the more weak spots there are.”  Gardening Tools We’ve Tested—And Loved PHOTO: Walmart Because of its thoughtful, two-handle design, the Bloem watering can was one of our favorites when we tested over 30 watering cans. The handles make it easy to carry and pour, and the adjustable water spout allows you to switch from a light or heavy stream.  We intentionally dropped the can when it was full of water, and we were impressed that it stayed upright and didn’t tip over. When we dropped it a few more times, both with and without water, it didn’t dent or scratch.  Made with BPA-free plastic, it’s coated with a UV protectant to help prevent fading. It’s only available in one color, but thankfully the black and orange design is fairly neutral.  Product Details: Material: Polypropylene plastic | Size: 2.6 gallons | Weight: 1 pound PHOTO: Better Homes & Gardens PHOTO: Better Homes & Gardens PHOTO: The Home Depot We tested these gardening gloves ourselves, we were impressed with how well they held up to messy gardening chores, like mulching a vegetable garden and turning compost in compost bins.   The gloves’ synthetic leather fingertips provide a strong grip when you’re holding gardening tools, and the stretchy spandex between the fingers and on the body of the glove adds breathability and extra comfort on hot summer days. An adjustable hook and loop wrist strap allows you to customize the fit and make the gloves feel more secure. Reinforced seams at common wear points add durability, and the padded palm enhances comfort, especially during repetitive chores, such as raking leaves and digging.  In addition to offering protection for all types of gardening chores, these gardening gloves offer a few extra features as well. They’re machine washable, so you can just toss them in your washing machine when they get dirty.  Plus, they’re touchscreen compatible, so you don’t have to take your gloves off every time you need to reach for your phone to identify a mystery plant or potential disease. Also, the glove’s thumb features a terry cloth strip to help you wipe away sweat while you’re working.  The gloves are currently only available in one size, so they may not fit especially small or large hands. Product Details: Material: Synthetic leather, spandex | Size: One size (women’s medium) | Weight: Not listed PHOTO: Walmart After testing almost 40 garden hoses, the Kotto expandable hose was easily the top choice. With garden hoses, kinking is a common issue, but we didn’t experience any kinking with the Kotto hose thanks to its flexible and durable polyester fabric.  We also didn’t experience another common garden hose issue: leaks. It connected securely to the spigot, and all of the water went through the hose instead of spraying out at the connection points. And because it’s made from a lightweight fabric (rather than heavy rubber), it was incredibly easy to pull around the yard to water various raised garden beds, trees, and shrubs.  We learned a helpful trick while testing this garden hose: when you’re done using it, allow all of the water to drain from the hose before winding it up on your garden hose reel. Once the water is drained, it’s much easier and lighter to wind up.  Product Details: Material: Polyester fabric with latex core: | Size: 25, 50, 75, 100, or 150 feet | Weight: 3.5 pounds PHOTO: Amazon Why You Should Get It The nozzle can be turned on and off with just your thumb, and when we intentionally dropped it down a cement stairway, it didn’t get damaged at all.  If you’re looking for a hose nozzle to pair with your Kotto expandable hose, the Dramm spray gun is an affordable yet durable choice.  It’s easy to use since it features a one-touch valve that allows you to turn the water on and off using only your thumb. Because there’s no need to squeeze the handle as other nozzles require, it’s more comfortable to use for long watering sessions and is ideal for people with limited hand mobility.  When we tested the the hose nozzle, it was easy to turn the dial and switch between the various spray patterns. We found the highest power stream setting to be quite powerful—it easily removed mud from dirty Adirondack chairs. We also dropped the hose nozzle down a cement stairway as part of the durability testing and saw no signs of damage or any decrease in quality. Even though it proved to be sturdy, we appreciate that it comes with a lifetime guarantee. Product Details: Material: Metal | Size: 4 x 7 x 2.25 inches | Weight: 13.6 ounces This hose nozzle has nine different settings, including a shower setting to water flowers. PHOTO: Better Homes & Gardens Because of its powerful stream, we didn't have any problems cleaning mud off of a chair. PHOTO: Better Homes & Gardens PHOTO: Amazon If you have branches, mulch, or potting soil to move around your lawn or garden, this cart proved to be a true workhorse when we tested wheelbarrows. The 36 x 20-inch bed has a weight capacity of 600 pounds and can hold up to 4 cubic feet of material. We love that unlike a standard wheelbarrow, it has four wheels—so no more heavy loads that make the cart tip over as you’re trying to move it. The cart’s 10-inch pneumatic tires are big enough to make it over rough terrain, and the quick-release dumping feature makes it easy to unload and functions similarly to a dump truck. You simply unlatch the bed from the frame and lift up on the bed to release the cart’s contents. A padded handle provides extra comfort when you’re pulling heavy loads and tight-turn steering helps you pull it exactly where you want to unload. The tub is rustproof so you don’t have to worry about leaving it outside in the elements.   Assembling the cart took just over an hour. Although the instructions were clear and provided helpful illustrations, there were some misaligned plastic holes and the sizing for the nuts wasn’t listed, so we had to try quite a few tools before finding the right size.  Product Details: Material: Steel frame, poly bed | Size: 20 x 19.5 x 38.7 inches | Weight: 31.5 pounds The single-handle design may cause more strain, especially if pulling heavy objects. PHOTO: Better Homes & Gardens The gold lever releases the cart's tub backwards, dumping out the contents. PHOTO: Better Homes & Gardens Other Gardening Tools We Recommend PHOTO: A.M. Leonard Why You Should Get It This soil knife is sturdy and durable and can help you with cutting roots and twine, planting, and measuring. This soil knife is a multifunctional tool that may soon become your favorite tool in your collection. It features a serrated edge, as well as a slicing edge so you can use it for a variety of tasks around the garden. The serrated edge works especially well for cutting through tough roots. The 6-inch blade includes a notch to help you cut twine or plant ties, and it features measurement markings to ensure you plant spring bulbs at the correct depth. The blade is made of high-quality stainless steel to ensure it will stand up to the elements as well as all your chores.  We also love that the knife features a bright orange plastic handle to make it easy to spot if you accidentally lay it down in the garden or in grass. The molded grip on the composite handle ensures it’s comfortable to hold for long periods of time.  This sturdy knife promises to last for many years; it comes with a lifetime warranty and the manufacturer says that it withstands more than 300 pounds of pressure. The notch for cutting twine is a handy feature, although you may want to wear gardening gloves to avoid any accidents.  Product Details: Material: Stainless steel | Size: 1.75 x 0.75 x 11.75 inches | Weight: 9.1 ounces PHOTO: Amazon This weeding tool was originally invented in 1913, but it stopped being produced in 1941 so that all available metals could be put to the war effort. Luckily for us, the tool was rediscovered in 1999 and is now being produced and sold again. To use this simple tool, you just center the fork over the weed, press it into the ground, and then lean on the handle to remove the weed. This system lets you weed without hurting your back or knees, and it’s an easy way to remove dandelions and other weeds, roots and all.  The weeder works in all soil types, but it is easiest to use after a good rain or after watering since you need to be able to push it into the ground. The head was redesigned in 1999 to make it stronger, and the bamboo handle ensures it will be long lasting. Weighing just 3 pounds, it’s easy for most people to hold and use, but we recommend working the ground after watering or a rainstorm for looser soil. If you want to control weeds without using chemicals, this is a handy tool to have in your toolbox. Product Details: Material: Bamboo and powder-coated steel | Size: 46 x 8 x 1.5 inches | Weight: 3 pounds PHOTO: Amazon When it comes to these hardworking bypass pruners, Felco seems to have carefully thought through every detail of the design to ensure many years of use, making the pruners worth the price.  With a 1-inch cutting capacity, these pruning shears are great for trimming rose bushes and woody perennials. The Anvil blade features a sap groove to prevent sticking. The cutting blade with a soft wire cutter is replaceable if needed, ensuring you can keep using these bypass pruners long into the future. The bolt and nut are easily adjustable so you can customize blade alignment if you wish. Forged aluminum handles are strong but lightweight; they’re covered with a red plastic coating to add comfort and help make sure you don’t lose the pruners in the garden. A rubber cushion with a shock absorber where the blades come together helps reduce the strain on your wrists as you work.  Product Details: Material: Steel and rubber | Size: 9.25 x 4 x 1 inches | Weight: 8.8 ounces PHOTO: Amazon Made of heavy-duty 16-gauge stainless steel, the Wilcox All-Pro hand trowel is nearly unbreakable and won’t even bend if you hit a strong root. Yet, it’s lightweight, so it’s comfortable to use for long periods of time.  This model is 10 inches long, but a variety of lengths are available, from 9 to 22 inches. The fine point on the 10-inch trowel is more precise than other models in this line and many other trowels on the market, which makes it a good choice when weeding or digging around existing plants. It works especially well for tending to sedums and sempervivums, both of which have shallow roots and need to be carefully lifted when transplanting.  A depth gauge (listed in both centimeters and inches) is stamped on one side to help you determine the correct depth for planting. The plastic handle includes ribbings and grooves to allow for a more comfortable positioning of the hand.   In addition to gardening, the trowel can also come in handy when camping, hiking, and hunting. Really, it’s hard to find anything to complain about with this garden trowel—as an added bonus, it’s even made in the USA.  Product Details: Material: Stainless steel | Size: 10 x 2.5 inches | Weight: 7.2 ounces PHOTO: Amazon Sometimes it can be hard to decide whether to buy a spade or a shovel. The Spear Head spade garden shovel lets you have the best of both garden tools in one. It features a design that lets you dig dirt like a shovel and cut through roots or dig a trench like a spade. Keep in mind, though, that the blade on this tool is smaller than a traditional shovel, so you won’t be able to move as much dirt in one scoop.  The blade on this Spear Head shovel is made of durable carbon manganese steel. The tool comes pre-sharpened, and the epoxy powder coating is designed to wear away around the edges first so the sharpened edge will continuously be revealed and grow sharper as it is used. This shovel/spade features a fiberglass handle that’s both strong and lightweight. The cushioned D-shape grip adds comfort and has UV inhibitors so it will stand up to any kind of weather. Maybe best of all, the tool is designed to reduce effort when digging into heavy, rocky, or compact soils. Product Details: Material: Steel and fiberglass | Size: 40.25 x 8.25 x 1.5 inches | Weight: 3.64 pounds PHOTO: Amazon The Edward Tools hand hoe is a great mini-size hoe to help with precise weeding, moving dirt, and planting in small flower beds or raised vegetable gardens. It’s made of heavy-duty carbon steel so it won’t bend or break, plus the powder-coated finish helps to resist rust. It’s sturdy enough to work well even in hard or rocky soils, although it should be noted that the hoe doesn’t have a sharpened edge so it won’t slice through especially tough roots. The ergonomic rubber grip and anti-skid handle ensures this tool is safe and comfortable to hold, even if you’ll be working for hours in the garden. Although it’s not a large enough hoe for big gardens, it’s a very handy tool to have nearby for small-scale gardening since it’s both lightweight and sturdy. Product Details: Material: Carbon steel, rubber | Size: 13.98 x 4.37 x 2.36 inches | Weight: 9 ounces PHOTO: Amazon Bow rakes are good for loosening or breaking up compacted soil and spreading mulch, compost, and other materials. This rake features super-sharp teeth to dig into any type of soil. The L-shape design of the blades helps them dig deep into the dirt and cut weeds below the soil, making the rake helpful for weeding as well as spreading mulch. If you don’t have a ton of leaves to rake up, this may be the only rake that you need in your yard and garden.  A protective rubber sleeve on the handle helps prevent splintering and makes the rake more comfortable to hold for long work sessions. A riveted socket helps prevent the head from separating from the handle. This rake has a 54-inch handle, which works well for most gardeners, and it’s lightweight, weighing only 2.84 pounds. The handle is made of fiberglass, a material that’s both strong and lightweight, while the blades are made from carbon steel with a chip-resistant coating for strength and durability. Keep in mind that the handle is smaller in diameter than a traditional rake, which might not be everyone’s preference. Product Details: Material: Fiberglass and carbon steel | Size: 59.5 x 14 x 3 inches | Weight: 2.84 pounds PHOTO: Amazon Why You Should Get It This hand cultivator is strong and built to last for many years; since it’s lightweight and features an ergonomic handle, it’s easy to use, too.  A hand cultivator is a great tool for aerating the soil, weeding, and breaking up the ground before planting. And the DeWit tine cultivator is strong enough for your toughest jobs (and any soil type), thanks to thick steel tines with sharpened tips that can easily cut through the soil. The ergonomic P-grip handle is flexible enough to allow it to bend a little without breaking; its design helps increase leverage and decrease the stress on your hands and wrists. Plus, its design allows you to use it with one hand or two as needed.  It’s made from hardened boron steel that has been heat-treated to add extra strength. The handle is made from ash wood that is harvested from environmentally responsible FSC-certified forests. And although the handle and tines are very strong, the tool is lightweight, so it’s easy to use for an extended time. The longer-than-average handle gives you a little extra reach to tackle hard-to-access spots, although that can also make it feel a bit bulky when working in tight spots.  Product Details: Material: Steel and ash wood | Size: 16.5 x 4.5 x 4.5 inches | Weight: 9.6 ounces PHOTO: Amazon If you’re a beginning gardener, you may think you don’t need a kneeling pad, but experienced gardeners know that it’s essential to have nearby for keeping you comfortable while you work. This 1.5-inch kneeling pad is extra thick to provide maximum comfort while you’re kneeling to weed or plant. It’s made of durable high-density foam that will contour to your knees and won’t break down or compress over time.  At 17.5 x 11 inches (larger than many other kneeling pads available), this model is large enough to give you plenty of room to spread out, so you don’t cramp up while kneeling. The pad is dirt- and water-resistant, so it can stand up to rocks or gravel and can be used on damp ground. A built-in handle makes it easy to carry it around the yard as you work. An added bonus: this kneeling pad is available in a wide range of colors, so you can have a little fun and pick your favorite hue. Product Details: Material: Foam | Size: 17.5 x 11 x 1.5 in | Weight: 0.75 pounds PHOTO: Amazon To help hold all your tools as you work through your garden, we love the Case4Life garden tool pouch. The green canvas waist belt is adjustable and easily clips around your waist so you can have easy access to your commonly used garden tools.  What stands out about this tool belt is the four pockets that are specifically designed for garden tools and accessories such as gardening gloves, seed packets, and pruning shears. It also has a larger pocket with a zipper to secure items, and it has a loop at the bottom of the bag for a hammer or other tools.  At just 5.3 ounces, it’s lightweight and won’t feel too heavy once you add your tools. It’s durably constructed to last for years, and it even comes with a three-year warranty. Our only complaint is that we wish there were more color options to complement the bright and cheerful feeling of gardening. At the time of publishing, it’s only available in a forest green hue.  Product Details: Material: Canvas and mesh | Size: 9.06x11.02 inches | Weight: 5.3 ounces PHOTO: Amazon The Grace & August garden apron features a generous pocket for harvesting vegetables and smart features that make it comfortable for a range of people to wear.  Available in purple and blue, this apron is made of cotton canvas with a water-resistant lining. The apron features a top bib pocket that, at 21 inches wide and 14 inches deep, is plenty big enough to hold a trowel or weeding tool. The large bottom kangaroo-style pocket is designed with clips at the bottom so you can easily open the bottom of the pocket to unload your harvest or dispose of weeds you’ve pulled.  We like the fact that the apron is designed with shoulder straps rather than hanging around your neck. The adjustable crossover back straps help distribute the weight more evenly, and a waist tie helps you get the right fit. It may not have as many pockets as some gardeners would prefer, but we love the fact that we can wipe the dirt on this apron and then just throw it in the washing machine when we finish our gardening chores.  Product Details: Material: Cotton canvas | Size: 27 x 34 inches | Weight: Not listed The Bottom Line The A.M. Leonard soil knife can help you cut roots, twine, and more while gardening, and you can carry it around in a tool pouch, like the Case4Life garden tool pouch. The Grampa’s Weeder is an essential for removing weeds in your lawn and garden, and you can use the Gorilla utility cart to move mulch, bricks, potted plants, and more. Better Homes & Gardens What to Know About Gardening Tools Before Shopping Material The best gardening tools are made with durable materials that will stand up to all the hard work you do in your garden. “Wood handles and steel blades are always a good way to go,” Hughes says. “Wood handles maintain a moderate temperature in heat and cold, making them more comfortable in your hands.”  Garden tool handles can also be made out of fiberglass, which is lightweight but strong, and aluminum, which is lightweight but prone to bending. Miller recommends staying away from tools with plastic handles. “Plastic breaks down easily, except ironically in landfills, where it will linger for generations, leaching harmful chemicals into our environment,” she says.  Size The best tools for someone tall may be different than those for someone shorter in stature. Make sure you consider handle length to make sure the tool will work for your height. Consider purchasing a tool with a telescoping handle if you have people of different heights who will be using the same tool.  In general, short-handled tools work for close-up work and long-handled tools are better for covering a lot of ground in a larger garden. A pair of loppers, for example, allow you to reach higher to trim thick branches. If you only have a small garden or container garden, short-handled tools may be all you need. But for larger gardens, you’ll likely need both short-handled and long-handled tools.  Weight Consider your physical abilities and limitations when choosing between tools of different weights. Remember, the best option for you might be different than what’s best for someone else.  In general, you want the gardening tool to have a little heft to it to ensure it’s sturdy and will stand up to heavy-duty use, but lighter is generally better. Remember, the tool will no doubt feel heavier after you have been using it awhile, or when it is scooping up dirt. “The best thing you can do is pick up and hold garden tools in your hand prior to purchasing,” Miller says. “If you can’t lift the shovel in the store aisle, you definitely won’t be able to lift it loaded with soil.”  Your Questions, Answered How do you clean gardening tools?  Gardening tools should ideally be cleaned after every use and then given a more thorough cleaning at the end of the gardening season. “First, blast them with a garden hose to pressure wash the dirt off,” Miller says. (You can also use a putty knife to scrape off any stuck-on mud.)  Next, it’s a good idea to disinfect your tools to prevent spreading bacteria and fungi. Dissolve a bleach tablet in a 5-gallon bucket and soak your tools, Miller suggests, or use a gentler, 50/50 mixture of vinegar and water. Wipe tools dry and use a few drops of WD-40 or food-grade oil on blades and joints to prevent rust.  How do you sharpen gardening tools?  Plan to sharpen gardening tools, such as high-quality spades, trowels, and hoes, at least once a year. Before sharpening any tool, clean it first with a wire brush or steel pad to remove built-up dirt and rust. Then, lock the tool into a vise or hold it still with a clamp and move a mill file along the edge of the blade to sharpen. You can use sandpaper to remove any rust on the blade and lightly coat the blade with machine oil.   What is the best way to store gardening tools?  Even the best gardening tools need to be stored inside to prolong their life and keep them in good shape. “Store tools in a dry area and ideally in an area with moderate temperatures,” Hughes says. Plan to keep them in an outdoor shed, garage, or barn for the winter; keep them off the ground and away from rain, snow, and UV exposure from the sun.  Who We Are Renee Freemon Mulvihill is a writer, specializing in home and garden topics. To write this article, she spent hours online researching various garden tools (and dreaming about what she would like to have for her own garden). She also talked to Tom Hughes, owner of Hughes Nursery and Landscape, and Lindsay Miller, a horticultural writer from Gardener’s Supply Company, to get their tips and advice about choosing and caring for gardening tools.  Brandi Fuller has been a shopping editor for Better Homes & Gardens since September 2022. She specializes in outdoor, pest control, gardening, and wildlife products. She analyzed results and feedback from our outdoor products and garden tools testings to recommend the best gardening tools. Source link

[ramestoryworld]

The right tools can make your gardening chores easier—and maybe faster, too. There are a variety of gardening tools that can help with digging, weeding, planting, and more. “Every gardener needs a high-quality spade, shovel, rake, hand trowel, pruners, and loppers,” says Tom Hughes, owner of Iowa-based Hughes Nursery and Landscape. “And a hoe is an essential tool for vegetable gardens.”  Of course, the best gardening tools for you might be different than the best gardening tools for your neighbor. When you’re looking for gardening tools, consider how tall you are, how much you can lift, and what chores you do regularly. If you have limited mobility, you might want to choose one of the many ergonomic tools on the market. If you have trouble bending and kneeling, long-handled tools and a kneeling pad might be good to have on hand.   “Look for tools constructed with the fewest number of parts,” says Lindsay Miller, horticultural writer for Gardener’s Supply Company. “The more individual pieces attached by bolts and collars, the more weak spots there are.”  Gardening Tools We’ve Tested—And Loved PHOTO: Walmart Because of its thoughtful, two-handle design, the Bloem watering can was one of our favorites when we tested over 30 watering cans. The handles make it easy to carry and pour, and the adjustable water spout allows you to switch from a light or heavy stream.  We intentionally dropped the can when it was full of water, and we were impressed that it stayed upright and didn’t tip over. When we dropped it a few more times, both with and without water, it didn’t dent or scratch.  Made with BPA-free plastic, it’s coated with a UV protectant to help prevent fading. It’s only available in one color, but thankfully the black and orange design is fairly neutral.  Product Details: Material: Polypropylene plastic | Size: 2.6 gallons | Weight: 1 pound PHOTO: Better Homes & Gardens PHOTO: Better Homes & Gardens PHOTO: The Home Depot We tested these gardening gloves ourselves, we were impressed with how well they held up to messy gardening chores, like mulching a vegetable garden and turning compost in compost bins.   The gloves’ synthetic leather fingertips provide a strong grip when you’re holding gardening tools, and the stretchy spandex between the fingers and on the body of the glove adds breathability and extra comfort on hot summer days. An adjustable hook and loop wrist strap allows you to customize the fit and make the gloves feel more secure. Reinforced seams at common wear points add durability, and the padded palm enhances comfort, especially during repetitive chores, such as raking leaves and digging.  In addition to offering protection for all types of gardening chores, these gardening gloves offer a few extra features as well. They’re machine washable, so you can just toss them in your washing machine when they get dirty.  Plus, they’re touchscreen compatible, so you don’t have to take your gloves off every time you need to reach for your phone to identify a mystery plant or potential disease. Also, the glove’s thumb features a terry cloth strip to help you wipe away sweat while you’re working.  The gloves are currently only available in one size, so they may not fit especially small or large hands. Product Details: Material: Synthetic leather, spandex | Size: One size (women’s medium) | Weight: Not listed PHOTO: Walmart After testing almost 40 garden hoses, the Kotto expandable hose was easily the top choice. With garden hoses, kinking is a common issue, but we didn’t experience any kinking with the Kotto hose thanks to its flexible and durable polyester fabric.  We also didn’t experience another common garden hose issue: leaks. It connected securely to the spigot, and all of the water went through the hose instead of spraying out at the connection points. And because it’s made from a lightweight fabric (rather than heavy rubber), it was incredibly easy to pull around the yard to water various raised garden beds, trees, and shrubs.  We learned a helpful trick while testing this garden hose: when you’re done using it, allow all of the water to drain from the hose before winding it up on your garden hose reel. Once the water is drained, it’s much easier and lighter to wind up.  Product Details: Material: Polyester fabric with latex core: | Size: 25, 50, 75, 100, or 150 feet | Weight: 3.5 pounds PHOTO: Amazon Why You Should Get It The nozzle can be turned on and off with just your thumb, and when we intentionally dropped it down a cement stairway, it didn’t get damaged at all.  If you’re looking for a hose nozzle to pair with your Kotto expandable hose, the Dramm spray gun is an affordable yet durable choice.  It’s easy to use since it features a one-touch valve that allows you to turn the water on and off using only your thumb. Because there’s no need to squeeze the handle as other nozzles require, it’s more comfortable to use for long watering sessions and is ideal for people with limited hand mobility.  When we tested the the hose nozzle, it was easy to turn the dial and switch between the various spray patterns. We found the highest power stream setting to be quite powerful—it easily removed mud from dirty Adirondack chairs. We also dropped the hose nozzle down a cement stairway as part of the durability testing and saw no signs of damage or any decrease in quality. Even though it proved to be sturdy, we appreciate that it comes with a lifetime guarantee. Product Details: Material: Metal | Size: 4 x 7 x 2.25 inches | Weight: 13.6 ounces This hose nozzle has nine different settings, including a shower setting to water flowers. PHOTO: Better Homes & Gardens Because of its powerful stream, we didn't have any problems cleaning mud off of a chair. PHOTO: Better Homes & Gardens PHOTO: Amazon If you have branches, mulch, or potting soil to move around your lawn or garden, this cart proved to be a true workhorse when we tested wheelbarrows. The 36 x 20-inch bed has a weight capacity of 600 pounds and can hold up to 4 cubic feet of material. We love that unlike a standard wheelbarrow, it has four wheels—so no more heavy loads that make the cart tip over as you’re trying to move it. The cart’s 10-inch pneumatic tires are big enough to make it over rough terrain, and the quick-release dumping feature makes it easy to unload and functions similarly to a dump truck. You simply unlatch the bed from the frame and lift up on the bed to release the cart’s contents. A padded handle provides extra comfort when you’re pulling heavy loads and tight-turn steering helps you pull it exactly where you want to unload. The tub is rustproof so you don’t have to worry about leaving it outside in the elements.   Assembling the cart took just over an hour. Although the instructions were clear and provided helpful illustrations, there were some misaligned plastic holes and the sizing for the nuts wasn’t listed, so we had to try quite a few tools before finding the right size.  Product Details: Material: Steel frame, poly bed | Size: 20 x 19.5 x 38.7 inches | Weight: 31.5 pounds The single-handle design may cause more strain, especially if pulling heavy objects. PHOTO: Better Homes & Gardens The gold lever releases the cart's tub backwards, dumping out the contents. PHOTO: Better Homes & Gardens Other Gardening Tools We Recommend PHOTO: A.M. Leonard Why You Should Get It This soil knife is sturdy and durable and can help you with cutting roots and twine, planting, and measuring. This soil knife is a multifunctional tool that may soon become your favorite tool in your collection. It features a serrated edge, as well as a slicing edge so you can use it for a variety of tasks around the garden. The serrated edge works especially well for cutting through tough roots. The 6-inch blade includes a notch to help you cut twine or plant ties, and it features measurement markings to ensure you plant spring bulbs at the correct depth. The blade is made of high-quality stainless steel to ensure it will stand up to the elements as well as all your chores.  We also love that the knife features a bright orange plastic handle to make it easy to spot if you accidentally lay it down in the garden or in grass. The molded grip on the composite handle ensures it’s comfortable to hold for long periods of time.  This sturdy knife promises to last for many years; it comes with a lifetime warranty and the manufacturer says that it withstands more than 300 pounds of pressure. The notch for cutting twine is a handy feature, although you may want to wear gardening gloves to avoid any accidents.  Product Details: Material: Stainless steel | Size: 1.75 x 0.75 x 11.75 inches | Weight: 9.1 ounces PHOTO: Amazon This weeding tool was originally invented in 1913, but it stopped being produced in 1941 so that all available metals could be put to the war effort. Luckily for us, the tool was rediscovered in 1999 and is now being produced and sold again. To use this simple tool, you just center the fork over the weed, press it into the ground, and then lean on the handle to remove the weed. This system lets you weed without hurting your back or knees, and it’s an easy way to remove dandelions and other weeds, roots and all.  The weeder works in all soil types, but it is easiest to use after a good rain or after watering since you need to be able to push it into the ground. The head was redesigned in 1999 to make it stronger, and the bamboo handle ensures it will be long lasting. Weighing just 3 pounds, it’s easy for most people to hold and use, but we recommend working the ground after watering or a rainstorm for looser soil. If you want to control weeds without using chemicals, this is a handy tool to have in your toolbox. Product Details: Material: Bamboo and powder-coated steel | Size: 46 x 8 x 1.5 inches | Weight: 3 pounds PHOTO: Amazon When it comes to these hardworking bypass pruners, Felco seems to have carefully thought through every detail of the design to ensure many years of use, making the pruners worth the price.  With a 1-inch cutting capacity, these pruning shears are great for trimming rose bushes and woody perennials. The Anvil blade features a sap groove to prevent sticking. The cutting blade with a soft wire cutter is replaceable if needed, ensuring you can keep using these bypass pruners long into the future. The bolt and nut are easily adjustable so you can customize blade alignment if you wish. Forged aluminum handles are strong but lightweight; they’re covered with a red plastic coating to add comfort and help make sure you don’t lose the pruners in the garden. A rubber cushion with a shock absorber where the blades come together helps reduce the strain on your wrists as you work.  Product Details: Material: Steel and rubber | Size: 9.25 x 4 x 1 inches | Weight: 8.8 ounces PHOTO: Amazon Made of heavy-duty 16-gauge stainless steel, the Wilcox All-Pro hand trowel is nearly unbreakable and won’t even bend if you hit a strong root. Yet, it’s lightweight, so it’s comfortable to use for long periods of time.  This model is 10 inches long, but a variety of lengths are available, from 9 to 22 inches. The fine point on the 10-inch trowel is more precise than other models in this line and many other trowels on the market, which makes it a good choice when weeding or digging around existing plants. It works especially well for tending to sedums and sempervivums, both of which have shallow roots and need to be carefully lifted when transplanting.  A depth gauge (listed in both centimeters and inches) is stamped on one side to help you determine the correct depth for planting. The plastic handle includes ribbings and grooves to allow for a more comfortable positioning of the hand.   In addition to gardening, the trowel can also come in handy when camping, hiking, and hunting. Really, it’s hard to find anything to complain about with this garden trowel—as an added bonus, it’s even made in the USA.  Product Details: Material: Stainless steel | Size: 10 x 2.5 inches | Weight: 7.2 ounces PHOTO: Amazon Sometimes it can be hard to decide whether to buy a spade or a shovel. The Spear Head spade garden shovel lets you have the best of both garden tools in one. It features a design that lets you dig dirt like a shovel and cut through roots or dig a trench like a spade. Keep in mind, though, that the blade on this tool is smaller than a traditional shovel, so you won’t be able to move as much dirt in one scoop.  The blade on this Spear Head shovel is made of durable carbon manganese steel. The tool comes pre-sharpened, and the epoxy powder coating is designed to wear away around the edges first so the sharpened edge will continuously be revealed and grow sharper as it is used. This shovel/spade features a fiberglass handle that’s both strong and lightweight. The cushioned D-shape grip adds comfort and has UV inhibitors so it will stand up to any kind of weather. Maybe best of all, the tool is designed to reduce effort when digging into heavy, rocky, or compact soils. Product Details: Material: Steel and fiberglass | Size: 40.25 x 8.25 x 1.5 inches | Weight: 3.64 pounds PHOTO: Amazon The Edward Tools hand hoe is a great mini-size hoe to help with precise weeding, moving dirt, and planting in small flower beds or raised vegetable gardens. It’s made of heavy-duty carbon steel so it won’t bend or break, plus the powder-coated finish helps to resist rust. It’s sturdy enough to work well even in hard or rocky soils, although it should be noted that the hoe doesn’t have a sharpened edge so it won’t slice through especially tough roots. The ergonomic rubber grip and anti-skid handle ensures this tool is safe and comfortable to hold, even if you’ll be working for hours in the garden. Although it’s not a large enough hoe for big gardens, it’s a very handy tool to have nearby for small-scale gardening since it’s both lightweight and sturdy. Product Details: Material: Carbon steel, rubber | Size: 13.98 x 4.37 x 2.36 inches | Weight: 9 ounces PHOTO: Amazon Bow rakes are good for loosening or breaking up compacted soil and spreading mulch, compost, and other materials. This rake features super-sharp teeth to dig into any type of soil. The L-shape design of the blades helps them dig deep into the dirt and cut weeds below the soil, making the rake helpful for weeding as well as spreading mulch. If you don’t have a ton of leaves to rake up, this may be the only rake that you need in your yard and garden.  A protective rubber sleeve on the handle helps prevent splintering and makes the rake more comfortable to hold for long work sessions. A riveted socket helps prevent the head from separating from the handle. This rake has a 54-inch handle, which works well for most gardeners, and it’s lightweight, weighing only 2.84 pounds. The handle is made of fiberglass, a material that’s both strong and lightweight, while the blades are made from carbon steel with a chip-resistant coating for strength and durability. Keep in mind that the handle is smaller in diameter than a traditional rake, which might not be everyone’s preference. Product Details: Material: Fiberglass and carbon steel | Size: 59.5 x 14 x 3 inches | Weight: 2.84 pounds PHOTO: Amazon Why You Should Get It This hand cultivator is strong and built to last for many years; since it’s lightweight and features an ergonomic handle, it’s easy to use, too.  A hand cultivator is a great tool for aerating the soil, weeding, and breaking up the ground before planting. And the DeWit tine cultivator is strong enough for your toughest jobs (and any soil type), thanks to thick steel tines with sharpened tips that can easily cut through the soil. The ergonomic P-grip handle is flexible enough to allow it to bend a little without breaking; its design helps increase leverage and decrease the stress on your hands and wrists. Plus, its design allows you to use it with one hand or two as needed.  It’s made from hardened boron steel that has been heat-treated to add extra strength. The handle is made from ash wood that is harvested from environmentally responsible FSC-certified forests. And although the handle and tines are very strong, the tool is lightweight, so it’s easy to use for an extended time. The longer-than-average handle gives you a little extra reach to tackle hard-to-access spots, although that can also make it feel a bit bulky when working in tight spots.  Product Details: Material: Steel and ash wood | Size: 16.5 x 4.5 x 4.5 inches | Weight: 9.6 ounces PHOTO: Amazon If you’re a beginning gardener, you may think you don’t need a kneeling pad, but experienced gardeners know that it’s essential to have nearby for keeping you comfortable while you work. This 1.5-inch kneeling pad is extra thick to provide maximum comfort while you’re kneeling to weed or plant. It’s made of durable high-density foam that will contour to your knees and won’t break down or compress over time.  At 17.5 x 11 inches (larger than many other kneeling pads available), this model is large enough to give you plenty of room to spread out, so you don’t cramp up while kneeling. The pad is dirt- and water-resistant, so it can stand up to rocks or gravel and can be used on damp ground. A built-in handle makes it easy to carry it around the yard as you work. An added bonus: this kneeling pad is available in a wide range of colors, so you can have a little fun and pick your favorite hue. Product Details: Material: Foam | Size: 17.5 x 11 x 1.5 in | Weight: 0.75 pounds PHOTO: Amazon To help hold all your tools as you work through your garden, we love the Case4Life garden tool pouch. The green canvas waist belt is adjustable and easily clips around your waist so you can have easy access to your commonly used garden tools.  What stands out about this tool belt is the four pockets that are specifically designed for garden tools and accessories such as gardening gloves, seed packets, and pruning shears. It also has a larger pocket with a zipper to secure items, and it has a loop at the bottom of the bag for a hammer or other tools.  At just 5.3 ounces, it’s lightweight and won’t feel too heavy once you add your tools. It’s durably constructed to last for years, and it even comes with a three-year warranty. Our only complaint is that we wish there were more color options to complement the bright and cheerful feeling of gardening. At the time of publishing, it’s only available in a forest green hue.  Product Details: Material: Canvas and mesh | Size: 9.06x11.02 inches | Weight: 5.3 ounces PHOTO: Amazon The Grace & August garden apron features a generous pocket for harvesting vegetables and smart features that make it comfortable for a range of people to wear.  Available in purple and blue, this apron is made of cotton canvas with a water-resistant lining. The apron features a top bib pocket that, at 21 inches wide and 14 inches deep, is plenty big enough to hold a trowel or weeding tool. The large bottom kangaroo-style pocket is designed with clips at the bottom so you can easily open the bottom of the pocket to unload your harvest or dispose of weeds you’ve pulled.  We like the fact that the apron is designed with shoulder straps rather than hanging around your neck. The adjustable crossover back straps help distribute the weight more evenly, and a waist tie helps you get the right fit. It may not have as many pockets as some gardeners would prefer, but we love the fact that we can wipe the dirt on this apron and then just throw it in the washing machine when we finish our gardening chores.  Product Details: Material: Cotton canvas | Size: 27 x 34 inches | Weight: Not listed The Bottom Line The A.M. Leonard soil knife can help you cut roots, twine, and more while gardening, and you can carry it around in a tool pouch, like the Case4Life garden tool pouch. The Grampa’s Weeder is an essential for removing weeds in your lawn and garden, and you can use the Gorilla utility cart to move mulch, bricks, potted plants, and more. Better Homes & Gardens What to Know About Gardening Tools Before Shopping Material The best gardening tools are made with durable materials that will stand up to all the hard work you do in your garden. “Wood handles and steel blades are always a good way to go,” Hughes says. “Wood handles maintain a moderate temperature in heat and cold, making them more comfortable in your hands.”  Garden tool handles can also be made out of fiberglass, which is lightweight but strong, and aluminum, which is lightweight but prone to bending. Miller recommends staying away from tools with plastic handles. “Plastic breaks down easily, except ironically in landfills, where it will linger for generations, leaching harmful chemicals into our environment,” she says.  Size The best tools for someone tall may be different than those for someone shorter in stature. Make sure you consider handle length to make sure the tool will work for your height. Consider purchasing a tool with a telescoping handle if you have people of different heights who will be using the same tool.  In general, short-handled tools work for close-up work and long-handled tools are better for covering a lot of ground in a larger garden. A pair of loppers, for example, allow you to reach higher to trim thick branches. If you only have a small garden or container garden, short-handled tools may be all you need. But for larger gardens, you’ll likely need both short-handled and long-handled tools.  Weight Consider your physical abilities and limitations when choosing between tools of different weights. Remember, the best option for you might be different than what’s best for someone else.  In general, you want the gardening tool to have a little heft to it to ensure it’s sturdy and will stand up to heavy-duty use, but lighter is generally better. Remember, the tool will no doubt feel heavier after you have been using it awhile, or when it is scooping up dirt. “The best thing you can do is pick up and hold garden tools in your hand prior to purchasing,” Miller says. “If you can’t lift the shovel in the store aisle, you definitely won’t be able to lift it loaded with soil.”  Your Questions, Answered How do you clean gardening tools?  Gardening tools should ideally be cleaned after every use and then given a more thorough cleaning at the end of the gardening season. “First, blast them with a garden hose to pressure wash the dirt off,” Miller says. (You can also use a putty knife to scrape off any stuck-on mud.)  Next, it’s a good idea to disinfect your tools to prevent spreading bacteria and fungi. Dissolve a bleach tablet in a 5-gallon bucket and soak your tools, Miller suggests, or use a gentler, 50/50 mixture of vinegar and water. Wipe tools dry and use a few drops of WD-40 or food-grade oil on blades and joints to prevent rust.  How do you sharpen gardening tools?  Plan to sharpen gardening tools, such as high-quality spades, trowels, and hoes, at least once a year. Before sharpening any tool, clean it first with a wire brush or steel pad to remove built-up dirt and rust. Then, lock the tool into a vise or hold it still with a clamp and move a mill file along the edge of the blade to sharpen. You can use sandpaper to remove any rust on the blade and lightly coat the blade with machine oil.   What is the best way to store gardening tools?  Even the best gardening tools need to be stored inside to prolong their life and keep them in good shape. “Store tools in a dry area and ideally in an area with moderate temperatures,” Hughes says. Plan to keep them in an outdoor shed, garage, or barn for the winter; keep them off the ground and away from rain, snow, and UV exposure from the sun.  Who We Are Renee Freemon Mulvihill is a writer, specializing in home and garden topics. To write this article, she spent hours online researching various garden tools (and dreaming about what she would like to have for her own garden). She also talked to Tom Hughes, owner of Hughes Nursery and Landscape, and Lindsay Miller, a horticultural writer from Gardener’s Supply Company, to get their tips and advice about choosing and caring for gardening tools.  Brandi Fuller has been a shopping editor for Better Homes & Gardens since September 2022. She specializes in outdoor, pest control, gardening, and wildlife products. She analyzed results and feedback from our outdoor products and garden tools testings to recommend the best gardening tools. Source link

[alexha2210]

The right tools can make your gardening chores easier—and maybe faster, too. There are a variety of gardening tools that can help with digging, weeding, planting, and more. “Every gardener needs a high-quality spade, shovel, rake, hand trowel, pruners, and loppers,” says Tom Hughes, owner of Iowa-based Hughes Nursery and Landscape. “And a hoe is an essential tool for vegetable gardens.”  Of course, the best gardening tools for you might be different than the best gardening tools for your neighbor. When you’re looking for gardening tools, consider how tall you are, how much you can lift, and what chores you do regularly. If you have limited mobility, you might want to choose one of the many ergonomic tools on the market. If you have trouble bending and kneeling, long-handled tools and a kneeling pad might be good to have on hand.   “Look for tools constructed with the fewest number of parts,” says Lindsay Miller, horticultural writer for Gardener’s Supply Company. “The more individual pieces attached by bolts and collars, the more weak spots there are.”  Gardening Tools We’ve Tested—And Loved PHOTO: Walmart Because of its thoughtful, two-handle design, the Bloem watering can was one of our favorites when we tested over 30 watering cans. The handles make it easy to carry and pour, and the adjustable water spout allows you to switch from a light or heavy stream.  We intentionally dropped the can when it was full of water, and we were impressed that it stayed upright and didn’t tip over. When we dropped it a few more times, both with and without water, it didn’t dent or scratch.  Made with BPA-free plastic, it’s coated with a UV protectant to help prevent fading. It’s only available in one color, but thankfully the black and orange design is fairly neutral.  Product Details: Material: Polypropylene plastic | Size: 2.6 gallons | Weight: 1 pound PHOTO: Better Homes & Gardens PHOTO: Better Homes & Gardens PHOTO: The Home Depot We tested these gardening gloves ourselves, we were impressed with how well they held up to messy gardening chores, like mulching a vegetable garden and turning compost in compost bins.   The gloves’ synthetic leather fingertips provide a strong grip when you’re holding gardening tools, and the stretchy spandex between the fingers and on the body of the glove adds breathability and extra comfort on hot summer days. An adjustable hook and loop wrist strap allows you to customize the fit and make the gloves feel more secure. Reinforced seams at common wear points add durability, and the padded palm enhances comfort, especially during repetitive chores, such as raking leaves and digging.  In addition to offering protection for all types of gardening chores, these gardening gloves offer a few extra features as well. They’re machine washable, so you can just toss them in your washing machine when they get dirty.  Plus, they’re touchscreen compatible, so you don’t have to take your gloves off every time you need to reach for your phone to identify a mystery plant or potential disease. Also, the glove’s thumb features a terry cloth strip to help you wipe away sweat while you’re working.  The gloves are currently only available in one size, so they may not fit especially small or large hands. Product Details: Material: Synthetic leather, spandex | Size: One size (women’s medium) | Weight: Not listed PHOTO: Walmart After testing almost 40 garden hoses, the Kotto expandable hose was easily the top choice. With garden hoses, kinking is a common issue, but we didn’t experience any kinking with the Kotto hose thanks to its flexible and durable polyester fabric.  We also didn’t experience another common garden hose issue: leaks. It connected securely to the spigot, and all of the water went through the hose instead of spraying out at the connection points. And because it’s made from a lightweight fabric (rather than heavy rubber), it was incredibly easy to pull around the yard to water various raised garden beds, trees, and shrubs.  We learned a helpful trick while testing this garden hose: when you’re done using it, allow all of the water to drain from the hose before winding it up on your garden hose reel. Once the water is drained, it’s much easier and lighter to wind up.  Product Details: Material: Polyester fabric with latex core: | Size: 25, 50, 75, 100, or 150 feet | Weight: 3.5 pounds PHOTO: Amazon Why You Should Get It The nozzle can be turned on and off with just your thumb, and when we intentionally dropped it down a cement stairway, it didn’t get damaged at all.  If you’re looking for a hose nozzle to pair with your Kotto expandable hose, the Dramm spray gun is an affordable yet durable choice.  It’s easy to use since it features a one-touch valve that allows you to turn the water on and off using only your thumb. Because there’s no need to squeeze the handle as other nozzles require, it’s more comfortable to use for long watering sessions and is ideal for people with limited hand mobility.  When we tested the the hose nozzle, it was easy to turn the dial and switch between the various spray patterns. We found the highest power stream setting to be quite powerful—it easily removed mud from dirty Adirondack chairs. We also dropped the hose nozzle down a cement stairway as part of the durability testing and saw no signs of damage or any decrease in quality. Even though it proved to be sturdy, we appreciate that it comes with a lifetime guarantee. Product Details: Material: Metal | Size: 4 x 7 x 2.25 inches | Weight: 13.6 ounces This hose nozzle has nine different settings, including a shower setting to water flowers. PHOTO: Better Homes & Gardens Because of its powerful stream, we didn't have any problems cleaning mud off of a chair. PHOTO: Better Homes & Gardens PHOTO: Amazon If you have branches, mulch, or potting soil to move around your lawn or garden, this cart proved to be a true workhorse when we tested wheelbarrows. The 36 x 20-inch bed has a weight capacity of 600 pounds and can hold up to 4 cubic feet of material. We love that unlike a standard wheelbarrow, it has four wheels—so no more heavy loads that make the cart tip over as you’re trying to move it. The cart’s 10-inch pneumatic tires are big enough to make it over rough terrain, and the quick-release dumping feature makes it easy to unload and functions similarly to a dump truck. You simply unlatch the bed from the frame and lift up on the bed to release the cart’s contents. A padded handle provides extra comfort when you’re pulling heavy loads and tight-turn steering helps you pull it exactly where you want to unload. The tub is rustproof so you don’t have to worry about leaving it outside in the elements.   Assembling the cart took just over an hour. Although the instructions were clear and provided helpful illustrations, there were some misaligned plastic holes and the sizing for the nuts wasn’t listed, so we had to try quite a few tools before finding the right size.  Product Details: Material: Steel frame, poly bed | Size: 20 x 19.5 x 38.7 inches | Weight: 31.5 pounds The single-handle design may cause more strain, especially if pulling heavy objects. PHOTO: Better Homes & Gardens The gold lever releases the cart's tub backwards, dumping out the contents. PHOTO: Better Homes & Gardens Other Gardening Tools We Recommend PHOTO: A.M. Leonard Why You Should Get It This soil knife is sturdy and durable and can help you with cutting roots and twine, planting, and measuring. This soil knife is a multifunctional tool that may soon become your favorite tool in your collection. It features a serrated edge, as well as a slicing edge so you can use it for a variety of tasks around the garden. The serrated edge works especially well for cutting through tough roots. The 6-inch blade includes a notch to help you cut twine or plant ties, and it features measurement markings to ensure you plant spring bulbs at the correct depth. The blade is made of high-quality stainless steel to ensure it will stand up to the elements as well as all your chores.  We also love that the knife features a bright orange plastic handle to make it easy to spot if you accidentally lay it down in the garden or in grass. The molded grip on the composite handle ensures it’s comfortable to hold for long periods of time.  This sturdy knife promises to last for many years; it comes with a lifetime warranty and the manufacturer says that it withstands more than 300 pounds of pressure. The notch for cutting twine is a handy feature, although you may want to wear gardening gloves to avoid any accidents.  Product Details: Material: Stainless steel | Size: 1.75 x 0.75 x 11.75 inches | Weight: 9.1 ounces PHOTO: Amazon This weeding tool was originally invented in 1913, but it stopped being produced in 1941 so that all available metals could be put to the war effort. Luckily for us, the tool was rediscovered in 1999 and is now being produced and sold again. To use this simple tool, you just center the fork over the weed, press it into the ground, and then lean on the handle to remove the weed. This system lets you weed without hurting your back or knees, and it’s an easy way to remove dandelions and other weeds, roots and all.  The weeder works in all soil types, but it is easiest to use after a good rain or after watering since you need to be able to push it into the ground. The head was redesigned in 1999 to make it stronger, and the bamboo handle ensures it will be long lasting. Weighing just 3 pounds, it’s easy for most people to hold and use, but we recommend working the ground after watering or a rainstorm for looser soil. If you want to control weeds without using chemicals, this is a handy tool to have in your toolbox. Product Details: Material: Bamboo and powder-coated steel | Size: 46 x 8 x 1.5 inches | Weight: 3 pounds PHOTO: Amazon When it comes to these hardworking bypass pruners, Felco seems to have carefully thought through every detail of the design to ensure many years of use, making the pruners worth the price.  With a 1-inch cutting capacity, these pruning shears are great for trimming rose bushes and woody perennials. The Anvil blade features a sap groove to prevent sticking. The cutting blade with a soft wire cutter is replaceable if needed, ensuring you can keep using these bypass pruners long into the future. The bolt and nut are easily adjustable so you can customize blade alignment if you wish. Forged aluminum handles are strong but lightweight; they’re covered with a red plastic coating to add comfort and help make sure you don’t lose the pruners in the garden. A rubber cushion with a shock absorber where the blades come together helps reduce the strain on your wrists as you work.  Product Details: Material: Steel and rubber | Size: 9.25 x 4 x 1 inches | Weight: 8.8 ounces PHOTO: Amazon Made of heavy-duty 16-gauge stainless steel, the Wilcox All-Pro hand trowel is nearly unbreakable and won’t even bend if you hit a strong root. Yet, it’s lightweight, so it’s comfortable to use for long periods of time.  This model is 10 inches long, but a variety of lengths are available, from 9 to 22 inches. The fine point on the 10-inch trowel is more precise than other models in this line and many other trowels on the market, which makes it a good choice when weeding or digging around existing plants. It works especially well for tending to sedums and sempervivums, both of which have shallow roots and need to be carefully lifted when transplanting.  A depth gauge (listed in both centimeters and inches) is stamped on one side to help you determine the correct depth for planting. The plastic handle includes ribbings and grooves to allow for a more comfortable positioning of the hand.   In addition to gardening, the trowel can also come in handy when camping, hiking, and hunting. Really, it’s hard to find anything to complain about with this garden trowel—as an added bonus, it’s even made in the USA.  Product Details: Material: Stainless steel | Size: 10 x 2.5 inches | Weight: 7.2 ounces PHOTO: Amazon Sometimes it can be hard to decide whether to buy a spade or a shovel. The Spear Head spade garden shovel lets you have the best of both garden tools in one. It features a design that lets you dig dirt like a shovel and cut through roots or dig a trench like a spade. Keep in mind, though, that the blade on this tool is smaller than a traditional shovel, so you won’t be able to move as much dirt in one scoop.  The blade on this Spear Head shovel is made of durable carbon manganese steel. The tool comes pre-sharpened, and the epoxy powder coating is designed to wear away around the edges first so the sharpened edge will continuously be revealed and grow sharper as it is used. This shovel/spade features a fiberglass handle that’s both strong and lightweight. The cushioned D-shape grip adds comfort and has UV inhibitors so it will stand up to any kind of weather. Maybe best of all, the tool is designed to reduce effort when digging into heavy, rocky, or compact soils. Product Details: Material: Steel and fiberglass | Size: 40.25 x 8.25 x 1.5 inches | Weight: 3.64 pounds PHOTO: Amazon The Edward Tools hand hoe is a great mini-size hoe to help with precise weeding, moving dirt, and planting in small flower beds or raised vegetable gardens. It’s made of heavy-duty carbon steel so it won’t bend or break, plus the powder-coated finish helps to resist rust. It’s sturdy enough to work well even in hard or rocky soils, although it should be noted that the hoe doesn’t have a sharpened edge so it won’t slice through especially tough roots. The ergonomic rubber grip and anti-skid handle ensures this tool is safe and comfortable to hold, even if you’ll be working for hours in the garden. Although it’s not a large enough hoe for big gardens, it’s a very handy tool to have nearby for small-scale gardening since it’s both lightweight and sturdy. Product Details: Material: Carbon steel, rubber | Size: 13.98 x 4.37 x 2.36 inches | Weight: 9 ounces PHOTO: Amazon Bow rakes are good for loosening or breaking up compacted soil and spreading mulch, compost, and other materials. This rake features super-sharp teeth to dig into any type of soil. The L-shape design of the blades helps them dig deep into the dirt and cut weeds below the soil, making the rake helpful for weeding as well as spreading mulch. If you don’t have a ton of leaves to rake up, this may be the only rake that you need in your yard and garden.  A protective rubber sleeve on the handle helps prevent splintering and makes the rake more comfortable to hold for long work sessions. A riveted socket helps prevent the head from separating from the handle. This rake has a 54-inch handle, which works well for most gardeners, and it’s lightweight, weighing only 2.84 pounds. The handle is made of fiberglass, a material that’s both strong and lightweight, while the blades are made from carbon steel with a chip-resistant coating for strength and durability. Keep in mind that the handle is smaller in diameter than a traditional rake, which might not be everyone’s preference. Product Details: Material: Fiberglass and carbon steel | Size: 59.5 x 14 x 3 inches | Weight: 2.84 pounds PHOTO: Amazon Why You Should Get It This hand cultivator is strong and built to last for many years; since it’s lightweight and features an ergonomic handle, it’s easy to use, too.  A hand cultivator is a great tool for aerating the soil, weeding, and breaking up the ground before planting. And the DeWit tine cultivator is strong enough for your toughest jobs (and any soil type), thanks to thick steel tines with sharpened tips that can easily cut through the soil. The ergonomic P-grip handle is flexible enough to allow it to bend a little without breaking; its design helps increase leverage and decrease the stress on your hands and wrists. Plus, its design allows you to use it with one hand or two as needed.  It’s made from hardened boron steel that has been heat-treated to add extra strength. The handle is made from ash wood that is harvested from environmentally responsible FSC-certified forests. And although the handle and tines are very strong, the tool is lightweight, so it’s easy to use for an extended time. The longer-than-average handle gives you a little extra reach to tackle hard-to-access spots, although that can also make it feel a bit bulky when working in tight spots.  Product Details: Material: Steel and ash wood | Size: 16.5 x 4.5 x 4.5 inches | Weight: 9.6 ounces PHOTO: Amazon If you’re a beginning gardener, you may think you don’t need a kneeling pad, but experienced gardeners know that it’s essential to have nearby for keeping you comfortable while you work. This 1.5-inch kneeling pad is extra thick to provide maximum comfort while you’re kneeling to weed or plant. It’s made of durable high-density foam that will contour to your knees and won’t break down or compress over time.  At 17.5 x 11 inches (larger than many other kneeling pads available), this model is large enough to give you plenty of room to spread out, so you don’t cramp up while kneeling. The pad is dirt- and water-resistant, so it can stand up to rocks or gravel and can be used on damp ground. A built-in handle makes it easy to carry it around the yard as you work. An added bonus: this kneeling pad is available in a wide range of colors, so you can have a little fun and pick your favorite hue. Product Details: Material: Foam | Size: 17.5 x 11 x 1.5 in | Weight: 0.75 pounds PHOTO: Amazon To help hold all your tools as you work through your garden, we love the Case4Life garden tool pouch. The green canvas waist belt is adjustable and easily clips around your waist so you can have easy access to your commonly used garden tools.  What stands out about this tool belt is the four pockets that are specifically designed for garden tools and accessories such as gardening gloves, seed packets, and pruning shears. It also has a larger pocket with a zipper to secure items, and it has a loop at the bottom of the bag for a hammer or other tools.  At just 5.3 ounces, it’s lightweight and won’t feel too heavy once you add your tools. It’s durably constructed to last for years, and it even comes with a three-year warranty. Our only complaint is that we wish there were more color options to complement the bright and cheerful feeling of gardening. At the time of publishing, it’s only available in a forest green hue.  Product Details: Material: Canvas and mesh | Size: 9.06x11.02 inches | Weight: 5.3 ounces PHOTO: Amazon The Grace & August garden apron features a generous pocket for harvesting vegetables and smart features that make it comfortable for a range of people to wear.  Available in purple and blue, this apron is made of cotton canvas with a water-resistant lining. The apron features a top bib pocket that, at 21 inches wide and 14 inches deep, is plenty big enough to hold a trowel or weeding tool. The large bottom kangaroo-style pocket is designed with clips at the bottom so you can easily open the bottom of the pocket to unload your harvest or dispose of weeds you’ve pulled.  We like the fact that the apron is designed with shoulder straps rather than hanging around your neck. The adjustable crossover back straps help distribute the weight more evenly, and a waist tie helps you get the right fit. It may not have as many pockets as some gardeners would prefer, but we love the fact that we can wipe the dirt on this apron and then just throw it in the washing machine when we finish our gardening chores.  Product Details: Material: Cotton canvas | Size: 27 x 34 inches | Weight: Not listed The Bottom Line The A.M. Leonard soil knife can help you cut roots, twine, and more while gardening, and you can carry it around in a tool pouch, like the Case4Life garden tool pouch. The Grampa’s Weeder is an essential for removing weeds in your lawn and garden, and you can use the Gorilla utility cart to move mulch, bricks, potted plants, and more. Better Homes & Gardens What to Know About Gardening Tools Before Shopping Material The best gardening tools are made with durable materials that will stand up to all the hard work you do in your garden. “Wood handles and steel blades are always a good way to go,” Hughes says. “Wood handles maintain a moderate temperature in heat and cold, making them more comfortable in your hands.”  Garden tool handles can also be made out of fiberglass, which is lightweight but strong, and aluminum, which is lightweight but prone to bending. Miller recommends staying away from tools with plastic handles. “Plastic breaks down easily, except ironically in landfills, where it will linger for generations, leaching harmful chemicals into our environment,” she says.  Size The best tools for someone tall may be different than those for someone shorter in stature. Make sure you consider handle length to make sure the tool will work for your height. Consider purchasing a tool with a telescoping handle if you have people of different heights who will be using the same tool.  In general, short-handled tools work for close-up work and long-handled tools are better for covering a lot of ground in a larger garden. A pair of loppers, for example, allow you to reach higher to trim thick branches. If you only have a small garden or container garden, short-handled tools may be all you need. But for larger gardens, you’ll likely need both short-handled and long-handled tools.  Weight Consider your physical abilities and limitations when choosing between tools of different weights. Remember, the best option for you might be different than what’s best for someone else.  In general, you want the gardening tool to have a little heft to it to ensure it’s sturdy and will stand up to heavy-duty use, but lighter is generally better. Remember, the tool will no doubt feel heavier after you have been using it awhile, or when it is scooping up dirt. “The best thing you can do is pick up and hold garden tools in your hand prior to purchasing,” Miller says. “If you can’t lift the shovel in the store aisle, you definitely won’t be able to lift it loaded with soil.”  Your Questions, Answered How do you clean gardening tools?  Gardening tools should ideally be cleaned after every use and then given a more thorough cleaning at the end of the gardening season. “First, blast them with a garden hose to pressure wash the dirt off,” Miller says. (You can also use a putty knife to scrape off any stuck-on mud.)  Next, it’s a good idea to disinfect your tools to prevent spreading bacteria and fungi. Dissolve a bleach tablet in a 5-gallon bucket and soak your tools, Miller suggests, or use a gentler, 50/50 mixture of vinegar and water. Wipe tools dry and use a few drops of WD-40 or food-grade oil on blades and joints to prevent rust.  How do you sharpen gardening tools?  Plan to sharpen gardening tools, such as high-quality spades, trowels, and hoes, at least once a year. Before sharpening any tool, clean it first with a wire brush or steel pad to remove built-up dirt and rust. Then, lock the tool into a vise or hold it still with a clamp and move a mill file along the edge of the blade to sharpen. You can use sandpaper to remove any rust on the blade and lightly coat the blade with machine oil.   What is the best way to store gardening tools?  Even the best gardening tools need to be stored inside to prolong their life and keep them in good shape. “Store tools in a dry area and ideally in an area with moderate temperatures,” Hughes says. Plan to keep them in an outdoor shed, garage, or barn for the winter; keep them off the ground and away from rain, snow, and UV exposure from the sun.  Who We Are Renee Freemon Mulvihill is a writer, specializing in home and garden topics. To write this article, she spent hours online researching various garden tools (and dreaming about what she would like to have for her own garden). She also talked to Tom Hughes, owner of Hughes Nursery and Landscape, and Lindsay Miller, a horticultural writer from Gardener’s Supply Company, to get their tips and advice about choosing and caring for gardening tools.  Brandi Fuller has been a shopping editor for Better Homes & Gardens since September 2022. She specializes in outdoor, pest control, gardening, and wildlife products. She analyzed results and feedback from our outdoor products and garden tools testings to recommend the best gardening tools. Source link

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The right tools can make your gardening chores easier—and maybe faster, too. There are a variety of gardening tools that can help with digging, weeding, planting, and more. “Every gardener needs a high-quality spade, shovel, rake, hand trowel, pruners, and loppers,” says Tom Hughes, owner of Iowa-based Hughes Nursery and Landscape. “And a hoe is an essential tool for vegetable gardens.”  Of course, the best gardening tools for you might be different than the best gardening tools for your neighbor. When you’re looking for gardening tools, consider how tall you are, how much you can lift, and what chores you do regularly. If you have limited mobility, you might want to choose one of the many ergonomic tools on the market. If you have trouble bending and kneeling, long-handled tools and a kneeling pad might be good to have on hand.   “Look for tools constructed with the fewest number of parts,” says Lindsay Miller, horticultural writer for Gardener’s Supply Company. “The more individual pieces attached by bolts and collars, the more weak spots there are.”  Gardening Tools We’ve Tested—And Loved PHOTO: Walmart Because of its thoughtful, two-handle design, the Bloem watering can was one of our favorites when we tested over 30 watering cans. The handles make it easy to carry and pour, and the adjustable water spout allows you to switch from a light or heavy stream.  We intentionally dropped the can when it was full of water, and we were impressed that it stayed upright and didn’t tip over. When we dropped it a few more times, both with and without water, it didn’t dent or scratch.  Made with BPA-free plastic, it’s coated with a UV protectant to help prevent fading. It’s only available in one color, but thankfully the black and orange design is fairly neutral.  Product Details: Material: Polypropylene plastic | Size: 2.6 gallons | Weight: 1 pound PHOTO: Better Homes & Gardens PHOTO: Better Homes & Gardens PHOTO: The Home Depot We tested these gardening gloves ourselves, we were impressed with how well they held up to messy gardening chores, like mulching a vegetable garden and turning compost in compost bins.   The gloves’ synthetic leather fingertips provide a strong grip when you’re holding gardening tools, and the stretchy spandex between the fingers and on the body of the glove adds breathability and extra comfort on hot summer days. An adjustable hook and loop wrist strap allows you to customize the fit and make the gloves feel more secure. Reinforced seams at common wear points add durability, and the padded palm enhances comfort, especially during repetitive chores, such as raking leaves and digging.  In addition to offering protection for all types of gardening chores, these gardening gloves offer a few extra features as well. They’re machine washable, so you can just toss them in your washing machine when they get dirty.  Plus, they’re touchscreen compatible, so you don’t have to take your gloves off every time you need to reach for your phone to identify a mystery plant or potential disease. Also, the glove’s thumb features a terry cloth strip to help you wipe away sweat while you’re working.  The gloves are currently only available in one size, so they may not fit especially small or large hands. Product Details: Material: Synthetic leather, spandex | Size: One size (women’s medium) | Weight: Not listed PHOTO: Walmart After testing almost 40 garden hoses, the Kotto expandable hose was easily the top choice. With garden hoses, kinking is a common issue, but we didn’t experience any kinking with the Kotto hose thanks to its flexible and durable polyester fabric.  We also didn’t experience another common garden hose issue: leaks. It connected securely to the spigot, and all of the water went through the hose instead of spraying out at the connection points. And because it’s made from a lightweight fabric (rather than heavy rubber), it was incredibly easy to pull around the yard to water various raised garden beds, trees, and shrubs.  We learned a helpful trick while testing this garden hose: when you’re done using it, allow all of the water to drain from the hose before winding it up on your garden hose reel. Once the water is drained, it’s much easier and lighter to wind up.  Product Details: Material: Polyester fabric with latex core: | Size: 25, 50, 75, 100, or 150 feet | Weight: 3.5 pounds PHOTO: Amazon Why You Should Get It The nozzle can be turned on and off with just your thumb, and when we intentionally dropped it down a cement stairway, it didn’t get damaged at all.  If you’re looking for a hose nozzle to pair with your Kotto expandable hose, the Dramm spray gun is an affordable yet durable choice.  It’s easy to use since it features a one-touch valve that allows you to turn the water on and off using only your thumb. Because there’s no need to squeeze the handle as other nozzles require, it’s more comfortable to use for long watering sessions and is ideal for people with limited hand mobility.  When we tested the the hose nozzle, it was easy to turn the dial and switch between the various spray patterns. We found the highest power stream setting to be quite powerful—it easily removed mud from dirty Adirondack chairs. We also dropped the hose nozzle down a cement stairway as part of the durability testing and saw no signs of damage or any decrease in quality. Even though it proved to be sturdy, we appreciate that it comes with a lifetime guarantee. Product Details: Material: Metal | Size: 4 x 7 x 2.25 inches | Weight: 13.6 ounces This hose nozzle has nine different settings, including a shower setting to water flowers. PHOTO: Better Homes & Gardens Because of its powerful stream, we didn't have any problems cleaning mud off of a chair. PHOTO: Better Homes & Gardens PHOTO: Amazon If you have branches, mulch, or potting soil to move around your lawn or garden, this cart proved to be a true workhorse when we tested wheelbarrows. The 36 x 20-inch bed has a weight capacity of 600 pounds and can hold up to 4 cubic feet of material. We love that unlike a standard wheelbarrow, it has four wheels—so no more heavy loads that make the cart tip over as you’re trying to move it. The cart’s 10-inch pneumatic tires are big enough to make it over rough terrain, and the quick-release dumping feature makes it easy to unload and functions similarly to a dump truck. You simply unlatch the bed from the frame and lift up on the bed to release the cart’s contents. A padded handle provides extra comfort when you’re pulling heavy loads and tight-turn steering helps you pull it exactly where you want to unload. The tub is rustproof so you don’t have to worry about leaving it outside in the elements.   Assembling the cart took just over an hour. Although the instructions were clear and provided helpful illustrations, there were some misaligned plastic holes and the sizing for the nuts wasn’t listed, so we had to try quite a few tools before finding the right size.  Product Details: Material: Steel frame, poly bed | Size: 20 x 19.5 x 38.7 inches | Weight: 31.5 pounds The single-handle design may cause more strain, especially if pulling heavy objects. PHOTO: Better Homes & Gardens The gold lever releases the cart's tub backwards, dumping out the contents. PHOTO: Better Homes & Gardens Other Gardening Tools We Recommend PHOTO: A.M. Leonard Why You Should Get It This soil knife is sturdy and durable and can help you with cutting roots and twine, planting, and measuring. This soil knife is a multifunctional tool that may soon become your favorite tool in your collection. It features a serrated edge, as well as a slicing edge so you can use it for a variety of tasks around the garden. The serrated edge works especially well for cutting through tough roots. The 6-inch blade includes a notch to help you cut twine or plant ties, and it features measurement markings to ensure you plant spring bulbs at the correct depth. The blade is made of high-quality stainless steel to ensure it will stand up to the elements as well as all your chores.  We also love that the knife features a bright orange plastic handle to make it easy to spot if you accidentally lay it down in the garden or in grass. The molded grip on the composite handle ensures it’s comfortable to hold for long periods of time.  This sturdy knife promises to last for many years; it comes with a lifetime warranty and the manufacturer says that it withstands more than 300 pounds of pressure. The notch for cutting twine is a handy feature, although you may want to wear gardening gloves to avoid any accidents.  Product Details: Material: Stainless steel | Size: 1.75 x 0.75 x 11.75 inches | Weight: 9.1 ounces PHOTO: Amazon This weeding tool was originally invented in 1913, but it stopped being produced in 1941 so that all available metals could be put to the war effort. Luckily for us, the tool was rediscovered in 1999 and is now being produced and sold again. To use this simple tool, you just center the fork over the weed, press it into the ground, and then lean on the handle to remove the weed. This system lets you weed without hurting your back or knees, and it’s an easy way to remove dandelions and other weeds, roots and all.  The weeder works in all soil types, but it is easiest to use after a good rain or after watering since you need to be able to push it into the ground. The head was redesigned in 1999 to make it stronger, and the bamboo handle ensures it will be long lasting. Weighing just 3 pounds, it’s easy for most people to hold and use, but we recommend working the ground after watering or a rainstorm for looser soil. If you want to control weeds without using chemicals, this is a handy tool to have in your toolbox. Product Details: Material: Bamboo and powder-coated steel | Size: 46 x 8 x 1.5 inches | Weight: 3 pounds PHOTO: Amazon When it comes to these hardworking bypass pruners, Felco seems to have carefully thought through every detail of the design to ensure many years of use, making the pruners worth the price.  With a 1-inch cutting capacity, these pruning shears are great for trimming rose bushes and woody perennials. The Anvil blade features a sap groove to prevent sticking. The cutting blade with a soft wire cutter is replaceable if needed, ensuring you can keep using these bypass pruners long into the future. The bolt and nut are easily adjustable so you can customize blade alignment if you wish. Forged aluminum handles are strong but lightweight; they’re covered with a red plastic coating to add comfort and help make sure you don’t lose the pruners in the garden. A rubber cushion with a shock absorber where the blades come together helps reduce the strain on your wrists as you work.  Product Details: Material: Steel and rubber | Size: 9.25 x 4 x 1 inches | Weight: 8.8 ounces PHOTO: Amazon Made of heavy-duty 16-gauge stainless steel, the Wilcox All-Pro hand trowel is nearly unbreakable and won’t even bend if you hit a strong root. Yet, it’s lightweight, so it’s comfortable to use for long periods of time.  This model is 10 inches long, but a variety of lengths are available, from 9 to 22 inches. The fine point on the 10-inch trowel is more precise than other models in this line and many other trowels on the market, which makes it a good choice when weeding or digging around existing plants. It works especially well for tending to sedums and sempervivums, both of which have shallow roots and need to be carefully lifted when transplanting.  A depth gauge (listed in both centimeters and inches) is stamped on one side to help you determine the correct depth for planting. The plastic handle includes ribbings and grooves to allow for a more comfortable positioning of the hand.   In addition to gardening, the trowel can also come in handy when camping, hiking, and hunting. Really, it’s hard to find anything to complain about with this garden trowel—as an added bonus, it’s even made in the USA.  Product Details: Material: Stainless steel | Size: 10 x 2.5 inches | Weight: 7.2 ounces PHOTO: Amazon Sometimes it can be hard to decide whether to buy a spade or a shovel. The Spear Head spade garden shovel lets you have the best of both garden tools in one. It features a design that lets you dig dirt like a shovel and cut through roots or dig a trench like a spade. Keep in mind, though, that the blade on this tool is smaller than a traditional shovel, so you won’t be able to move as much dirt in one scoop.  The blade on this Spear Head shovel is made of durable carbon manganese steel. The tool comes pre-sharpened, and the epoxy powder coating is designed to wear away around the edges first so the sharpened edge will continuously be revealed and grow sharper as it is used. This shovel/spade features a fiberglass handle that’s both strong and lightweight. The cushioned D-shape grip adds comfort and has UV inhibitors so it will stand up to any kind of weather. Maybe best of all, the tool is designed to reduce effort when digging into heavy, rocky, or compact soils. Product Details: Material: Steel and fiberglass | Size: 40.25 x 8.25 x 1.5 inches | Weight: 3.64 pounds PHOTO: Amazon The Edward Tools hand hoe is a great mini-size hoe to help with precise weeding, moving dirt, and planting in small flower beds or raised vegetable gardens. It’s made of heavy-duty carbon steel so it won’t bend or break, plus the powder-coated finish helps to resist rust. It’s sturdy enough to work well even in hard or rocky soils, although it should be noted that the hoe doesn’t have a sharpened edge so it won’t slice through especially tough roots. The ergonomic rubber grip and anti-skid handle ensures this tool is safe and comfortable to hold, even if you’ll be working for hours in the garden. Although it’s not a large enough hoe for big gardens, it’s a very handy tool to have nearby for small-scale gardening since it’s both lightweight and sturdy. Product Details: Material: Carbon steel, rubber | Size: 13.98 x 4.37 x 2.36 inches | Weight: 9 ounces PHOTO: Amazon Bow rakes are good for loosening or breaking up compacted soil and spreading mulch, compost, and other materials. This rake features super-sharp teeth to dig into any type of soil. The L-shape design of the blades helps them dig deep into the dirt and cut weeds below the soil, making the rake helpful for weeding as well as spreading mulch. If you don’t have a ton of leaves to rake up, this may be the only rake that you need in your yard and garden.  A protective rubber sleeve on the handle helps prevent splintering and makes the rake more comfortable to hold for long work sessions. A riveted socket helps prevent the head from separating from the handle. This rake has a 54-inch handle, which works well for most gardeners, and it’s lightweight, weighing only 2.84 pounds. The handle is made of fiberglass, a material that’s both strong and lightweight, while the blades are made from carbon steel with a chip-resistant coating for strength and durability. Keep in mind that the handle is smaller in diameter than a traditional rake, which might not be everyone’s preference. Product Details: Material: Fiberglass and carbon steel | Size: 59.5 x 14 x 3 inches | Weight: 2.84 pounds PHOTO: Amazon Why You Should Get It This hand cultivator is strong and built to last for many years; since it’s lightweight and features an ergonomic handle, it’s easy to use, too.  A hand cultivator is a great tool for aerating the soil, weeding, and breaking up the ground before planting. And the DeWit tine cultivator is strong enough for your toughest jobs (and any soil type), thanks to thick steel tines with sharpened tips that can easily cut through the soil. The ergonomic P-grip handle is flexible enough to allow it to bend a little without breaking; its design helps increase leverage and decrease the stress on your hands and wrists. Plus, its design allows you to use it with one hand or two as needed.  It’s made from hardened boron steel that has been heat-treated to add extra strength. The handle is made from ash wood that is harvested from environmentally responsible FSC-certified forests. And although the handle and tines are very strong, the tool is lightweight, so it’s easy to use for an extended time. The longer-than-average handle gives you a little extra reach to tackle hard-to-access spots, although that can also make it feel a bit bulky when working in tight spots.  Product Details: Material: Steel and ash wood | Size: 16.5 x 4.5 x 4.5 inches | Weight: 9.6 ounces PHOTO: Amazon If you’re a beginning gardener, you may think you don’t need a kneeling pad, but experienced gardeners know that it’s essential to have nearby for keeping you comfortable while you work. This 1.5-inch kneeling pad is extra thick to provide maximum comfort while you’re kneeling to weed or plant. It’s made of durable high-density foam that will contour to your knees and won’t break down or compress over time.  At 17.5 x 11 inches (larger than many other kneeling pads available), this model is large enough to give you plenty of room to spread out, so you don’t cramp up while kneeling. The pad is dirt- and water-resistant, so it can stand up to rocks or gravel and can be used on damp ground. A built-in handle makes it easy to carry it around the yard as you work. An added bonus: this kneeling pad is available in a wide range of colors, so you can have a little fun and pick your favorite hue. Product Details: Material: Foam | Size: 17.5 x 11 x 1.5 in | Weight: 0.75 pounds PHOTO: Amazon To help hold all your tools as you work through your garden, we love the Case4Life garden tool pouch. The green canvas waist belt is adjustable and easily clips around your waist so you can have easy access to your commonly used garden tools.  What stands out about this tool belt is the four pockets that are specifically designed for garden tools and accessories such as gardening gloves, seed packets, and pruning shears. It also has a larger pocket with a zipper to secure items, and it has a loop at the bottom of the bag for a hammer or other tools.  At just 5.3 ounces, it’s lightweight and won’t feel too heavy once you add your tools. It’s durably constructed to last for years, and it even comes with a three-year warranty. Our only complaint is that we wish there were more color options to complement the bright and cheerful feeling of gardening. At the time of publishing, it’s only available in a forest green hue.  Product Details: Material: Canvas and mesh | Size: 9.06x11.02 inches | Weight: 5.3 ounces PHOTO: Amazon The Grace & August garden apron features a generous pocket for harvesting vegetables and smart features that make it comfortable for a range of people to wear.  Available in purple and blue, this apron is made of cotton canvas with a water-resistant lining. The apron features a top bib pocket that, at 21 inches wide and 14 inches deep, is plenty big enough to hold a trowel or weeding tool. The large bottom kangaroo-style pocket is designed with clips at the bottom so you can easily open the bottom of the pocket to unload your harvest or dispose of weeds you’ve pulled.  We like the fact that the apron is designed with shoulder straps rather than hanging around your neck. The adjustable crossover back straps help distribute the weight more evenly, and a waist tie helps you get the right fit. It may not have as many pockets as some gardeners would prefer, but we love the fact that we can wipe the dirt on this apron and then just throw it in the washing machine when we finish our gardening chores.  Product Details: Material: Cotton canvas | Size: 27 x 34 inches | Weight: Not listed The Bottom Line The A.M. Leonard soil knife can help you cut roots, twine, and more while gardening, and you can carry it around in a tool pouch, like the Case4Life garden tool pouch. The Grampa’s Weeder is an essential for removing weeds in your lawn and garden, and you can use the Gorilla utility cart to move mulch, bricks, potted plants, and more. Better Homes & Gardens What to Know About Gardening Tools Before Shopping Material The best gardening tools are made with durable materials that will stand up to all the hard work you do in your garden. “Wood handles and steel blades are always a good way to go,” Hughes says. “Wood handles maintain a moderate temperature in heat and cold, making them more comfortable in your hands.”  Garden tool handles can also be made out of fiberglass, which is lightweight but strong, and aluminum, which is lightweight but prone to bending. Miller recommends staying away from tools with plastic handles. “Plastic breaks down easily, except ironically in landfills, where it will linger for generations, leaching harmful chemicals into our environment,” she says.  Size The best tools for someone tall may be different than those for someone shorter in stature. Make sure you consider handle length to make sure the tool will work for your height. Consider purchasing a tool with a telescoping handle if you have people of different heights who will be using the same tool.  In general, short-handled tools work for close-up work and long-handled tools are better for covering a lot of ground in a larger garden. A pair of loppers, for example, allow you to reach higher to trim thick branches. If you only have a small garden or container garden, short-handled tools may be all you need. But for larger gardens, you’ll likely need both short-handled and long-handled tools.  Weight Consider your physical abilities and limitations when choosing between tools of different weights. Remember, the best option for you might be different than what’s best for someone else.  In general, you want the gardening tool to have a little heft to it to ensure it’s sturdy and will stand up to heavy-duty use, but lighter is generally better. Remember, the tool will no doubt feel heavier after you have been using it awhile, or when it is scooping up dirt. “The best thing you can do is pick up and hold garden tools in your hand prior to purchasing,” Miller says. “If you can’t lift the shovel in the store aisle, you definitely won’t be able to lift it loaded with soil.”  Your Questions, Answered How do you clean gardening tools?  Gardening tools should ideally be cleaned after every use and then given a more thorough cleaning at the end of the gardening season. “First, blast them with a garden hose to pressure wash the dirt off,” Miller says. (You can also use a putty knife to scrape off any stuck-on mud.)  Next, it’s a good idea to disinfect your tools to prevent spreading bacteria and fungi. Dissolve a bleach tablet in a 5-gallon bucket and soak your tools, Miller suggests, or use a gentler, 50/50 mixture of vinegar and water. Wipe tools dry and use a few drops of WD-40 or food-grade oil on blades and joints to prevent rust.  How do you sharpen gardening tools?  Plan to sharpen gardening tools, such as high-quality spades, trowels, and hoes, at least once a year. Before sharpening any tool, clean it first with a wire brush or steel pad to remove built-up dirt and rust. Then, lock the tool into a vise or hold it still with a clamp and move a mill file along the edge of the blade to sharpen. You can use sandpaper to remove any rust on the blade and lightly coat the blade with machine oil.   What is the best way to store gardening tools?  Even the best gardening tools need to be stored inside to prolong their life and keep them in good shape. “Store tools in a dry area and ideally in an area with moderate temperatures,” Hughes says. Plan to keep them in an outdoor shed, garage, or barn for the winter; keep them off the ground and away from rain, snow, and UV exposure from the sun.  Who We Are Renee Freemon Mulvihill is a writer, specializing in home and garden topics. To write this article, she spent hours online researching various garden tools (and dreaming about what she would like to have for her own garden). She also talked to Tom Hughes, owner of Hughes Nursery and Landscape, and Lindsay Miller, a horticultural writer from Gardener’s Supply Company, to get their tips and advice about choosing and caring for gardening tools.  Brandi Fuller has been a shopping editor for Better Homes & Gardens since September 2022. She specializes in outdoor, pest control, gardening, and wildlife products. She analyzed results and feedback from our outdoor products and garden tools testings to recommend the best gardening tools. Source link

[tumibaba]

The right tools can make your gardening chores easier—and maybe faster, too. There are a variety of gardening tools that can help with digging, weeding, planting, and more. “Every gardener needs a high-quality spade, shovel, rake, hand trowel, pruners, and loppers,” says Tom Hughes, owner of Iowa-based Hughes Nursery and Landscape. “And a hoe is an essential tool for vegetable gardens.”  Of course, the best gardening tools for you might be different than the best gardening tools for your neighbor. When you’re looking for gardening tools, consider how tall you are, how much you can lift, and what chores you do regularly. If you have limited mobility, you might want to choose one of the many ergonomic tools on the market. If you have trouble bending and kneeling, long-handled tools and a kneeling pad might be good to have on hand.   “Look for tools constructed with the fewest number of parts,” says Lindsay Miller, horticultural writer for Gardener’s Supply Company. “The more individual pieces attached by bolts and collars, the more weak spots there are.”  Gardening Tools We’ve Tested—And Loved PHOTO: Walmart Because of its thoughtful, two-handle design, the Bloem watering can was one of our favorites when we tested over 30 watering cans. The handles make it easy to carry and pour, and the adjustable water spout allows you to switch from a light or heavy stream.  We intentionally dropped the can when it was full of water, and we were impressed that it stayed upright and didn’t tip over. When we dropped it a few more times, both with and without water, it didn’t dent or scratch.  Made with BPA-free plastic, it’s coated with a UV protectant to help prevent fading. It’s only available in one color, but thankfully the black and orange design is fairly neutral.  Product Details: Material: Polypropylene plastic | Size: 2.6 gallons | Weight: 1 pound PHOTO: Better Homes & Gardens PHOTO: Better Homes & Gardens PHOTO: The Home Depot We tested these gardening gloves ourselves, we were impressed with how well they held up to messy gardening chores, like mulching a vegetable garden and turning compost in compost bins.   The gloves’ synthetic leather fingertips provide a strong grip when you’re holding gardening tools, and the stretchy spandex between the fingers and on the body of the glove adds breathability and extra comfort on hot summer days. An adjustable hook and loop wrist strap allows you to customize the fit and make the gloves feel more secure. Reinforced seams at common wear points add durability, and the padded palm enhances comfort, especially during repetitive chores, such as raking leaves and digging.  In addition to offering protection for all types of gardening chores, these gardening gloves offer a few extra features as well. They’re machine washable, so you can just toss them in your washing machine when they get dirty.  Plus, they’re touchscreen compatible, so you don’t have to take your gloves off every time you need to reach for your phone to identify a mystery plant or potential disease. Also, the glove’s thumb features a terry cloth strip to help you wipe away sweat while you’re working.  The gloves are currently only available in one size, so they may not fit especially small or large hands. Product Details: Material: Synthetic leather, spandex | Size: One size (women’s medium) | Weight: Not listed PHOTO: Walmart After testing almost 40 garden hoses, the Kotto expandable hose was easily the top choice. With garden hoses, kinking is a common issue, but we didn’t experience any kinking with the Kotto hose thanks to its flexible and durable polyester fabric.  We also didn’t experience another common garden hose issue: leaks. It connected securely to the spigot, and all of the water went through the hose instead of spraying out at the connection points. And because it’s made from a lightweight fabric (rather than heavy rubber), it was incredibly easy to pull around the yard to water various raised garden beds, trees, and shrubs.  We learned a helpful trick while testing this garden hose: when you’re done using it, allow all of the water to drain from the hose before winding it up on your garden hose reel. Once the water is drained, it’s much easier and lighter to wind up.  Product Details: Material: Polyester fabric with latex core: | Size: 25, 50, 75, 100, or 150 feet | Weight: 3.5 pounds PHOTO: Amazon Why You Should Get It The nozzle can be turned on and off with just your thumb, and when we intentionally dropped it down a cement stairway, it didn’t get damaged at all.  If you’re looking for a hose nozzle to pair with your Kotto expandable hose, the Dramm spray gun is an affordable yet durable choice.  It’s easy to use since it features a one-touch valve that allows you to turn the water on and off using only your thumb. Because there’s no need to squeeze the handle as other nozzles require, it’s more comfortable to use for long watering sessions and is ideal for people with limited hand mobility.  When we tested the the hose nozzle, it was easy to turn the dial and switch between the various spray patterns. We found the highest power stream setting to be quite powerful—it easily removed mud from dirty Adirondack chairs. We also dropped the hose nozzle down a cement stairway as part of the durability testing and saw no signs of damage or any decrease in quality. Even though it proved to be sturdy, we appreciate that it comes with a lifetime guarantee. Product Details: Material: Metal | Size: 4 x 7 x 2.25 inches | Weight: 13.6 ounces This hose nozzle has nine different settings, including a shower setting to water flowers. PHOTO: Better Homes & Gardens Because of its powerful stream, we didn't have any problems cleaning mud off of a chair. PHOTO: Better Homes & Gardens PHOTO: Amazon If you have branches, mulch, or potting soil to move around your lawn or garden, this cart proved to be a true workhorse when we tested wheelbarrows. The 36 x 20-inch bed has a weight capacity of 600 pounds and can hold up to 4 cubic feet of material. We love that unlike a standard wheelbarrow, it has four wheels—so no more heavy loads that make the cart tip over as you’re trying to move it. The cart’s 10-inch pneumatic tires are big enough to make it over rough terrain, and the quick-release dumping feature makes it easy to unload and functions similarly to a dump truck. You simply unlatch the bed from the frame and lift up on the bed to release the cart’s contents. A padded handle provides extra comfort when you’re pulling heavy loads and tight-turn steering helps you pull it exactly where you want to unload. The tub is rustproof so you don’t have to worry about leaving it outside in the elements.   Assembling the cart took just over an hour. Although the instructions were clear and provided helpful illustrations, there were some misaligned plastic holes and the sizing for the nuts wasn’t listed, so we had to try quite a few tools before finding the right size.  Product Details: Material: Steel frame, poly bed | Size: 20 x 19.5 x 38.7 inches | Weight: 31.5 pounds The single-handle design may cause more strain, especially if pulling heavy objects. PHOTO: Better Homes & Gardens The gold lever releases the cart's tub backwards, dumping out the contents. PHOTO: Better Homes & Gardens Other Gardening Tools We Recommend PHOTO: A.M. Leonard Why You Should Get It This soil knife is sturdy and durable and can help you with cutting roots and twine, planting, and measuring. This soil knife is a multifunctional tool that may soon become your favorite tool in your collection. It features a serrated edge, as well as a slicing edge so you can use it for a variety of tasks around the garden. The serrated edge works especially well for cutting through tough roots. The 6-inch blade includes a notch to help you cut twine or plant ties, and it features measurement markings to ensure you plant spring bulbs at the correct depth. The blade is made of high-quality stainless steel to ensure it will stand up to the elements as well as all your chores.  We also love that the knife features a bright orange plastic handle to make it easy to spot if you accidentally lay it down in the garden or in grass. The molded grip on the composite handle ensures it’s comfortable to hold for long periods of time.  This sturdy knife promises to last for many years; it comes with a lifetime warranty and the manufacturer says that it withstands more than 300 pounds of pressure. The notch for cutting twine is a handy feature, although you may want to wear gardening gloves to avoid any accidents.  Product Details: Material: Stainless steel | Size: 1.75 x 0.75 x 11.75 inches | Weight: 9.1 ounces PHOTO: Amazon This weeding tool was originally invented in 1913, but it stopped being produced in 1941 so that all available metals could be put to the war effort. Luckily for us, the tool was rediscovered in 1999 and is now being produced and sold again. To use this simple tool, you just center the fork over the weed, press it into the ground, and then lean on the handle to remove the weed. This system lets you weed without hurting your back or knees, and it’s an easy way to remove dandelions and other weeds, roots and all.  The weeder works in all soil types, but it is easiest to use after a good rain or after watering since you need to be able to push it into the ground. The head was redesigned in 1999 to make it stronger, and the bamboo handle ensures it will be long lasting. Weighing just 3 pounds, it’s easy for most people to hold and use, but we recommend working the ground after watering or a rainstorm for looser soil. If you want to control weeds without using chemicals, this is a handy tool to have in your toolbox. Product Details: Material: Bamboo and powder-coated steel | Size: 46 x 8 x 1.5 inches | Weight: 3 pounds PHOTO: Amazon When it comes to these hardworking bypass pruners, Felco seems to have carefully thought through every detail of the design to ensure many years of use, making the pruners worth the price.  With a 1-inch cutting capacity, these pruning shears are great for trimming rose bushes and woody perennials. The Anvil blade features a sap groove to prevent sticking. The cutting blade with a soft wire cutter is replaceable if needed, ensuring you can keep using these bypass pruners long into the future. The bolt and nut are easily adjustable so you can customize blade alignment if you wish. Forged aluminum handles are strong but lightweight; they’re covered with a red plastic coating to add comfort and help make sure you don’t lose the pruners in the garden. A rubber cushion with a shock absorber where the blades come together helps reduce the strain on your wrists as you work.  Product Details: Material: Steel and rubber | Size: 9.25 x 4 x 1 inches | Weight: 8.8 ounces PHOTO: Amazon Made of heavy-duty 16-gauge stainless steel, the Wilcox All-Pro hand trowel is nearly unbreakable and won’t even bend if you hit a strong root. Yet, it’s lightweight, so it’s comfortable to use for long periods of time.  This model is 10 inches long, but a variety of lengths are available, from 9 to 22 inches. The fine point on the 10-inch trowel is more precise than other models in this line and many other trowels on the market, which makes it a good choice when weeding or digging around existing plants. It works especially well for tending to sedums and sempervivums, both of which have shallow roots and need to be carefully lifted when transplanting.  A depth gauge (listed in both centimeters and inches) is stamped on one side to help you determine the correct depth for planting. The plastic handle includes ribbings and grooves to allow for a more comfortable positioning of the hand.   In addition to gardening, the trowel can also come in handy when camping, hiking, and hunting. Really, it’s hard to find anything to complain about with this garden trowel—as an added bonus, it’s even made in the USA.  Product Details: Material: Stainless steel | Size: 10 x 2.5 inches | Weight: 7.2 ounces PHOTO: Amazon Sometimes it can be hard to decide whether to buy a spade or a shovel. The Spear Head spade garden shovel lets you have the best of both garden tools in one. It features a design that lets you dig dirt like a shovel and cut through roots or dig a trench like a spade. Keep in mind, though, that the blade on this tool is smaller than a traditional shovel, so you won’t be able to move as much dirt in one scoop.  The blade on this Spear Head shovel is made of durable carbon manganese steel. The tool comes pre-sharpened, and the epoxy powder coating is designed to wear away around the edges first so the sharpened edge will continuously be revealed and grow sharper as it is used. This shovel/spade features a fiberglass handle that’s both strong and lightweight. The cushioned D-shape grip adds comfort and has UV inhibitors so it will stand up to any kind of weather. Maybe best of all, the tool is designed to reduce effort when digging into heavy, rocky, or compact soils. Product Details: Material: Steel and fiberglass | Size: 40.25 x 8.25 x 1.5 inches | Weight: 3.64 pounds PHOTO: Amazon The Edward Tools hand hoe is a great mini-size hoe to help with precise weeding, moving dirt, and planting in small flower beds or raised vegetable gardens. It’s made of heavy-duty carbon steel so it won’t bend or break, plus the powder-coated finish helps to resist rust. It’s sturdy enough to work well even in hard or rocky soils, although it should be noted that the hoe doesn’t have a sharpened edge so it won’t slice through especially tough roots. The ergonomic rubber grip and anti-skid handle ensures this tool is safe and comfortable to hold, even if you’ll be working for hours in the garden. Although it’s not a large enough hoe for big gardens, it’s a very handy tool to have nearby for small-scale gardening since it’s both lightweight and sturdy. Product Details: Material: Carbon steel, rubber | Size: 13.98 x 4.37 x 2.36 inches | Weight: 9 ounces PHOTO: Amazon Bow rakes are good for loosening or breaking up compacted soil and spreading mulch, compost, and other materials. This rake features super-sharp teeth to dig into any type of soil. The L-shape design of the blades helps them dig deep into the dirt and cut weeds below the soil, making the rake helpful for weeding as well as spreading mulch. If you don’t have a ton of leaves to rake up, this may be the only rake that you need in your yard and garden.  A protective rubber sleeve on the handle helps prevent splintering and makes the rake more comfortable to hold for long work sessions. A riveted socket helps prevent the head from separating from the handle. This rake has a 54-inch handle, which works well for most gardeners, and it’s lightweight, weighing only 2.84 pounds. The handle is made of fiberglass, a material that’s both strong and lightweight, while the blades are made from carbon steel with a chip-resistant coating for strength and durability. Keep in mind that the handle is smaller in diameter than a traditional rake, which might not be everyone’s preference. Product Details: Material: Fiberglass and carbon steel | Size: 59.5 x 14 x 3 inches | Weight: 2.84 pounds PHOTO: Amazon Why You Should Get It This hand cultivator is strong and built to last for many years; since it’s lightweight and features an ergonomic handle, it’s easy to use, too.  A hand cultivator is a great tool for aerating the soil, weeding, and breaking up the ground before planting. And the DeWit tine cultivator is strong enough for your toughest jobs (and any soil type), thanks to thick steel tines with sharpened tips that can easily cut through the soil. The ergonomic P-grip handle is flexible enough to allow it to bend a little without breaking; its design helps increase leverage and decrease the stress on your hands and wrists. Plus, its design allows you to use it with one hand or two as needed.  It’s made from hardened boron steel that has been heat-treated to add extra strength. The handle is made from ash wood that is harvested from environmentally responsible FSC-certified forests. And although the handle and tines are very strong, the tool is lightweight, so it’s easy to use for an extended time. The longer-than-average handle gives you a little extra reach to tackle hard-to-access spots, although that can also make it feel a bit bulky when working in tight spots.  Product Details: Material: Steel and ash wood | Size: 16.5 x 4.5 x 4.5 inches | Weight: 9.6 ounces PHOTO: Amazon If you’re a beginning gardener, you may think you don’t need a kneeling pad, but experienced gardeners know that it’s essential to have nearby for keeping you comfortable while you work. This 1.5-inch kneeling pad is extra thick to provide maximum comfort while you’re kneeling to weed or plant. It’s made of durable high-density foam that will contour to your knees and won’t break down or compress over time.  At 17.5 x 11 inches (larger than many other kneeling pads available), this model is large enough to give you plenty of room to spread out, so you don’t cramp up while kneeling. The pad is dirt- and water-resistant, so it can stand up to rocks or gravel and can be used on damp ground. A built-in handle makes it easy to carry it around the yard as you work. An added bonus: this kneeling pad is available in a wide range of colors, so you can have a little fun and pick your favorite hue. Product Details: Material: Foam | Size: 17.5 x 11 x 1.5 in | Weight: 0.75 pounds PHOTO: Amazon To help hold all your tools as you work through your garden, we love the Case4Life garden tool pouch. The green canvas waist belt is adjustable and easily clips around your waist so you can have easy access to your commonly used garden tools.  What stands out about this tool belt is the four pockets that are specifically designed for garden tools and accessories such as gardening gloves, seed packets, and pruning shears. It also has a larger pocket with a zipper to secure items, and it has a loop at the bottom of the bag for a hammer or other tools.  At just 5.3 ounces, it’s lightweight and won’t feel too heavy once you add your tools. It’s durably constructed to last for years, and it even comes with a three-year warranty. Our only complaint is that we wish there were more color options to complement the bright and cheerful feeling of gardening. At the time of publishing, it’s only available in a forest green hue.  Product Details: Material: Canvas and mesh | Size: 9.06x11.02 inches | Weight: 5.3 ounces PHOTO: Amazon The Grace & August garden apron features a generous pocket for harvesting vegetables and smart features that make it comfortable for a range of people to wear.  Available in purple and blue, this apron is made of cotton canvas with a water-resistant lining. The apron features a top bib pocket that, at 21 inches wide and 14 inches deep, is plenty big enough to hold a trowel or weeding tool. The large bottom kangaroo-style pocket is designed with clips at the bottom so you can easily open the bottom of the pocket to unload your harvest or dispose of weeds you’ve pulled.  We like the fact that the apron is designed with shoulder straps rather than hanging around your neck. The adjustable crossover back straps help distribute the weight more evenly, and a waist tie helps you get the right fit. It may not have as many pockets as some gardeners would prefer, but we love the fact that we can wipe the dirt on this apron and then just throw it in the washing machine when we finish our gardening chores.  Product Details: Material: Cotton canvas | Size: 27 x 34 inches | Weight: Not listed The Bottom Line The A.M. Leonard soil knife can help you cut roots, twine, and more while gardening, and you can carry it around in a tool pouch, like the Case4Life garden tool pouch. The Grampa’s Weeder is an essential for removing weeds in your lawn and garden, and you can use the Gorilla utility cart to move mulch, bricks, potted plants, and more. Better Homes & Gardens What to Know About Gardening Tools Before Shopping Material The best gardening tools are made with durable materials that will stand up to all the hard work you do in your garden. “Wood handles and steel blades are always a good way to go,” Hughes says. “Wood handles maintain a moderate temperature in heat and cold, making them more comfortable in your hands.”  Garden tool handles can also be made out of fiberglass, which is lightweight but strong, and aluminum, which is lightweight but prone to bending. Miller recommends staying away from tools with plastic handles. “Plastic breaks down easily, except ironically in landfills, where it will linger for generations, leaching harmful chemicals into our environment,” she says.  Size The best tools for someone tall may be different than those for someone shorter in stature. Make sure you consider handle length to make sure the tool will work for your height. Consider purchasing a tool with a telescoping handle if you have people of different heights who will be using the same tool.  In general, short-handled tools work for close-up work and long-handled tools are better for covering a lot of ground in a larger garden. A pair of loppers, for example, allow you to reach higher to trim thick branches. If you only have a small garden or container garden, short-handled tools may be all you need. But for larger gardens, you’ll likely need both short-handled and long-handled tools.  Weight Consider your physical abilities and limitations when choosing between tools of different weights. Remember, the best option for you might be different than what’s best for someone else.  In general, you want the gardening tool to have a little heft to it to ensure it’s sturdy and will stand up to heavy-duty use, but lighter is generally better. Remember, the tool will no doubt feel heavier after you have been using it awhile, or when it is scooping up dirt. “The best thing you can do is pick up and hold garden tools in your hand prior to purchasing,” Miller says. “If you can’t lift the shovel in the store aisle, you definitely won’t be able to lift it loaded with soil.”  Your Questions, Answered How do you clean gardening tools?  Gardening tools should ideally be cleaned after every use and then given a more thorough cleaning at the end of the gardening season. “First, blast them with a garden hose to pressure wash the dirt off,” Miller says. (You can also use a putty knife to scrape off any stuck-on mud.)  Next, it’s a good idea to disinfect your tools to prevent spreading bacteria and fungi. Dissolve a bleach tablet in a 5-gallon bucket and soak your tools, Miller suggests, or use a gentler, 50/50 mixture of vinegar and water. Wipe tools dry and use a few drops of WD-40 or food-grade oil on blades and joints to prevent rust.  How do you sharpen gardening tools?  Plan to sharpen gardening tools, such as high-quality spades, trowels, and hoes, at least once a year. Before sharpening any tool, clean it first with a wire brush or steel pad to remove built-up dirt and rust. Then, lock the tool into a vise or hold it still with a clamp and move a mill file along the edge of the blade to sharpen. You can use sandpaper to remove any rust on the blade and lightly coat the blade with machine oil.   What is the best way to store gardening tools?  Even the best gardening tools need to be stored inside to prolong their life and keep them in good shape. “Store tools in a dry area and ideally in an area with moderate temperatures,” Hughes says. Plan to keep them in an outdoor shed, garage, or barn for the winter; keep them off the ground and away from rain, snow, and UV exposure from the sun.  Who We Are Renee Freemon Mulvihill is a writer, specializing in home and garden topics. To write this article, she spent hours online researching various garden tools (and dreaming about what she would like to have for her own garden). She also talked to Tom Hughes, owner of Hughes Nursery and Landscape, and Lindsay Miller, a horticultural writer from Gardener’s Supply Company, to get their tips and advice about choosing and caring for gardening tools.  Brandi Fuller has been a shopping editor for Better Homes & Gardens since September 2022. She specializes in outdoor, pest control, gardening, and wildlife products. She analyzed results and feedback from our outdoor products and garden tools testings to recommend the best gardening tools. Source link

[romaleen]

The right tools can make your gardening chores easier—and maybe faster, too. There are a variety of gardening tools that can help with digging, weeding, planting, and more. “Every gardener needs a high-quality spade, shovel, rake, hand trowel, pruners, and loppers,” says Tom Hughes, owner of Iowa-based Hughes Nursery and Landscape. “And a hoe is an essential tool for vegetable gardens.”  Of course, the best gardening tools for you might be different than the best gardening tools for your neighbor. When you’re looking for gardening tools, consider how tall you are, how much you can lift, and what chores you do regularly. If you have limited mobility, you might want to choose one of the many ergonomic tools on the market. If you have trouble bending and kneeling, long-handled tools and a kneeling pad might be good to have on hand.   “Look for tools constructed with the fewest number of parts,” says Lindsay Miller, horticultural writer for Gardener’s Supply Company. “The more individual pieces attached by bolts and collars, the more weak spots there are.”  Gardening Tools We’ve Tested—And Loved PHOTO: Walmart Because of its thoughtful, two-handle design, the Bloem watering can was one of our favorites when we tested over 30 watering cans. The handles make it easy to carry and pour, and the adjustable water spout allows you to switch from a light or heavy stream.  We intentionally dropped the can when it was full of water, and we were impressed that it stayed upright and didn’t tip over. When we dropped it a few more times, both with and without water, it didn’t dent or scratch.  Made with BPA-free plastic, it’s coated with a UV protectant to help prevent fading. It’s only available in one color, but thankfully the black and orange design is fairly neutral.  Product Details: Material: Polypropylene plastic | Size: 2.6 gallons | Weight: 1 pound PHOTO: Better Homes & Gardens PHOTO: Better Homes & Gardens PHOTO: The Home Depot We tested these gardening gloves ourselves, we were impressed with how well they held up to messy gardening chores, like mulching a vegetable garden and turning compost in compost bins.   The gloves’ synthetic leather fingertips provide a strong grip when you’re holding gardening tools, and the stretchy spandex between the fingers and on the body of the glove adds breathability and extra comfort on hot summer days. An adjustable hook and loop wrist strap allows you to customize the fit and make the gloves feel more secure. Reinforced seams at common wear points add durability, and the padded palm enhances comfort, especially during repetitive chores, such as raking leaves and digging.  In addition to offering protection for all types of gardening chores, these gardening gloves offer a few extra features as well. They’re machine washable, so you can just toss them in your washing machine when they get dirty.  Plus, they’re touchscreen compatible, so you don’t have to take your gloves off every time you need to reach for your phone to identify a mystery plant or potential disease. Also, the glove’s thumb features a terry cloth strip to help you wipe away sweat while you’re working.  The gloves are currently only available in one size, so they may not fit especially small or large hands. Product Details: Material: Synthetic leather, spandex | Size: One size (women’s medium) | Weight: Not listed PHOTO: Walmart After testing almost 40 garden hoses, the Kotto expandable hose was easily the top choice. With garden hoses, kinking is a common issue, but we didn’t experience any kinking with the Kotto hose thanks to its flexible and durable polyester fabric.  We also didn’t experience another common garden hose issue: leaks. It connected securely to the spigot, and all of the water went through the hose instead of spraying out at the connection points. And because it’s made from a lightweight fabric (rather than heavy rubber), it was incredibly easy to pull around the yard to water various raised garden beds, trees, and shrubs.  We learned a helpful trick while testing this garden hose: when you’re done using it, allow all of the water to drain from the hose before winding it up on your garden hose reel. Once the water is drained, it’s much easier and lighter to wind up.  Product Details: Material: Polyester fabric with latex core: | Size: 25, 50, 75, 100, or 150 feet | Weight: 3.5 pounds PHOTO: Amazon Why You Should Get It The nozzle can be turned on and off with just your thumb, and when we intentionally dropped it down a cement stairway, it didn’t get damaged at all.  If you’re looking for a hose nozzle to pair with your Kotto expandable hose, the Dramm spray gun is an affordable yet durable choice.  It’s easy to use since it features a one-touch valve that allows you to turn the water on and off using only your thumb. Because there’s no need to squeeze the handle as other nozzles require, it’s more comfortable to use for long watering sessions and is ideal for people with limited hand mobility.  When we tested the the hose nozzle, it was easy to turn the dial and switch between the various spray patterns. We found the highest power stream setting to be quite powerful—it easily removed mud from dirty Adirondack chairs. We also dropped the hose nozzle down a cement stairway as part of the durability testing and saw no signs of damage or any decrease in quality. Even though it proved to be sturdy, we appreciate that it comes with a lifetime guarantee. Product Details: Material: Metal | Size: 4 x 7 x 2.25 inches | Weight: 13.6 ounces This hose nozzle has nine different settings, including a shower setting to water flowers. PHOTO: Better Homes & Gardens Because of its powerful stream, we didn't have any problems cleaning mud off of a chair. PHOTO: Better Homes & Gardens PHOTO: Amazon If you have branches, mulch, or potting soil to move around your lawn or garden, this cart proved to be a true workhorse when we tested wheelbarrows. The 36 x 20-inch bed has a weight capacity of 600 pounds and can hold up to 4 cubic feet of material. We love that unlike a standard wheelbarrow, it has four wheels—so no more heavy loads that make the cart tip over as you’re trying to move it. The cart’s 10-inch pneumatic tires are big enough to make it over rough terrain, and the quick-release dumping feature makes it easy to unload and functions similarly to a dump truck. You simply unlatch the bed from the frame and lift up on the bed to release the cart’s contents. A padded handle provides extra comfort when you’re pulling heavy loads and tight-turn steering helps you pull it exactly where you want to unload. The tub is rustproof so you don’t have to worry about leaving it outside in the elements.   Assembling the cart took just over an hour. Although the instructions were clear and provided helpful illustrations, there were some misaligned plastic holes and the sizing for the nuts wasn’t listed, so we had to try quite a few tools before finding the right size.  Product Details: Material: Steel frame, poly bed | Size: 20 x 19.5 x 38.7 inches | Weight: 31.5 pounds The single-handle design may cause more strain, especially if pulling heavy objects. PHOTO: Better Homes & Gardens The gold lever releases the cart's tub backwards, dumping out the contents. PHOTO: Better Homes & Gardens Other Gardening Tools We Recommend PHOTO: A.M. Leonard Why You Should Get It This soil knife is sturdy and durable and can help you with cutting roots and twine, planting, and measuring. This soil knife is a multifunctional tool that may soon become your favorite tool in your collection. It features a serrated edge, as well as a slicing edge so you can use it for a variety of tasks around the garden. The serrated edge works especially well for cutting through tough roots. The 6-inch blade includes a notch to help you cut twine or plant ties, and it features measurement markings to ensure you plant spring bulbs at the correct depth. The blade is made of high-quality stainless steel to ensure it will stand up to the elements as well as all your chores.  We also love that the knife features a bright orange plastic handle to make it easy to spot if you accidentally lay it down in the garden or in grass. The molded grip on the composite handle ensures it’s comfortable to hold for long periods of time.  This sturdy knife promises to last for many years; it comes with a lifetime warranty and the manufacturer says that it withstands more than 300 pounds of pressure. The notch for cutting twine is a handy feature, although you may want to wear gardening gloves to avoid any accidents.  Product Details: Material: Stainless steel | Size: 1.75 x 0.75 x 11.75 inches | Weight: 9.1 ounces PHOTO: Amazon This weeding tool was originally invented in 1913, but it stopped being produced in 1941 so that all available metals could be put to the war effort. Luckily for us, the tool was rediscovered in 1999 and is now being produced and sold again. To use this simple tool, you just center the fork over the weed, press it into the ground, and then lean on the handle to remove the weed. This system lets you weed without hurting your back or knees, and it’s an easy way to remove dandelions and other weeds, roots and all.  The weeder works in all soil types, but it is easiest to use after a good rain or after watering since you need to be able to push it into the ground. The head was redesigned in 1999 to make it stronger, and the bamboo handle ensures it will be long lasting. Weighing just 3 pounds, it’s easy for most people to hold and use, but we recommend working the ground after watering or a rainstorm for looser soil. If you want to control weeds without using chemicals, this is a handy tool to have in your toolbox. Product Details: Material: Bamboo and powder-coated steel | Size: 46 x 8 x 1.5 inches | Weight: 3 pounds PHOTO: Amazon When it comes to these hardworking bypass pruners, Felco seems to have carefully thought through every detail of the design to ensure many years of use, making the pruners worth the price.  With a 1-inch cutting capacity, these pruning shears are great for trimming rose bushes and woody perennials. The Anvil blade features a sap groove to prevent sticking. The cutting blade with a soft wire cutter is replaceable if needed, ensuring you can keep using these bypass pruners long into the future. The bolt and nut are easily adjustable so you can customize blade alignment if you wish. Forged aluminum handles are strong but lightweight; they’re covered with a red plastic coating to add comfort and help make sure you don’t lose the pruners in the garden. A rubber cushion with a shock absorber where the blades come together helps reduce the strain on your wrists as you work.  Product Details: Material: Steel and rubber | Size: 9.25 x 4 x 1 inches | Weight: 8.8 ounces PHOTO: Amazon Made of heavy-duty 16-gauge stainless steel, the Wilcox All-Pro hand trowel is nearly unbreakable and won’t even bend if you hit a strong root. Yet, it’s lightweight, so it’s comfortable to use for long periods of time.  This model is 10 inches long, but a variety of lengths are available, from 9 to 22 inches. The fine point on the 10-inch trowel is more precise than other models in this line and many other trowels on the market, which makes it a good choice when weeding or digging around existing plants. It works especially well for tending to sedums and sempervivums, both of which have shallow roots and need to be carefully lifted when transplanting.  A depth gauge (listed in both centimeters and inches) is stamped on one side to help you determine the correct depth for planting. The plastic handle includes ribbings and grooves to allow for a more comfortable positioning of the hand.   In addition to gardening, the trowel can also come in handy when camping, hiking, and hunting. Really, it’s hard to find anything to complain about with this garden trowel—as an added bonus, it’s even made in the USA.  Product Details: Material: Stainless steel | Size: 10 x 2.5 inches | Weight: 7.2 ounces PHOTO: Amazon Sometimes it can be hard to decide whether to buy a spade or a shovel. The Spear Head spade garden shovel lets you have the best of both garden tools in one. It features a design that lets you dig dirt like a shovel and cut through roots or dig a trench like a spade. Keep in mind, though, that the blade on this tool is smaller than a traditional shovel, so you won’t be able to move as much dirt in one scoop.  The blade on this Spear Head shovel is made of durable carbon manganese steel. The tool comes pre-sharpened, and the epoxy powder coating is designed to wear away around the edges first so the sharpened edge will continuously be revealed and grow sharper as it is used. This shovel/spade features a fiberglass handle that’s both strong and lightweight. The cushioned D-shape grip adds comfort and has UV inhibitors so it will stand up to any kind of weather. Maybe best of all, the tool is designed to reduce effort when digging into heavy, rocky, or compact soils. Product Details: Material: Steel and fiberglass | Size: 40.25 x 8.25 x 1.5 inches | Weight: 3.64 pounds PHOTO: Amazon The Edward Tools hand hoe is a great mini-size hoe to help with precise weeding, moving dirt, and planting in small flower beds or raised vegetable gardens. It’s made of heavy-duty carbon steel so it won’t bend or break, plus the powder-coated finish helps to resist rust. It’s sturdy enough to work well even in hard or rocky soils, although it should be noted that the hoe doesn’t have a sharpened edge so it won’t slice through especially tough roots. The ergonomic rubber grip and anti-skid handle ensures this tool is safe and comfortable to hold, even if you’ll be working for hours in the garden. Although it’s not a large enough hoe for big gardens, it’s a very handy tool to have nearby for small-scale gardening since it’s both lightweight and sturdy. Product Details: Material: Carbon steel, rubber | Size: 13.98 x 4.37 x 2.36 inches | Weight: 9 ounces PHOTO: Amazon Bow rakes are good for loosening or breaking up compacted soil and spreading mulch, compost, and other materials. This rake features super-sharp teeth to dig into any type of soil. The L-shape design of the blades helps them dig deep into the dirt and cut weeds below the soil, making the rake helpful for weeding as well as spreading mulch. If you don’t have a ton of leaves to rake up, this may be the only rake that you need in your yard and garden.  A protective rubber sleeve on the handle helps prevent splintering and makes the rake more comfortable to hold for long work sessions. A riveted socket helps prevent the head from separating from the handle. This rake has a 54-inch handle, which works well for most gardeners, and it’s lightweight, weighing only 2.84 pounds. The handle is made of fiberglass, a material that’s both strong and lightweight, while the blades are made from carbon steel with a chip-resistant coating for strength and durability. Keep in mind that the handle is smaller in diameter than a traditional rake, which might not be everyone’s preference. Product Details: Material: Fiberglass and carbon steel | Size: 59.5 x 14 x 3 inches | Weight: 2.84 pounds PHOTO: Amazon Why You Should Get It This hand cultivator is strong and built to last for many years; since it’s lightweight and features an ergonomic handle, it’s easy to use, too.  A hand cultivator is a great tool for aerating the soil, weeding, and breaking up the ground before planting. And the DeWit tine cultivator is strong enough for your toughest jobs (and any soil type), thanks to thick steel tines with sharpened tips that can easily cut through the soil. The ergonomic P-grip handle is flexible enough to allow it to bend a little without breaking; its design helps increase leverage and decrease the stress on your hands and wrists. Plus, its design allows you to use it with one hand or two as needed.  It’s made from hardened boron steel that has been heat-treated to add extra strength. The handle is made from ash wood that is harvested from environmentally responsible FSC-certified forests. And although the handle and tines are very strong, the tool is lightweight, so it’s easy to use for an extended time. The longer-than-average handle gives you a little extra reach to tackle hard-to-access spots, although that can also make it feel a bit bulky when working in tight spots.  Product Details: Material: Steel and ash wood | Size: 16.5 x 4.5 x 4.5 inches | Weight: 9.6 ounces PHOTO: Amazon If you’re a beginning gardener, you may think you don’t need a kneeling pad, but experienced gardeners know that it’s essential to have nearby for keeping you comfortable while you work. This 1.5-inch kneeling pad is extra thick to provide maximum comfort while you’re kneeling to weed or plant. It’s made of durable high-density foam that will contour to your knees and won’t break down or compress over time.  At 17.5 x 11 inches (larger than many other kneeling pads available), this model is large enough to give you plenty of room to spread out, so you don’t cramp up while kneeling. The pad is dirt- and water-resistant, so it can stand up to rocks or gravel and can be used on damp ground. A built-in handle makes it easy to carry it around the yard as you work. An added bonus: this kneeling pad is available in a wide range of colors, so you can have a little fun and pick your favorite hue. Product Details: Material: Foam | Size: 17.5 x 11 x 1.5 in | Weight: 0.75 pounds PHOTO: Amazon To help hold all your tools as you work through your garden, we love the Case4Life garden tool pouch. The green canvas waist belt is adjustable and easily clips around your waist so you can have easy access to your commonly used garden tools.  What stands out about this tool belt is the four pockets that are specifically designed for garden tools and accessories such as gardening gloves, seed packets, and pruning shears. It also has a larger pocket with a zipper to secure items, and it has a loop at the bottom of the bag for a hammer or other tools.  At just 5.3 ounces, it’s lightweight and won’t feel too heavy once you add your tools. It’s durably constructed to last for years, and it even comes with a three-year warranty. Our only complaint is that we wish there were more color options to complement the bright and cheerful feeling of gardening. At the time of publishing, it’s only available in a forest green hue.  Product Details: Material: Canvas and mesh | Size: 9.06x11.02 inches | Weight: 5.3 ounces PHOTO: Amazon The Grace & August garden apron features a generous pocket for harvesting vegetables and smart features that make it comfortable for a range of people to wear.  Available in purple and blue, this apron is made of cotton canvas with a water-resistant lining. The apron features a top bib pocket that, at 21 inches wide and 14 inches deep, is plenty big enough to hold a trowel or weeding tool. The large bottom kangaroo-style pocket is designed with clips at the bottom so you can easily open the bottom of the pocket to unload your harvest or dispose of weeds you��ve pulled.  We like the fact that the apron is designed with shoulder straps rather than hanging around your neck. The adjustable crossover back straps help distribute the weight more evenly, and a waist tie helps you get the right fit. It may not have as many pockets as some gardeners would prefer, but we love the fact that we can wipe the dirt on this apron and then just throw it in the washing machine when we finish our gardening chores.  Product Details: Material: Cotton canvas | Size: 27 x 34 inches | Weight: Not listed The Bottom Line The A.M. Leonard soil knife can help you cut roots, twine, and more while gardening, and you can carry it around in a tool pouch, like the Case4Life garden tool pouch. The Grampa’s Weeder is an essential for removing weeds in your lawn and garden, and you can use the Gorilla utility cart to move mulch, bricks, potted plants, and more. Better Homes & Gardens What to Know About Gardening Tools Before Shopping Material The best gardening tools are made with durable materials that will stand up to all the hard work you do in your garden. “Wood handles and steel blades are always a good way to go,” Hughes says. “Wood handles maintain a moderate temperature in heat and cold, making them more comfortable in your hands.”  Garden tool handles can also be made out of fiberglass, which is lightweight but strong, and aluminum, which is lightweight but prone to bending. Miller recommends staying away from tools with plastic handles. “Plastic breaks down easily, except ironically in landfills, where it will linger for generations, leaching harmful chemicals into our environment,” she says.  Size The best tools for someone tall may be different than those for someone shorter in stature. Make sure you consider handle length to make sure the tool will work for your height. Consider purchasing a tool with a telescoping handle if you have people of different heights who will be using the same tool.  In general, short-handled tools work for close-up work and long-handled tools are better for covering a lot of ground in a larger garden. A pair of loppers, for example, allow you to reach higher to trim thick branches. If you only have a small garden or container garden, short-handled tools may be all you need. But for larger gardens, you’ll likely need both short-handled and long-handled tools.  Weight Consider your physical abilities and limitations when choosing between tools of different weights. Remember, the best option for you might be different than what’s best for someone else.  In general, you want the gardening tool to have a little heft to it to ensure it’s sturdy and will stand up to heavy-duty use, but lighter is generally better. Remember, the tool will no doubt feel heavier after you have been using it awhile, or when it is scooping up dirt. “The best thing you can do is pick up and hold garden tools in your hand prior to purchasing,” Miller says. “If you can’t lift the shovel in the store aisle, you definitely won’t be able to lift it loaded with soil.”  Your Questions, Answered How do you clean gardening tools?  Gardening tools should ideally be cleaned after every use and then given a more thorough cleaning at the end of the gardening season. “First, blast them with a garden hose to pressure wash the dirt off,” Miller says. (You can also use a putty knife to scrape off any stuck-on mud.)  Next, it’s a good idea to disinfect your tools to prevent spreading bacteria and fungi. Dissolve a bleach tablet in a 5-gallon bucket and soak your tools, Miller suggests, or use a gentler, 50/50 mixture of vinegar and water. Wipe tools dry and use a few drops of WD-40 or food-grade oil on blades and joints to prevent rust.  How do you sharpen gardening tools?  Plan to sharpen gardening tools, such as high-quality spades, trowels, and hoes, at least once a year. Before sharpening any tool, clean it first with a wire brush or steel pad to remove built-up dirt and rust. Then, lock the tool into a vise or hold it still with a clamp and move a mill file along the edge of the blade to sharpen. You can use sandpaper to remove any rust on the blade and lightly coat the blade with machine oil.   What is the best way to store gardening tools?  Even the best gardening tools need to be stored inside to prolong their life and keep them in good shape. “Store tools in a dry area and ideally in an area with moderate temperatures,” Hughes says. Plan to keep them in an outdoor shed, garage, or barn for the winter; keep them off the ground and away from rain, snow, and UV exposure from the sun.  Who We Are Renee Freemon Mulvihill is a writer, specializing in home and garden topics. To write this article, she spent hours online researching various garden tools (and dreaming about what she would like to have for her own garden). She also talked to Tom Hughes, owner of Hughes Nursery and Landscape, and Lindsay Miller, a horticultural writer from Gardener’s Supply Company, to get their tips and advice about choosing and caring for gardening tools.  Brandi Fuller has been a shopping editor for Better Homes & Gardens since September 2022. She specializes in outdoor, pest control, gardening, and wildlife products. She analyzed results and feedback from our outdoor products and garden tools testings to recommend the best gardening tools. Source link

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The right tools can make your gardening chores easier—and maybe faster, too. There are a variety of gardening tools that can help with digging, weeding, planting, and more. “Every gardener needs a high-quality spade, shovel, rake, hand trowel, pruners, and loppers,” says Tom Hughes, owner of Iowa-based Hughes Nursery and Landscape. “And a hoe is an essential tool for vegetable gardens.”  Of course, the best gardening tools for you might be different than the best gardening tools for your neighbor. When you’re looking for gardening tools, consider how tall you are, how much you can lift, and what chores you do regularly. If you have limited mobility, you might want to choose one of the many ergonomic tools on the market. If you have trouble bending and kneeling, long-handled tools and a kneeling pad might be good to have on hand.   “Look for tools constructed with the fewest number of parts,” says Lindsay Miller, horticultural writer for Gardener’s Supply Company. “The more individual pieces attached by bolts and collars, the more weak spots there are.”  Gardening Tools We’ve Tested—And Loved PHOTO: Walmart Because of its thoughtful, two-handle design, the Bloem watering can was one of our favorites when we tested over 30 watering cans. The handles make it easy to carry and pour, and the adjustable water spout allows you to switch from a light or heavy stream.  We intentionally dropped the can when it was full of water, and we were impressed that it stayed upright and didn’t tip over. When we dropped it a few more times, both with and without water, it didn’t dent or scratch.  Made with BPA-free plastic, it’s coated with a UV protectant to help prevent fading. It’s only available in one color, but thankfully the black and orange design is fairly neutral.  Product Details: Material: Polypropylene plastic | Size: 2.6 gallons | Weight: 1 pound PHOTO: Better Homes & Gardens PHOTO: Better Homes & Gardens PHOTO: The Home Depot We tested these gardening gloves ourselves, we were impressed with how well they held up to messy gardening chores, like mulching a vegetable garden and turning compost in compost bins.   The gloves’ synthetic leather fingertips provide a strong grip when you’re holding gardening tools, and the stretchy spandex between the fingers and on the body of the glove adds breathability and extra comfort on hot summer days. An adjustable hook and loop wrist strap allows you to customize the fit and make the gloves feel more secure. Reinforced seams at common wear points add durability, and the padded palm enhances comfort, especially during repetitive chores, such as raking leaves and digging.  In addition to offering protection for all types of gardening chores, these gardening gloves offer a few extra features as well. They’re machine washable, so you can just toss them in your washing machine when they get dirty.  Plus, they’re touchscreen compatible, so you don’t have to take your gloves off every time you need to reach for your phone to identify a mystery plant or potential disease. Also, the glove’s thumb features a terry cloth strip to help you wipe away sweat while you’re working.  The gloves are currently only available in one size, so they may not fit especially small or large hands. Product Details: Material: Synthetic leather, spandex | Size: One size (women’s medium) | Weight: Not listed PHOTO: Walmart After testing almost 40 garden hoses, the Kotto expandable hose was easily the top choice. With garden hoses, kinking is a common issue, but we didn’t experience any kinking with the Kotto hose thanks to its flexible and durable polyester fabric.  We also didn’t experience another common garden hose issue: leaks. It connected securely to the spigot, and all of the water went through the hose instead of spraying out at the connection points. And because it’s made from a lightweight fabric (rather than heavy rubber), it was incredibly easy to pull around the yard to water various raised garden beds, trees, and shrubs.  We learned a helpful trick while testing this garden hose: when you’re done using it, allow all of the water to drain from the hose before winding it up on your garden hose reel. Once the water is drained, it’s much easier and lighter to wind up.  Product Details: Material: Polyester fabric with latex core: | Size: 25, 50, 75, 100, or 150 feet | Weight: 3.5 pounds PHOTO: Amazon Why You Should Get It The nozzle can be turned on and off with just your thumb, and when we intentionally dropped it down a cement stairway, it didn’t get damaged at all.  If you’re looking for a hose nozzle to pair with your Kotto expandable hose, the Dramm spray gun is an affordable yet durable choice.  It’s easy to use since it features a one-touch valve that allows you to turn the water on and off using only your thumb. Because there’s no need to squeeze the handle as other nozzles require, it’s more comfortable to use for long watering sessions and is ideal for people with limited hand mobility.  When we tested the the hose nozzle, it was easy to turn the dial and switch between the various spray patterns. We found the highest power stream setting to be quite powerful—it easily removed mud from dirty Adirondack chairs. We also dropped the hose nozzle down a cement stairway as part of the durability testing and saw no signs of damage or any decrease in quality. Even though it proved to be sturdy, we appreciate that it comes with a lifetime guarantee. Product Details: Material: Metal | Size: 4 x 7 x 2.25 inches | Weight: 13.6 ounces This hose nozzle has nine different settings, including a shower setting to water flowers. PHOTO: Better Homes & Gardens Because of its powerful stream, we didn't have any problems cleaning mud off of a chair. PHOTO: Better Homes & Gardens PHOTO: Amazon If you have branches, mulch, or potting soil to move around your lawn or garden, this cart proved to be a true workhorse when we tested wheelbarrows. The 36 x 20-inch bed has a weight capacity of 600 pounds and can hold up to 4 cubic feet of material. We love that unlike a standard wheelbarrow, it has four wheels—so no more heavy loads that make the cart tip over as you’re trying to move it. The cart’s 10-inch pneumatic tires are big enough to make it over rough terrain, and the quick-release dumping feature makes it easy to unload and functions similarly to a dump truck. You simply unlatch the bed from the frame and lift up on the bed to release the cart’s contents. A padded handle provides extra comfort when you’re pulling heavy loads and tight-turn steering helps you pull it exactly where you want to unload. The tub is rustproof so you don’t have to worry about leaving it outside in the elements.   Assembling the cart took just over an hour. Although the instructions were clear and provided helpful illustrations, there were some misaligned plastic holes and the sizing for the nuts wasn’t listed, so we had to try quite a few tools before finding the right size.  Product Details: Material: Steel frame, poly bed | Size: 20 x 19.5 x 38.7 inches | Weight: 31.5 pounds The single-handle design may cause more strain, especially if pulling heavy objects. PHOTO: Better Homes & Gardens The gold lever releases the cart's tub backwards, dumping out the contents. PHOTO: Better Homes & Gardens Other Gardening Tools We Recommend PHOTO: A.M. Leonard Why You Should Get It This soil knife is sturdy and durable and can help you with cutting roots and twine, planting, and measuring. This soil knife is a multifunctional tool that may soon become your favorite tool in your collection. It features a serrated edge, as well as a slicing edge so you can use it for a variety of tasks around the garden. The serrated edge works especially well for cutting through tough roots. The 6-inch blade includes a notch to help you cut twine or plant ties, and it features measurement markings to ensure you plant spring bulbs at the correct depth. The blade is made of high-quality stainless steel to ensure it will stand up to the elements as well as all your chores.  We also love that the knife features a bright orange plastic handle to make it easy to spot if you accidentally lay it down in the garden or in grass. The molded grip on the composite handle ensures it’s comfortable to hold for long periods of time.  This sturdy knife promises to last for many years; it comes with a lifetime warranty and the manufacturer says that it withstands more than 300 pounds of pressure. The notch for cutting twine is a handy feature, although you may want to wear gardening gloves to avoid any accidents.  Product Details: Material: Stainless steel | Size: 1.75 x 0.75 x 11.75 inches | Weight: 9.1 ounces PHOTO: Amazon This weeding tool was originally invented in 1913, but it stopped being produced in 1941 so that all available metals could be put to the war effort. Luckily for us, the tool was rediscovered in 1999 and is now being produced and sold again. To use this simple tool, you just center the fork over the weed, press it into the ground, and then lean on the handle to remove the weed. This system lets you weed without hurting your back or knees, and it’s an easy way to remove dandelions and other weeds, roots and all.  The weeder works in all soil types, but it is easiest to use after a good rain or after watering since you need to be able to push it into the ground. The head was redesigned in 1999 to make it stronger, and the bamboo handle ensures it will be long lasting. Weighing just 3 pounds, it’s easy for most people to hold and use, but we recommend working the ground after watering or a rainstorm for looser soil. If you want to control weeds without using chemicals, this is a handy tool to have in your toolbox. Product Details: Material: Bamboo and powder-coated steel | Size: 46 x 8 x 1.5 inches | Weight: 3 pounds PHOTO: Amazon When it comes to these hardworking bypass pruners, Felco seems to have carefully thought through every detail of the design to ensure many years of use, making the pruners worth the price.  With a 1-inch cutting capacity, these pruning shears are great for trimming rose bushes and woody perennials. The Anvil blade features a sap groove to prevent sticking. The cutting blade with a soft wire cutter is replaceable if needed, ensuring you can keep using these bypass pruners long into the future. The bolt and nut are easily adjustable so you can customize blade alignment if you wish. Forged aluminum handles are strong but lightweight; they’re covered with a red plastic coating to add comfort and help make sure you don’t lose the pruners in the garden. A rubber cushion with a shock absorber where the blades come together helps reduce the strain on your wrists as you work.  Product Details: Material: Steel and rubber | Size: 9.25 x 4 x 1 inches | Weight: 8.8 ounces PHOTO: Amazon Made of heavy-duty 16-gauge stainless steel, the Wilcox All-Pro hand trowel is nearly unbreakable and won’t even bend if you hit a strong root. Yet, it’s lightweight, so it’s comfortable to use for long periods of time.  This model is 10 inches long, but a variety of lengths are available, from 9 to 22 inches. The fine point on the 10-inch trowel is more precise than other models in this line and many other trowels on the market, which makes it a good choice when weeding or digging around existing plants. It works especially well for tending to sedums and sempervivums, both of which have shallow roots and need to be carefully lifted when transplanting.  A depth gauge (listed in both centimeters and inches) is stamped on one side to help you determine the correct depth for planting. The plastic handle includes ribbings and grooves to allow for a more comfortable positioning of the hand.   In addition to gardening, the trowel can also come in handy when camping, hiking, and hunting. Really, it’s hard to find anything to complain about with this garden trowel—as an added bonus, it’s even made in the USA.  Product Details: Material: Stainless steel | Size: 10 x 2.5 inches | Weight: 7.2 ounces PHOTO: Amazon Sometimes it can be hard to decide whether to buy a spade or a shovel. The Spear Head spade garden shovel lets you have the best of both garden tools in one. It features a design that lets you dig dirt like a shovel and cut through roots or dig a trench like a spade. Keep in mind, though, that the blade on this tool is smaller than a traditional shovel, so you won’t be able to move as much dirt in one scoop.  The blade on this Spear Head shovel is made of durable carbon manganese steel. The tool comes pre-sharpened, and the epoxy powder coating is designed to wear away around the edges first so the sharpened edge will continuously be revealed and grow sharper as it is used. This shovel/spade features a fiberglass handle that’s both strong and lightweight. The cushioned D-shape grip adds comfort and has UV inhibitors so it will stand up to any kind of weather. Maybe best of all, the tool is designed to reduce effort when digging into heavy, rocky, or compact soils. Product Details: Material: Steel and fiberglass | Size: 40.25 x 8.25 x 1.5 inches | Weight: 3.64 pounds PHOTO: Amazon The Edward Tools hand hoe is a great mini-size hoe to help with precise weeding, moving dirt, and planting in small flower beds or raised vegetable gardens. It’s made of heavy-duty carbon steel so it won’t bend or break, plus the powder-coated finish helps to resist rust. It’s sturdy enough to work well even in hard or rocky soils, although it should be noted that the hoe doesn’t have a sharpened edge so it won’t slice through especially tough roots. The ergonomic rubber grip and anti-skid handle ensures this tool is safe and comfortable to hold, even if you’ll be working for hours in the garden. Although it’s not a large enough hoe for big gardens, it’s a very handy tool to have nearby for small-scale gardening since it’s both lightweight and sturdy. Product Details: Material: Carbon steel, rubber | Size: 13.98 x 4.37 x 2.36 inches | Weight: 9 ounces PHOTO: Amazon Bow rakes are good for loosening or breaking up compacted soil and spreading mulch, compost, and other materials. This rake features super-sharp teeth to dig into any type of soil. The L-shape design of the blades helps them dig deep into the dirt and cut weeds below the soil, making the rake helpful for weeding as well as spreading mulch. If you don’t have a ton of leaves to rake up, this may be the only rake that you need in your yard and garden.  A protective rubber sleeve on the handle helps prevent splintering and makes the rake more comfortable to hold for long work sessions. A riveted socket helps prevent the head from separating from the handle. This rake has a 54-inch handle, which works well for most gardeners, and it’s lightweight, weighing only 2.84 pounds. The handle is made of fiberglass, a material that’s both strong and lightweight, while the blades are made from carbon steel with a chip-resistant coating for strength and durability. Keep in mind that the handle is smaller in diameter than a traditional rake, which might not be everyone’s preference. Product Details: Material: Fiberglass and carbon steel | Size: 59.5 x 14 x 3 inches | Weight: 2.84 pounds PHOTO: Amazon Why You Should Get It This hand cultivator is strong and built to last for many years; since it’s lightweight and features an ergonomic handle, it’s easy to use, too.  A hand cultivator is a great tool for aerating the soil, weeding, and breaking up the ground before planting. And the DeWit tine cultivator is strong enough for your toughest jobs (and any soil type), thanks to thick steel tines with sharpened tips that can easily cut through the soil. The ergonomic P-grip handle is flexible enough to allow it to bend a little without breaking; its design helps increase leverage and decrease the stress on your hands and wrists. Plus, its design allows you to use it with one hand or two as needed.  It’s made from hardened boron steel that has been heat-treated to add extra strength. The handle is made from ash wood that is harvested from environmentally responsible FSC-certified forests. And although the handle and tines are very strong, the tool is lightweight, so it’s easy to use for an extended time. The longer-than-average handle gives you a little extra reach to tackle hard-to-access spots, although that can also make it feel a bit bulky when working in tight spots.  Product Details: Material: Steel and ash wood | Size: 16.5 x 4.5 x 4.5 inches | Weight: 9.6 ounces PHOTO: Amazon If you’re a beginning gardener, you may think you don’t need a kneeling pad, but experienced gardeners know that it’s essential to have nearby for keeping you comfortable while you work. This 1.5-inch kneeling pad is extra thick to provide maximum comfort while you’re kneeling to weed or plant. It’s made of durable high-density foam that will contour to your knees and won’t break down or compress over time.  At 17.5 x 11 inches (larger than many other kneeling pads available), this model is large enough to give you plenty of room to spread out, so you don’t cramp up while kneeling. The pad is dirt- and water-resistant, so it can stand up to rocks or gravel and can be used on damp ground. A built-in handle makes it easy to carry it around the yard as you work. An added bonus: this kneeling pad is available in a wide range of colors, so you can have a little fun and pick your favorite hue. Product Details: Material: Foam | Size: 17.5 x 11 x 1.5 in | Weight: 0.75 pounds PHOTO: Amazon To help hold all your tools as you work through your garden, we love the Case4Life garden tool pouch. The green canvas waist belt is adjustable and easily clips around your waist so you can have easy access to your commonly used garden tools.  What stands out about this tool belt is the four pockets that are specifically designed for garden tools and accessories such as gardening gloves, seed packets, and pruning shears. It also has a larger pocket with a zipper to secure items, and it has a loop at the bottom of the bag for a hammer or other tools.  At just 5.3 ounces, it’s lightweight and won’t feel too heavy once you add your tools. It’s durably constructed to last for years, and it even comes with a three-year warranty. Our only complaint is that we wish there were more color options to complement the bright and cheerful feeling of gardening. At the time of publishing, it’s only available in a forest green hue.  Product Details: Material: Canvas and mesh | Size: 9.06x11.02 inches | Weight: 5.3 ounces PHOTO: Amazon The Grace & August garden apron features a generous pocket for harvesting vegetables and smart features that make it comfortable for a range of people to wear.  Available in purple and blue, this apron is made of cotton canvas with a water-resistant lining. The apron features a top bib pocket that, at 21 inches wide and 14 inches deep, is plenty big enough to hold a trowel or weeding tool. The large bottom kangaroo-style pocket is designed with clips at the bottom so you can easily open the bottom of the pocket to unload your harvest or dispose of weeds you’ve pulled.  We like the fact that the apron is designed with shoulder straps rather than hanging around your neck. The adjustable crossover back straps help distribute the weight more evenly, and a waist tie helps you get the right fit. It may not have as many pockets as some gardeners would prefer, but we love the fact that we can wipe the dirt on this apron and then just throw it in the washing machine when we finish our gardening chores.  Product Details: Material: Cotton canvas | Size: 27 x 34 inches | Weight: Not listed The Bottom Line The A.M. Leonard soil knife can help you cut roots, twine, and more while gardening, and you can carry it around in a tool pouch, like the Case4Life garden tool pouch. The Grampa’s Weeder is an essential for removing weeds in your lawn and garden, and you can use the Gorilla utility cart to move mulch, bricks, potted plants, and more. Better Homes & Gardens What to Know About Gardening Tools Before Shopping Material The best gardening tools are made with durable materials that will stand up to all the hard work you do in your garden. “Wood handles and steel blades are always a good way to go,” Hughes says. “Wood handles maintain a moderate temperature in heat and cold, making them more comfortable in your hands.”  Garden tool handles can also be made out of fiberglass, which is lightweight but strong, and aluminum, which is lightweight but prone to bending. Miller recommends staying away from tools with plastic handles. “Plastic breaks down easily, except ironically in landfills, where it will linger for generations, leaching harmful chemicals into our environment,” she says.  Size The best tools for someone tall may be different than those for someone shorter in stature. Make sure you consider handle length to make sure the tool will work for your height. Consider purchasing a tool with a telescoping handle if you have people of different heights who will be using the same tool.  In general, short-handled tools work for close-up work and long-handled tools are better for covering a lot of ground in a larger garden. A pair of loppers, for example, allow you to reach higher to trim thick branches. If you only have a small garden or container garden, short-handled tools may be all you need. But for larger gardens, you’ll likely need both short-handled and long-handled tools.  Weight Consider your physical abilities and limitations when choosing between tools of different weights. Remember, the best option for you might be different than what’s best for someone else.  In general, you want the gardening tool to have a little heft to it to ensure it’s sturdy and will stand up to heavy-duty use, but lighter is generally better. Remember, the tool will no doubt feel heavier after you have been using it awhile, or when it is scooping up dirt. “The best thing you can do is pick up and hold garden tools in your hand prior to purchasing,” Miller says. “If you can’t lift the shovel in the store aisle, you definitely won’t be able to lift it loaded with soil.”  Your Questions, Answered How do you clean gardening tools?  Gardening tools should ideally be cleaned after every use and then given a more thorough cleaning at the end of the gardening season. “First, blast them with a garden hose to pressure wash the dirt off,” Miller says. (You can also use a putty knife to scrape off any stuck-on mud.)  Next, it’s a good idea to disinfect your tools to prevent spreading bacteria and fungi. Dissolve a bleach tablet in a 5-gallon bucket and soak your tools, Miller suggests, or use a gentler, 50/50 mixture of vinegar and water. Wipe tools dry and use a few drops of WD-40 or food-grade oil on blades and joints to prevent rust.  How do you sharpen gardening tools?  Plan to sharpen gardening tools, such as high-quality spades, trowels, and hoes, at least once a year. Before sharpening any tool, clean it first with a wire brush or steel pad to remove built-up dirt and rust. Then, lock the tool into a vise or hold it still with a clamp and move a mill file along the edge of the blade to sharpen. You can use sandpaper to remove any rust on the blade and lightly coat the blade with machine oil.   What is the best way to store gardening tools?  Even the best gardening tools need to be stored inside to prolong their life and keep them in good shape. “Store tools in a dry area and ideally in an area with moderate temperatures,” Hughes says. Plan to keep them in an outdoor shed, garage, or barn for the winter; keep them off the ground and away from rain, snow, and UV exposure from the sun.  Who We Are Renee Freemon Mulvihill is a writer, specializing in home and garden topics. To write this article, she spent hours online researching various garden tools (and dreaming about what she would like to have for her own garden). She also talked to Tom Hughes, owner of Hughes Nursery and Landscape, and Lindsay Miller, a horticultural writer from Gardener’s Supply Company, to get their tips and advice about choosing and caring for gardening tools.  Brandi Fuller has been a shopping editor for Better Homes & Gardens since September 2022. She specializes in outdoor, pest control, gardening, and wildlife products. She analyzed results and feedback from our outdoor products and garden tools testings to recommend the best gardening tools. Source link

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The right tools can make your gardening chores easier—and maybe faster, too. There are a variety of gardening tools that can help with digging, weeding, planting, and more. “Every gardener needs a high-quality spade, shovel, rake, hand trowel, pruners, and loppers,” says Tom Hughes, owner of Iowa-based Hughes Nursery and Landscape. “And a hoe is an essential tool for vegetable gardens.”  Of course, the best gardening tools for you might be different than the best gardening tools for your neighbor. When you’re looking for gardening tools, consider how tall you are, how much you can lift, and what chores you do regularly. If you have limited mobility, you might want to choose one of the many ergonomic tools on the market. If you have trouble bending and kneeling, long-handled tools and a kneeling pad might be good to have on hand.   “Look for tools constructed with the fewest number of parts,” says Lindsay Miller, horticultural writer for Gardener’s Supply Company. “The more individual pieces attached by bolts and collars, the more weak spots there are.”  Gardening Tools We’ve Tested—And Loved PHOTO: Walmart Because of its thoughtful, two-handle design, the Bloem watering can was one of our favorites when we tested over 30 watering cans. The handles make it easy to carry and pour, and the adjustable water spout allows you to switch from a light or heavy stream.  We intentionally dropped the can when it was full of water, and we were impressed that it stayed upright and didn’t tip over. When we dropped it a few more times, both with and without water, it didn’t dent or scratch.  Made with BPA-free plastic, it’s coated with a UV protectant to help prevent fading. It’s only available in one color, but thankfully the black and orange design is fairly neutral.  Product Details: Material: Polypropylene plastic | Size: 2.6 gallons | Weight: 1 pound PHOTO: Better Homes & Gardens PHOTO: Better Homes & Gardens PHOTO: The Home Depot We tested these gardening gloves ourselves, we were impressed with how well they held up to messy gardening chores, like mulching a vegetable garden and turning compost in compost bins.   The gloves’ synthetic leather fingertips provide a strong grip when you’re holding gardening tools, and the stretchy spandex between the fingers and on the body of the glove adds breathability and extra comfort on hot summer days. An adjustable hook and loop wrist strap allows you to customize the fit and make the gloves feel more secure. Reinforced seams at common wear points add durability, and the padded palm enhances comfort, especially during repetitive chores, such as raking leaves and digging.  In addition to offering protection for all types of gardening chores, these gardening gloves offer a few extra features as well. They’re machine washable, so you can just toss them in your washing machine when they get dirty.  Plus, they’re touchscreen compatible, so you don’t have to take your gloves off every time you need to reach for your phone to identify a mystery plant or potential disease. Also, the glove’s thumb features a terry cloth strip to help you wipe away sweat while you’re working.  The gloves are currently only available in one size, so they may not fit especially small or large hands. Product Details: Material: Synthetic leather, spandex | Size: One size (women’s medium) | Weight: Not listed PHOTO: Walmart After testing almost 40 garden hoses, the Kotto expandable hose was easily the top choice. With garden hoses, kinking is a common issue, but we didn’t experience any kinking with the Kotto hose thanks to its flexible and durable polyester fabric.  We also didn’t experience another common garden hose issue: leaks. It connected securely to the spigot, and all of the water went through the hose instead of spraying out at the connection points. And because it’s made from a lightweight fabric (rather than heavy rubber), it was incredibly easy to pull around the yard to water various raised garden beds, trees, and shrubs.  We learned a helpful trick while testing this garden hose: when you’re done using it, allow all of the water to drain from the hose before winding it up on your garden hose reel. Once the water is drained, it’s much easier and lighter to wind up.  Product Details: Material: Polyester fabric with latex core: | Size: 25, 50, 75, 100, or 150 feet | Weight: 3.5 pounds PHOTO: Amazon Why You Should Get It The nozzle can be turned on and off with just your thumb, and when we intentionally dropped it down a cement stairway, it didn’t get damaged at all.  If you’re looking for a hose nozzle to pair with your Kotto expandable hose, the Dramm spray gun is an affordable yet durable choice.  It’s easy to use since it features a one-touch valve that allows you to turn the water on and off using only your thumb. Because there’s no need to squeeze the handle as other nozzles require, it’s more comfortable to use for long watering sessions and is ideal for people with limited hand mobility.  When we tested the the hose nozzle, it was easy to turn the dial and switch between the various spray patterns. We found the highest power stream setting to be quite powerful—it easily removed mud from dirty Adirondack chairs. We also dropped the hose nozzle down a cement stairway as part of the durability testing and saw no signs of damage or any decrease in quality. Even though it proved to be sturdy, we appreciate that it comes with a lifetime guarantee. Product Details: Material: Metal | Size: 4 x 7 x 2.25 inches | Weight: 13.6 ounces This hose nozzle has nine different settings, including a shower setting to water flowers. PHOTO: Better Homes & Gardens Because of its powerful stream, we didn't have any problems cleaning mud off of a chair. PHOTO: Better Homes & Gardens PHOTO: Amazon If you have branches, mulch, or potting soil to move around your lawn or garden, this cart proved to be a true workhorse when we tested wheelbarrows. The 36 x 20-inch bed has a weight capacity of 600 pounds and can hold up to 4 cubic feet of material. We love that unlike a standard wheelbarrow, it has four wheels—so no more heavy loads that make the cart tip over as you’re trying to move it. The cart’s 10-inch pneumatic tires are big enough to make it over rough terrain, and the quick-release dumping feature makes it easy to unload and functions similarly to a dump truck. You simply unlatch the bed from the frame and lift up on the bed to release the cart’s contents. A padded handle provides extra comfort when you’re pulling heavy loads and tight-turn steering helps you pull it exactly where you want to unload. The tub is rustproof so you don’t have to worry about leaving it outside in the elements.   Assembling the cart took just over an hour. Although the instructions were clear and provided helpful illustrations, there were some misaligned plastic holes and the sizing for the nuts wasn’t listed, so we had to try quite a few tools before finding the right size.  Product Details: Material: Steel frame, poly bed | Size: 20 x 19.5 x 38.7 inches | Weight: 31.5 pounds The single-handle design may cause more strain, especially if pulling heavy objects. PHOTO: Better Homes & Gardens The gold lever releases the cart's tub backwards, dumping out the contents. PHOTO: Better Homes & Gardens Other Gardening Tools We Recommend PHOTO: A.M. Leonard Why You Should Get It This soil knife is sturdy and durable and can help you with cutting roots and twine, planting, and measuring. This soil knife is a multifunctional tool that may soon become your favorite tool in your collection. It features a serrated edge, as well as a slicing edge so you can use it for a variety of tasks around the garden. The serrated edge works especially well for cutting through tough roots. The 6-inch blade includes a notch to help you cut twine or plant ties, and it features measurement markings to ensure you plant spring bulbs at the correct depth. The blade is made of high-quality stainless steel to ensure it will stand up to the elements as well as all your chores.  We also love that the knife features a bright orange plastic handle to make it easy to spot if you accidentally lay it down in the garden or in grass. The molded grip on the composite handle ensures it’s comfortable to hold for long periods of time.  This sturdy knife promises to last for many years; it comes with a lifetime warranty and the manufacturer says that it withstands more than 300 pounds of pressure. The notch for cutting twine is a handy feature, although you may want to wear gardening gloves to avoid any accidents.  Product Details: Material: Stainless steel | Size: 1.75 x 0.75 x 11.75 inches | Weight: 9.1 ounces PHOTO: Amazon This weeding tool was originally invented in 1913, but it stopped being produced in 1941 so that all available metals could be put to the war effort. Luckily for us, the tool was rediscovered in 1999 and is now being produced and sold again. To use this simple tool, you just center the fork over the weed, press it into the ground, and then lean on the handle to remove the weed. This system lets you weed without hurting your back or knees, and it’s an easy way to remove dandelions and other weeds, roots and all.  The weeder works in all soil types, but it is easiest to use after a good rain or after watering since you need to be able to push it into the ground. The head was redesigned in 1999 to make it stronger, and the bamboo handle ensures it will be long lasting. Weighing just 3 pounds, it’s easy for most people to hold and use, but we recommend working the ground after watering or a rainstorm for looser soil. If you want to control weeds without using chemicals, this is a handy tool to have in your toolbox. Product Details: Material: Bamboo and powder-coated steel | Size: 46 x 8 x 1.5 inches | Weight: 3 pounds PHOTO: Amazon When it comes to these hardworking bypass pruners, Felco seems to have carefully thought through every detail of the design to ensure many years of use, making the pruners worth the price.  With a 1-inch cutting capacity, these pruning shears are great for trimming rose bushes and woody perennials. The Anvil blade features a sap groove to prevent sticking. The cutting blade with a soft wire cutter is replaceable if needed, ensuring you can keep using these bypass pruners long into the future. The bolt and nut are easily adjustable so you can customize blade alignment if you wish. Forged aluminum handles are strong but lightweight; they’re covered with a red plastic coating to add comfort and help make sure you don’t lose the pruners in the garden. A rubber cushion with a shock absorber where the blades come together helps reduce the strain on your wrists as you work.  Product Details: Material: Steel and rubber | Size: 9.25 x 4 x 1 inches | Weight: 8.8 ounces PHOTO: Amazon Made of heavy-duty 16-gauge stainless steel, the Wilcox All-Pro hand trowel is nearly unbreakable and won’t even bend if you hit a strong root. Yet, it’s lightweight, so it’s comfortable to use for long periods of time.  This model is 10 inches long, but a variety of lengths are available, from 9 to 22 inches. The fine point on the 10-inch trowel is more precise than other models in this line and many other trowels on the market, which makes it a good choice when weeding or digging around existing plants. It works especially well for tending to sedums and sempervivums, both of which have shallow roots and need to be carefully lifted when transplanting.  A depth gauge (listed in both centimeters and inches) is stamped on one side to help you determine the correct depth for planting. The plastic handle includes ribbings and grooves to allow for a more comfortable positioning of the hand.   In addition to gardening, the trowel can also come in handy when camping, hiking, and hunting. Really, it’s hard to find anything to complain about with this garden trowel—as an added bonus, it’s even made in the USA.  Product Details: Material: Stainless steel | Size: 10 x 2.5 inches | Weight: 7.2 ounces PHOTO: Amazon Sometimes it can be hard to decide whether to buy a spade or a shovel. The Spear Head spade garden shovel lets you have the best of both garden tools in one. It features a design that lets you dig dirt like a shovel and cut through roots or dig a trench like a spade. Keep in mind, though, that the blade on this tool is smaller than a traditional shovel, so you won’t be able to move as much dirt in one scoop.  The blade on this Spear Head shovel is made of durable carbon manganese steel. The tool comes pre-sharpened, and the epoxy powder coating is designed to wear away around the edges first so the sharpened edge will continuously be revealed and grow sharper as it is used. This shovel/spade features a fiberglass handle that’s both strong and lightweight. The cushioned D-shape grip adds comfort and has UV inhibitors so it will stand up to any kind of weather. Maybe best of all, the tool is designed to reduce effort when digging into heavy, rocky, or compact soils. Product Details: Material: Steel and fiberglass | Size: 40.25 x 8.25 x 1.5 inches | Weight: 3.64 pounds PHOTO: Amazon The Edward Tools hand hoe is a great mini-size hoe to help with precise weeding, moving dirt, and planting in small flower beds or raised vegetable gardens. It’s made of heavy-duty carbon steel so it won’t bend or break, plus the powder-coated finish helps to resist rust. It’s sturdy enough to work well even in hard or rocky soils, although it should be noted that the hoe doesn’t have a sharpened edge so it won’t slice through especially tough roots. The ergonomic rubber grip and anti-skid handle ensures this tool is safe and comfortable to hold, even if you’ll be working for hours in the garden. Although it’s not a large enough hoe for big gardens, it’s a very handy tool to have nearby for small-scale gardening since it’s both lightweight and sturdy. Product Details: Material: Carbon steel, rubber | Size: 13.98 x 4.37 x 2.36 inches | Weight: 9 ounces PHOTO: Amazon Bow rakes are good for loosening or breaking up compacted soil and spreading mulch, compost, and other materials. This rake features super-sharp teeth to dig into any type of soil. The L-shape design of the blades helps them dig deep into the dirt and cut weeds below the soil, making the rake helpful for weeding as well as spreading mulch. If you don’t have a ton of leaves to rake up, this may be the only rake that you need in your yard and garden.  A protective rubber sleeve on the handle helps prevent splintering and makes the rake more comfortable to hold for long work sessions. A riveted socket helps prevent the head from separating from the handle. This rake has a 54-inch handle, which works well for most gardeners, and it’s lightweight, weighing only 2.84 pounds. The handle is made of fiberglass, a material that’s both strong and lightweight, while the blades are made from carbon steel with a chip-resistant coating for strength and durability. Keep in mind that the handle is smaller in diameter than a traditional rake, which might not be everyone’s preference. Product Details: Material: Fiberglass and carbon steel | Size: 59.5 x 14 x 3 inches | Weight: 2.84 pounds PHOTO: Amazon Why You Should Get It This hand cultivator is strong and built to last for many years; since it’s lightweight and features an ergonomic handle, it’s easy to use, too.  A hand cultivator is a great tool for aerating the soil, weeding, and breaking up the ground before planting. And the DeWit tine cultivator is strong enough for your toughest jobs (and any soil type), thanks to thick steel tines with sharpened tips that can easily cut through the soil. The ergonomic P-grip handle is flexible enough to allow it to bend a little without breaking; its design helps increase leverage and decrease the stress on your hands and wrists. Plus, its design allows you to use it with one hand or two as needed.  It’s made from hardened boron steel that has been heat-treated to add extra strength. The handle is made from ash wood that is harvested from environmentally responsible FSC-certified forests. And although the handle and tines are very strong, the tool is lightweight, so it’s easy to use for an extended time. The longer-than-average handle gives you a little extra reach to tackle hard-to-access spots, although that can also make it feel a bit bulky when working in tight spots.  Product Details: Material: Steel and ash wood | Size: 16.5 x 4.5 x 4.5 inches | Weight: 9.6 ounces PHOTO: Amazon If you’re a beginning gardener, you may think you don’t need a kneeling pad, but experienced gardeners know that it’s essential to have nearby for keeping you comfortable while you work. This 1.5-inch kneeling pad is extra thick to provide maximum comfort while you’re kneeling to weed or plant. It’s made of durable high-density foam that will contour to your knees and won’t break down or compress over time.  At 17.5 x 11 inches (larger than many other kneeling pads available), this model is large enough to give you plenty of room to spread out, so you don’t cramp up while kneeling. The pad is dirt- and water-resistant, so it can stand up to rocks or gravel and can be used on damp ground. A built-in handle makes it easy to carry it around the yard as you work. An added bonus: this kneeling pad is available in a wide range of colors, so you can have a little fun and pick your favorite hue. Product Details: Material: Foam | Size: 17.5 x 11 x 1.5 in | Weight: 0.75 pounds PHOTO: Amazon To help hold all your tools as you work through your garden, we love the Case4Life garden tool pouch. The green canvas waist belt is adjustable and easily clips around your waist so you can have easy access to your commonly used garden tools.  What stands out about this tool belt is the four pockets that are specifically designed for garden tools and accessories such as gardening gloves, seed packets, and pruning shears. It also has a larger pocket with a zipper to secure items, and it has a loop at the bottom of the bag for a hammer or other tools.  At just 5.3 ounces, it’s lightweight and won’t feel too heavy once you add your tools. It’s durably constructed to last for years, and it even comes with a three-year warranty. Our only complaint is that we wish there were more color options to complement the bright and cheerful feeling of gardening. At the time of publishing, it’s only available in a forest green hue.  Product Details: Material: Canvas and mesh | Size: 9.06x11.02 inches | Weight: 5.3 ounces PHOTO: Amazon The Grace & August garden apron features a generous pocket for harvesting vegetables and smart features that make it comfortable for a range of people to wear.  Available in purple and blue, this apron is made of cotton canvas with a water-resistant lining. The apron features a top bib pocket that, at 21 inches wide and 14 inches deep, is plenty big enough to hold a trowel or weeding tool. The large bottom kangaroo-style pocket is designed with clips at the bottom so you can easily open the bottom of the pocket to unload your harvest or dispose of weeds you’ve pulled.  We like the fact that the apron is designed with shoulder straps rather than hanging around your neck. The adjustable crossover back straps help distribute the weight more evenly, and a waist tie helps you get the right fit. It may not have as many pockets as some gardeners would prefer, but we love the fact that we can wipe the dirt on this apron and then just throw it in the washing machine when we finish our gardening chores.  Product Details: Material: Cotton canvas | Size: 27 x 34 inches | Weight: Not listed The Bottom Line The A.M. Leonard soil knife can help you cut roots, twine, and more while gardening, and you can carry it around in a tool pouch, like the Case4Life garden tool pouch. The Grampa’s Weeder is an essential for removing weeds in your lawn and garden, and you can use the Gorilla utility cart to move mulch, bricks, potted plants, and more. Better Homes & Gardens What to Know About Gardening Tools Before Shopping Material The best gardening tools are made with durable materials that will stand up to all the hard work you do in your garden. “Wood handles and steel blades are always a good way to go,” Hughes says. “Wood handles maintain a moderate temperature in heat and cold, making them more comfortable in your hands.”  Garden tool handles can also be made out of fiberglass, which is lightweight but strong, and aluminum, which is lightweight but prone to bending. Miller recommends staying away from tools with plastic handles. “Plastic breaks down easily, except ironically in landfills, where it will linger for generations, leaching harmful chemicals into our environment,” she says.  Size The best tools for someone tall may be different than those for someone shorter in stature. Make sure you consider handle length to make sure the tool will work for your height. Consider purchasing a tool with a telescoping handle if you have people of different heights who will be using the same tool.  In general, short-handled tools work for close-up work and long-handled tools are better for covering a lot of ground in a larger garden. A pair of loppers, for example, allow you to reach higher to trim thick branches. If you only have a small garden or container garden, short-handled tools may be all you need. But for larger gardens, you’ll likely need both short-handled and long-handled tools.  Weight Consider your physical abilities and limitations when choosing between tools of different weights. Remember, the best option for you might be different than what’s best for someone else.  In general, you want the gardening tool to have a little heft to it to ensure it’s sturdy and will stand up to heavy-duty use, but lighter is generally better. Remember, the tool will no doubt feel heavier after you have been using it awhile, or when it is scooping up dirt. “The best thing you can do is pick up and hold garden tools in your hand prior to purchasing,” Miller says. “If you can’t lift the shovel in the store aisle, you definitely won’t be able to lift it loaded with soil.”  Your Questions, Answered How do you clean gardening tools?  Gardening tools should ideally be cleaned after every use and then given a more thorough cleaning at the end of the gardening season. “First, blast them with a garden hose to pressure wash the dirt off,” Miller says. (You can also use a putty knife to scrape off any stuck-on mud.)  Next, it’s a good idea to disinfect your tools to prevent spreading bacteria and fungi. Dissolve a bleach tablet in a 5-gallon bucket and soak your tools, Miller suggests, or use a gentler, 50/50 mixture of vinegar and water. Wipe tools dry and use a few drops of WD-40 or food-grade oil on blades and joints to prevent rust.  How do you sharpen gardening tools?  Plan to sharpen gardening tools, such as high-quality spades, trowels, and hoes, at least once a year. Before sharpening any tool, clean it first with a wire brush or steel pad to remove built-up dirt and rust. Then, lock the tool into a vise or hold it still with a clamp and move a mill file along the edge of the blade to sharpen. You can use sandpaper to remove any rust on the blade and lightly coat the blade with machine oil.   What is the best way to store gardening tools?  Even the best gardening tools need to be stored inside to prolong their life and keep them in good shape. “Store tools in a dry area and ideally in an area with moderate temperatures,” Hughes says. Plan to keep them in an outdoor shed, garage, or barn for the winter; keep them off the ground and away from rain, snow, and UV exposure from the sun.  Who We Are Renee Freemon Mulvihill is a writer, specializing in home and garden topics. To write this article, she spent hours online researching various garden tools (and dreaming about what she would like to have for her own garden). She also talked to Tom Hughes, owner of Hughes Nursery and Landscape, and Lindsay Miller, a horticultural writer from Gardener’s Supply Company, to get their tips and advice about choosing and caring for gardening tools.  Brandi Fuller has been a shopping editor for Better Homes & Gardens since September 2022. She specializes in outdoor, pest control, gardening, and wildlife products. She analyzed results and feedback from our outdoor products and garden tools testings to recommend the best gardening tools. Source link

[vijay34]

Mulching Materials Market Size, Share, and Industry Analysis

Rising Adoption of Sustainable Farming Practices and Soil Protection Solutions Fuels Growth in the Mulching Materials Market.

The Mulching Materials Market Size was valued at USD 3.5 Billion in 2023. It is expected to grow to USD 6.8 Billion by 2032 and grow at a CAGR of 7.7% over the forecast period of 2024-2032.

The Mulching Materials Market is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing adoption of sustainable agricultural practices, landscaping, and soil conservation techniques. Mulching materials, which include organic and inorganic substances, help in moisture retention, weed suppression, temperature regulation, and soil enrichment. The rising focus on environment-friendly and biodegradable mulching solutions is driving demand, particularly in organic farming, horticulture, and home gardening. With climate change concerns and soil degradation becoming critical issues, the use of advanced mulching techniques is gaining traction globally.

Key Players in the Mulching Materials Market

The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company (Organic Mulch, Garden Soil)

Barkman Concrete Ltd. (Wood Mulch, Rubber Mulch)

The Mulch & Soil Company (Cypress Mulch, Pine Bark Mulch)

Pine Tree Farms, Inc. (Natural Cedar Mulch, Premium Pine Bark Mulch)

Landscaping Supplies (Landscape Fabric, Decorative Rock)

Ewing Irrigation & Landscape Supply (Bark Mulch, Rubber Mulch)

A.M.A. Horticulture Inc. (Compost Mulch, Wood Chip Mulch)

Soil and Mulch Company, LLC (Organic Pine Bark, Hardwood Mulch)

Gardener’s Supply Company (Organic Mulch Mats, Straw Mulch)

Duke’s Landscape Supply (Organic Mulch, Colored Mulch)

Future Scope of the Market

The Mulching Materials Market is expected to expand significantly due to:

Rising demand for organic farming and sustainable agriculture.

Increased use of biodegradable mulches to reduce plastic waste.

Advancements in mulch film technology to enhance soil health and yield.

Growing awareness about water conservation and erosion control.

Expanding applications in home gardening and landscaping.

Emerging Trends in the Mulching Materials Market

The mulching industry is seeing a strong shift toward biodegradable and eco-friendly materials, reducing dependency on synthetic plastic-based mulches that contribute to environmental pollution. Bio-based mulches made from straw, wood chips, bark, and paper are gaining popularity among organic farmers and sustainable landscaping projects. Additionally, innovations in polymer-based mulch films, such as UV-resistant and water-permeable films, are improving soil conditions while minimizing agricultural waste. The integration of smart mulching solutions, including mulch with embedded fertilizers and moisture-retaining additives, is another emerging trend that enhances crop productivity.

Key Points:

Mulching materials play a crucial role in moisture retention, weed control, and soil enhancement.

Organic and biodegradable mulches are gaining popularity as sustainable alternatives.

Growing focus on organic farming and water conservation is driving market demand.

Advancements in mulch film technology are improving efficiency and durability.

The landscaping and gardening sectors are expanding the use of innovative mulching solutions.

Conclusion

The Mulching Materials Market is poised for steady growth as farmers, landscapers, and home gardeners seek more sustainable and efficient solutions to improve soil health and crop yield. The increasing adoption of bio-based and biodegradable mulching materials, coupled with advancements in mulch film technology, is expected to drive market expansion. As global agricultural practices move toward eco-friendly and resource-efficient solutions, the mulching materials market will play a crucial role in shaping the future of sustainable farming and soil management.

Read Full Report: https://www.snsinsider.com/reports/mulching-materials-market-4576     

Contact Us:

Jagney Dave — Vice President of Client Engagement

Phone: +1–315 636 4242 (US) | +44- 20 3290 5010 (UK)

[shelyold]

The right tools can make your gardening chores easier—and maybe faster, too. There are a variety of gardening tools that can help with digging, weeding, planting, and more. “Every gardener needs a high-quality spade, shovel, rake, hand trowel, pruners, and loppers,” says Tom Hughes, owner of Iowa-based Hughes Nursery and Landscape. “And a hoe is an essential tool for vegetable gardens.”  Of course, the best gardening tools for you might be different than the best gardening tools for your neighbor. When you’re looking for gardening tools, consider how tall you are, how much you can lift, and what chores you do regularly. If you have limited mobility, you might want to choose one of the many ergonomic tools on the market. If you have trouble bending and kneeling, long-handled tools and a kneeling pad might be good to have on hand.   “Look for tools constructed with the fewest number of parts,” says Lindsay Miller, horticultural writer for Gardener’s Supply Company. “The more individual pieces attached by bolts and collars, the more weak spots there are.”  Gardening Tools We’ve Tested—And Loved PHOTO: Walmart Because of its thoughtful, two-handle design, the Bloem watering can was one of our favorites when we tested over 30 watering cans. The handles make it easy to carry and pour, and the adjustable water spout allows you to switch from a light or heavy stream.  We intentionally dropped the can when it was full of water, and we were impressed that it stayed upright and didn’t tip over. When we dropped it a few more times, both with and without water, it didn’t dent or scratch.  Made with BPA-free plastic, it’s coated with a UV protectant to help prevent fading. It’s only available in one color, but thankfully the black and orange design is fairly neutral.  Product Details: Material: Polypropylene plastic | Size: 2.6 gallons | Weight: 1 pound PHOTO: Better Homes & Gardens PHOTO: Better Homes & Gardens PHOTO: The Home Depot We tested these gardening gloves ourselves, we were impressed with how well they held up to messy gardening chores, like mulching a vegetable garden and turning compost in compost bins.   The gloves’ synthetic leather fingertips provide a strong grip when you’re holding gardening tools, and the stretchy spandex between the fingers and on the body of the glove adds breathability and extra comfort on hot summer days. An adjustable hook and loop wrist strap allows you to customize the fit and make the gloves feel more secure. Reinforced seams at common wear points add durability, and the padded palm enhances comfort, especially during repetitive chores, such as raking leaves and digging.  In addition to offering protection for all types of gardening chores, these gardening gloves offer a few extra features as well. They’re machine washable, so you can just toss them in your washing machine when they get dirty.  Plus, they’re touchscreen compatible, so you don’t have to take your gloves off every time you need to reach for your phone to identify a mystery plant or potential disease. Also, the glove’s thumb features a terry cloth strip to help you wipe away sweat while you’re working.  The gloves are currently only available in one size, so they may not fit especially small or large hands. Product Details: Material: Synthetic leather, spandex | Size: One size (women’s medium) | Weight: Not listed PHOTO: Walmart After testing almost 40 garden hoses, the Kotto expandable hose was easily the top choice. With garden hoses, kinking is a common issue, but we didn’t experience any kinking with the Kotto hose thanks to its flexible and durable polyester fabric.  We also didn’t experience another common garden hose issue: leaks. It connected securely to the spigot, and all of the water went through the hose instead of spraying out at the connection points. And because it’s made from a lightweight fabric (rather than heavy rubber), it was incredibly easy to pull around the yard to water various raised garden beds, trees, and shrubs.  We learned a helpful trick while testing this garden hose: when you’re done using it, allow all of the water to drain from the hose before winding it up on your garden hose reel. Once the water is drained, it’s much easier and lighter to wind up.  Product Details: Material: Polyester fabric with latex core: | Size: 25, 50, 75, 100, or 150 feet | Weight: 3.5 pounds PHOTO: Amazon Why You Should Get It The nozzle can be turned on and off with just your thumb, and when we intentionally dropped it down a cement stairway, it didn’t get damaged at all.  If you’re looking for a hose nozzle to pair with your Kotto expandable hose, the Dramm spray gun is an affordable yet durable choice.  It’s easy to use since it features a one-touch valve that allows you to turn the water on and off using only your thumb. Because there’s no need to squeeze the handle as other nozzles require, it’s more comfortable to use for long watering sessions and is ideal for people with limited hand mobility.  When we tested the the hose nozzle, it was easy to turn the dial and switch between the various spray patterns. We found the highest power stream setting to be quite powerful—it easily removed mud from dirty Adirondack chairs. We also dropped the hose nozzle down a cement stairway as part of the durability testing and saw no signs of damage or any decrease in quality. Even though it proved to be sturdy, we appreciate that it comes with a lifetime guarantee. Product Details: Material: Metal | Size: 4 x 7 x 2.25 inches | Weight: 13.6 ounces This hose nozzle has nine different settings, including a shower setting to water flowers. PHOTO: Better Homes & Gardens Because of its powerful stream, we didn't have any problems cleaning mud off of a chair. PHOTO: Better Homes & Gardens PHOTO: Amazon If you have branches, mulch, or potting soil to move around your lawn or garden, this cart proved to be a true workhorse when we tested wheelbarrows. The 36 x 20-inch bed has a weight capacity of 600 pounds and can hold up to 4 cubic feet of material. We love that unlike a standard wheelbarrow, it has four wheels—so no more heavy loads that make the cart tip over as you’re trying to move it. The cart’s 10-inch pneumatic tires are big enough to make it over rough terrain, and the quick-release dumping feature makes it easy to unload and functions similarly to a dump truck. You simply unlatch the bed from the frame and lift up on the bed to release the cart’s contents. A padded handle provides extra comfort when you’re pulling heavy loads and tight-turn steering helps you pull it exactly where you want to unload. The tub is rustproof so you don’t have to worry about leaving it outside in the elements.   Assembling the cart took just over an hour. Although the instructions were clear and provided helpful illustrations, there were some misaligned plastic holes and the sizing for the nuts wasn’t listed, so we had to try quite a few tools before finding the right size.  Product Details: Material: Steel frame, poly bed | Size: 20 x 19.5 x 38.7 inches | Weight: 31.5 pounds The single-handle design may cause more strain, especially if pulling heavy objects. PHOTO: Better Homes & Gardens The gold lever releases the cart's tub backwards, dumping out the contents. PHOTO: Better Homes & Gardens Other Gardening Tools We Recommend PHOTO: A.M. Leonard Why You Should Get It This soil knife is sturdy and durable and can help you with cutting roots and twine, planting, and measuring. This soil knife is a multifunctional tool that may soon become your favorite tool in your collection. It features a serrated edge, as well as a slicing edge so you can use it for a variety of tasks around the garden. The serrated edge works especially well for cutting through tough roots. The 6-inch blade includes a notch to help you cut twine or plant ties, and it features measurement markings to ensure you plant spring bulbs at the correct depth. The blade is made of high-quality stainless steel to ensure it will stand up to the elements as well as all your chores.  We also love that the knife features a bright orange plastic handle to make it easy to spot if you accidentally lay it down in the garden or in grass. The molded grip on the composite handle ensures it’s comfortable to hold for long periods of time.  This sturdy knife promises to last for many years; it comes with a lifetime warranty and the manufacturer says that it withstands more than 300 pounds of pressure. The notch for cutting twine is a handy feature, although you may want to wear gardening gloves to avoid any accidents.  Product Details: Material: Stainless steel | Size: 1.75 x 0.75 x 11.75 inches | Weight: 9.1 ounces PHOTO: Amazon This weeding tool was originally invented in 1913, but it stopped being produced in 1941 so that all available metals could be put to the war effort. Luckily for us, the tool was rediscovered in 1999 and is now being produced and sold again. To use this simple tool, you just center the fork over the weed, press it into the ground, and then lean on the handle to remove the weed. This system lets you weed without hurting your back or knees, and it’s an easy way to remove dandelions and other weeds, roots and all.  The weeder works in all soil types, but it is easiest to use after a good rain or after watering since you need to be able to push it into the ground. The head was redesigned in 1999 to make it stronger, and the bamboo handle ensures it will be long lasting. Weighing just 3 pounds, it’s easy for most people to hold and use, but we recommend working the ground after watering or a rainstorm for looser soil. If you want to control weeds without using chemicals, this is a handy tool to have in your toolbox. Product Details: Material: Bamboo and powder-coated steel | Size: 46 x 8 x 1.5 inches | Weight: 3 pounds PHOTO: Amazon When it comes to these hardworking bypass pruners, Felco seems to have carefully thought through every detail of the design to ensure many years of use, making the pruners worth the price.  With a 1-inch cutting capacity, these pruning shears are great for trimming rose bushes and woody perennials. The Anvil blade features a sap groove to prevent sticking. The cutting blade with a soft wire cutter is replaceable if needed, ensuring you can keep using these bypass pruners long into the future. The bolt and nut are easily adjustable so you can customize blade alignment if you wish. Forged aluminum handles are strong but lightweight; they’re covered with a red plastic coating to add comfort and help make sure you don’t lose the pruners in the garden. A rubber cushion with a shock absorber where the blades come together helps reduce the strain on your wrists as you work.  Product Details: Material: Steel and rubber | Size: 9.25 x 4 x 1 inches | Weight: 8.8 ounces PHOTO: Amazon Made of heavy-duty 16-gauge stainless steel, the Wilcox All-Pro hand trowel is nearly unbreakable and won’t even bend if you hit a strong root. Yet, it’s lightweight, so it’s comfortable to use for long periods of time.  This model is 10 inches long, but a variety of lengths are available, from 9 to 22 inches. The fine point on the 10-inch trowel is more precise than other models in this line and many other trowels on the market, which makes it a good choice when weeding or digging around existing plants. It works especially well for tending to sedums and sempervivums, both of which have shallow roots and need to be carefully lifted when transplanting.  A depth gauge (listed in both centimeters and inches) is stamped on one side to help you determine the correct depth for planting. The plastic handle includes ribbings and grooves to allow for a more comfortable positioning of the hand.   In addition to gardening, the trowel can also come in handy when camping, hiking, and hunting. Really, it’s hard to find anything to complain about with this garden trowel—as an added bonus, it’s even made in the USA.  Product Details: Material: Stainless steel | Size: 10 x 2.5 inches | Weight: 7.2 ounces PHOTO: Amazon Sometimes it can be hard to decide whether to buy a spade or a shovel. The Spear Head spade garden shovel lets you have the best of both garden tools in one. It features a design that lets you dig dirt like a shovel and cut through roots or dig a trench like a spade. Keep in mind, though, that the blade on this tool is smaller than a traditional shovel, so you won’t be able to move as much dirt in one scoop.  The blade on this Spear Head shovel is made of durable carbon manganese steel. The tool comes pre-sharpened, and the epoxy powder coating is designed to wear away around the edges first so the sharpened edge will continuously be revealed and grow sharper as it is used. This shovel/spade features a fiberglass handle that’s both strong and lightweight. The cushioned D-shape grip adds comfort and has UV inhibitors so it will stand up to any kind of weather. Maybe best of all, the tool is designed to reduce effort when digging into heavy, rocky, or compact soils. Product Details: Material: Steel and fiberglass | Size: 40.25 x 8.25 x 1.5 inches | Weight: 3.64 pounds PHOTO: Amazon The Edward Tools hand hoe is a great mini-size hoe to help with precise weeding, moving dirt, and planting in small flower beds or raised vegetable gardens. It’s made of heavy-duty carbon steel so it won’t bend or break, plus the powder-coated finish helps to resist rust. It’s sturdy enough to work well even in hard or rocky soils, although it should be noted that the hoe doesn’t have a sharpened edge so it won’t slice through especially tough roots. The ergonomic rubber grip and anti-skid handle ensures this tool is safe and comfortable to hold, even if you’ll be working for hours in the garden. Although it’s not a large enough hoe for big gardens, it’s a very handy tool to have nearby for small-scale gardening since it’s both lightweight and sturdy. Product Details: Material: Carbon steel, rubber | Size: 13.98 x 4.37 x 2.36 inches | Weight: 9 ounces PHOTO: Amazon Bow rakes are good for loosening or breaking up compacted soil and spreading mulch, compost, and other materials. This rake features super-sharp teeth to dig into any type of soil. The L-shape design of the blades helps them dig deep into the dirt and cut weeds below the soil, making the rake helpful for weeding as well as spreading mulch. If you don’t have a ton of leaves to rake up, this may be the only rake that you need in your yard and garden.  A protective rubber sleeve on the handle helps prevent splintering and makes the rake more comfortable to hold for long work sessions. A riveted socket helps prevent the head from separating from the handle. This rake has a 54-inch handle, which works well for most gardeners, and it’s lightweight, weighing only 2.84 pounds. The handle is made of fiberglass, a material that’s both strong and lightweight, while the blades are made from carbon steel with a chip-resistant coating for strength and durability. Keep in mind that the handle is smaller in diameter than a traditional rake, which might not be everyone’s preference. Product Details: Material: Fiberglass and carbon steel | Size: 59.5 x 14 x 3 inches | Weight: 2.84 pounds PHOTO: Amazon Why You Should Get It This hand cultivator is strong and built to last for many years; since it’s lightweight and features an ergonomic handle, it’s easy to use, too.  A hand cultivator is a great tool for aerating the soil, weeding, and breaking up the ground before planting. And the DeWit tine cultivator is strong enough for your toughest jobs (and any soil type), thanks to thick steel tines with sharpened tips that can easily cut through the soil. The ergonomic P-grip handle is flexible enough to allow it to bend a little without breaking; its design helps increase leverage and decrease the stress on your hands and wrists. Plus, its design allows you to use it with one hand or two as needed.  It’s made from hardened boron steel that has been heat-treated to add extra strength. The handle is made from ash wood that is harvested from environmentally responsible FSC-certified forests. And although the handle and tines are very strong, the tool is lightweight, so it’s easy to use for an extended time. The longer-than-average handle gives you a little extra reach to tackle hard-to-access spots, although that can also make it feel a bit bulky when working in tight spots.  Product Details: Material: Steel and ash wood | Size: 16.5 x 4.5 x 4.5 inches | Weight: 9.6 ounces PHOTO: Amazon If you’re a beginning gardener, you may think you don’t need a kneeling pad, but experienced gardeners know that it’s essential to have nearby for keeping you comfortable while you work. This 1.5-inch kneeling pad is extra thick to provide maximum comfort while you’re kneeling to weed or plant. It’s made of durable high-density foam that will contour to your knees and won’t break down or compress over time.  At 17.5 x 11 inches (larger than many other kneeling pads available), this model is large enough to give you plenty of room to spread out, so you don’t cramp up while kneeling. The pad is dirt- and water-resistant, so it can stand up to rocks or gravel and can be used on damp ground. A built-in handle makes it easy to carry it around the yard as you work. An added bonus: this kneeling pad is available in a wide range of colors, so you can have a little fun and pick your favorite hue. Product Details: Material: Foam | Size: 17.5 x 11 x 1.5 in | Weight: 0.75 pounds PHOTO: Amazon To help hold all your tools as you work through your garden, we love the Case4Life garden tool pouch. The green canvas waist belt is adjustable and easily clips around your waist so you can have easy access to your commonly used garden tools.  What stands out about this tool belt is the four pockets that are specifically designed for garden tools and accessories such as gardening gloves, seed packets, and pruning shears. It also has a larger pocket with a zipper to secure items, and it has a loop at the bottom of the bag for a hammer or other tools.  At just 5.3 ounces, it’s lightweight and won’t feel too heavy once you add your tools. It’s durably constructed to last for years, and it even comes with a three-year warranty. Our only complaint is that we wish there were more color options to complement the bright and cheerful feeling of gardening. At the time of publishing, it’s only available in a forest green hue.  Product Details: Material: Canvas and mesh | Size: 9.06x11.02 inches | Weight: 5.3 ounces PHOTO: Amazon The Grace & August garden apron features a generous pocket for harvesting vegetables and smart features that make it comfortable for a range of people to wear.  Available in purple and blue, this apron is made of cotton canvas with a water-resistant lining. The apron features a top bib pocket that, at 21 inches wide and 14 inches deep, is plenty big enough to hold a trowel or weeding tool. The large bottom kangaroo-style pocket is designed with clips at the bottom so you can easily open the bottom of the pocket to unload your harvest or dispose of weeds you’ve pulled.  We like the fact that the apron is designed with shoulder straps rather than hanging around your neck. The adjustable crossover back straps help distribute the weight more evenly, and a waist tie helps you get the right fit. It may not have as many pockets as some gardeners would prefer, but we love the fact that we can wipe the dirt on this apron and then just throw it in the washing machine when we finish our gardening chores.  Product Details: Material: Cotton canvas | Size: 27 x 34 inches | Weight: Not listed The Bottom Line The A.M. Leonard soil knife can help you cut roots, twine, and more while gardening, and you can carry it around in a tool pouch, like the Case4Life garden tool pouch. The Grampa’s Weeder is an essential for removing weeds in your lawn and garden, and you can use the Gorilla utility cart to move mulch, bricks, potted plants, and more. Better Homes & Gardens What to Know About Gardening Tools Before Shopping Material The best gardening tools are made with durable materials that will stand up to all the hard work you do in your garden. “Wood handles and steel blades are always a good way to go,” Hughes says. “Wood handles maintain a moderate temperature in heat and cold, making them more comfortable in your hands.”  Garden tool handles can also be made out of fiberglass, which is lightweight but strong, and aluminum, which is lightweight but prone to bending. Miller recommends staying away from tools with plastic handles. “Plastic breaks down easily, except ironically in landfills, where it will linger for generations, leaching harmful chemicals into our environment,” she says.  Size The best tools for someone tall may be different than those for someone shorter in stature. Make sure you consider handle length to make sure the tool will work for your height. Consider purchasing a tool with a telescoping handle if you have people of different heights who will be using the same tool.  In general, short-handled tools work for close-up work and long-handled tools are better for covering a lot of ground in a larger garden. A pair of loppers, for example, allow you to reach higher to trim thick branches. If you only have a small garden or container garden, short-handled tools may be all you need. But for larger gardens, you’ll likely need both short-handled and long-handled tools.  Weight Consider your physical abilities and limitations when choosing between tools of different weights. Remember, the best option for you might be different than what’s best for someone else.  In general, you want the gardening tool to have a little heft to it to ensure it’s sturdy and will stand up to heavy-duty use, but lighter is generally better. Remember, the tool will no doubt feel heavier after you have been using it awhile, or when it is scooping up dirt. “The best thing you can do is pick up and hold garden tools in your hand prior to purchasing,” Miller says. “If you can’t lift the shovel in the store aisle, you definitely won’t be able to lift it loaded with soil.”  Your Questions, Answered How do you clean gardening tools?  Gardening tools should ideally be cleaned after every use and then given a more thorough cleaning at the end of the gardening season. “First, blast them with a garden hose to pressure wash the dirt off,” Miller says. (You can also use a putty knife to scrape off any stuck-on mud.)  Next, it’s a good idea to disinfect your tools to prevent spreading bacteria and fungi. Dissolve a bleach tablet in a 5-gallon bucket and soak your tools, Miller suggests, or use a gentler, 50/50 mixture of vinegar and water. Wipe tools dry and use a few drops of WD-40 or food-grade oil on blades and joints to prevent rust.  How do you sharpen gardening tools?  Plan to sharpen gardening tools, such as high-quality spades, trowels, and hoes, at least once a year. Before sharpening any tool, clean it first with a wire brush or steel pad to remove built-up dirt and rust. Then, lock the tool into a vise or hold it still with a clamp and move a mill file along the edge of the blade to sharpen. You can use sandpaper to remove any rust on the blade and lightly coat the blade with machine oil.   What is the best way to store gardening tools?  Even the best gardening tools need to be stored inside to prolong their life and keep them in good shape. “Store tools in a dry area and ideally in an area with moderate temperatures,” Hughes says. Plan to keep them in an outdoor shed, garage, or barn for the winter; keep them off the ground and away from rain, snow, and UV exposure from the sun.  Who We Are Renee Freemon Mulvihill is a writer, specializing in home and garden topics. To write this article, she spent hours online researching various garden tools (and dreaming about what she would like to have for her own garden). She also talked to Tom Hughes, owner of Hughes Nursery and Landscape, and Lindsay Miller, a horticultural writer from Gardener’s Supply Company, to get their tips and advice about choosing and caring for gardening tools.  Brandi Fuller has been a shopping editor for Better Homes & Gardens since September 2022. She specializes in outdoor, pest control, gardening, and wildlife products. She analyzed results and feedback from our outdoor products and garden tools testings to recommend the best gardening tools. Source link

[iammeandmy]

The right tools can make your gardening chores easier—and maybe faster, too. There are a variety of gardening tools that can help with digging, weeding, planting, and more. “Every gardener needs a high-quality spade, shovel, rake, hand trowel, pruners, and loppers,” says Tom Hughes, owner of Iowa-based Hughes Nursery and Landscape. “And a hoe is an essential tool for vegetable gardens.”  Of course, the best gardening tools for you might be different than the best gardening tools for your neighbor. When you’re looking for gardening tools, consider how tall you are, how much you can lift, and what chores you do regularly. If you have limited mobility, you might want to choose one of the many ergonomic tools on the market. If you have trouble bending and kneeling, long-handled tools and a kneeling pad might be good to have on hand.   “Look for tools constructed with the fewest number of parts,” says Lindsay Miller, horticultural writer for Gardener’s Supply Company. “The more individual pieces attached by bolts and collars, the more weak spots there are.”  Gardening Tools We’ve Tested—And Loved PHOTO: Walmart Because of its thoughtful, two-handle design, the Bloem watering can was one of our favorites when we tested over 30 watering cans. The handles make it easy to carry and pour, and the adjustable water spout allows you to switch from a light or heavy stream.  We intentionally dropped the can when it was full of water, and we were impressed that it stayed upright and didn’t tip over. When we dropped it a few more times, both with and without water, it didn’t dent or scratch.  Made with BPA-free plastic, it’s coated with a UV protectant to help prevent fading. It’s only available in one color, but thankfully the black and orange design is fairly neutral.  Product Details: Material: Polypropylene plastic | Size: 2.6 gallons | Weight: 1 pound PHOTO: Better Homes & Gardens PHOTO: Better Homes & Gardens PHOTO: The Home Depot We tested these gardening gloves ourselves, we were impressed with how well they held up to messy gardening chores, like mulching a vegetable garden and turning compost in compost bins.   The gloves’ synthetic leather fingertips provide a strong grip when you’re holding gardening tools, and the stretchy spandex between the fingers and on the body of the glove adds breathability and extra comfort on hot summer days. An adjustable hook and loop wrist strap allows you to customize the fit and make the gloves feel more secure. Reinforced seams at common wear points add durability, and the padded palm enhances comfort, especially during repetitive chores, such as raking leaves and digging.  In addition to offering protection for all types of gardening chores, these gardening gloves offer a few extra features as well. They’re machine washable, so you can just toss them in your washing machine when they get dirty.  Plus, they’re touchscreen compatible, so you don’t have to take your gloves off every time you need to reach for your phone to identify a mystery plant or potential disease. Also, the glove’s thumb features a terry cloth strip to help you wipe away sweat while you’re working.  The gloves are currently only available in one size, so they may not fit especially small or large hands. Product Details: Material: Synthetic leather, spandex | Size: One size (women’s medium) | Weight: Not listed PHOTO: Walmart After testing almost 40 garden hoses, the Kotto expandable hose was easily the top choice. With garden hoses, kinking is a common issue, but we didn’t experience any kinking with the Kotto hose thanks to its flexible and durable polyester fabric.  We also didn’t experience another common garden hose issue: leaks. It connected securely to the spigot, and all of the water went through the hose instead of spraying out at the connection points. And because it’s made from a lightweight fabric (rather than heavy rubber), it was incredibly easy to pull around the yard to water various raised garden beds, trees, and shrubs.  We learned a helpful trick while testing this garden hose: when you’re done using it, allow all of the water to drain from the hose before winding it up on your garden hose reel. Once the water is drained, it’s much easier and lighter to wind up.  Product Details: Material: Polyester fabric with latex core: | Size: 25, 50, 75, 100, or 150 feet | Weight: 3.5 pounds PHOTO: Amazon Why You Should Get It The nozzle can be turned on and off with just your thumb, and when we intentionally dropped it down a cement stairway, it didn’t get damaged at all.  If you’re looking for a hose nozzle to pair with your Kotto expandable hose, the Dramm spray gun is an affordable yet durable choice.  It’s easy to use since it features a one-touch valve that allows you to turn the water on and off using only your thumb. Because there’s no need to squeeze the handle as other nozzles require, it’s more comfortable to use for long watering sessions and is ideal for people with limited hand mobility.  When we tested the the hose nozzle, it was easy to turn the dial and switch between the various spray patterns. We found the highest power stream setting to be quite powerful—it easily removed mud from dirty Adirondack chairs. We also dropped the hose nozzle down a cement stairway as part of the durability testing and saw no signs of damage or any decrease in quality. Even though it proved to be sturdy, we appreciate that it comes with a lifetime guarantee. Product Details: Material: Metal | Size: 4 x 7 x 2.25 inches | Weight: 13.6 ounces This hose nozzle has nine different settings, including a shower setting to water flowers. PHOTO: Better Homes & Gardens Because of its powerful stream, we didn't have any problems cleaning mud off of a chair. PHOTO: Better Homes & Gardens PHOTO: Amazon If you have branches, mulch, or potting soil to move around your lawn or garden, this cart proved to be a true workhorse when we tested wheelbarrows. The 36 x 20-inch bed has a weight capacity of 600 pounds and can hold up to 4 cubic feet of material. We love that unlike a standard wheelbarrow, it has four wheels—so no more heavy loads that make the cart tip over as you’re trying to move it. The cart’s 10-inch pneumatic tires are big enough to make it over rough terrain, and the quick-release dumping feature makes it easy to unload and functions similarly to a dump truck. You simply unlatch the bed from the frame and lift up on the bed to release the cart’s contents. A padded handle provides extra comfort when you’re pulling heavy loads and tight-turn steering helps you pull it exactly where you want to unload. The tub is rustproof so you don’t have to worry about leaving it outside in the elements.   Assembling the cart took just over an hour. Although the instructions were clear and provided helpful illustrations, there were some misaligned plastic holes and the sizing for the nuts wasn’t listed, so we had to try quite a few tools before finding the right size.  Product Details: Material: Steel frame, poly bed | Size: 20 x 19.5 x 38.7 inches | Weight: 31.5 pounds The single-handle design may cause more strain, especially if pulling heavy objects. PHOTO: Better Homes & Gardens The gold lever releases the cart's tub backwards, dumping out the contents. PHOTO: Better Homes & Gardens Other Gardening Tools We Recommend PHOTO: A.M. Leonard Why You Should Get It This soil knife is sturdy and durable and can help you with cutting roots and twine, planting, and measuring. This soil knife is a multifunctional tool that may soon become your favorite tool in your collection. It features a serrated edge, as well as a slicing edge so you can use it for a variety of tasks around the garden. The serrated edge works especially well for cutting through tough roots. The 6-inch blade includes a notch to help you cut twine or plant ties, and it features measurement markings to ensure you plant spring bulbs at the correct depth. The blade is made of high-quality stainless steel to ensure it will stand up to the elements as well as all your chores.  We also love that the knife features a bright orange plastic handle to make it easy to spot if you accidentally lay it down in the garden or in grass. The molded grip on the composite handle ensures it’s comfortable to hold for long periods of time.  This sturdy knife promises to last for many years; it comes with a lifetime warranty and the manufacturer says that it withstands more than 300 pounds of pressure. The notch for cutting twine is a handy feature, although you may want to wear gardening gloves to avoid any accidents.  Product Details: Material: Stainless steel | Size: 1.75 x 0.75 x 11.75 inches | Weight: 9.1 ounces PHOTO: Amazon This weeding tool was originally invented in 1913, but it stopped being produced in 1941 so that all available metals could be put to the war effort. Luckily for us, the tool was rediscovered in 1999 and is now being produced and sold again. To use this simple tool, you just center the fork over the weed, press it into the ground, and then lean on the handle to remove the weed. This system lets you weed without hurting your back or knees, and it’s an easy way to remove dandelions and other weeds, roots and all.  The weeder works in all soil types, but it is easiest to use after a good rain or after watering since you need to be able to push it into the ground. The head was redesigned in 1999 to make it stronger, and the bamboo handle ensures it will be long lasting. Weighing just 3 pounds, it’s easy for most people to hold and use, but we recommend working the ground after watering or a rainstorm for looser soil. If you want to control weeds without using chemicals, this is a handy tool to have in your toolbox. Product Details: Material: Bamboo and powder-coated steel | Size: 46 x 8 x 1.5 inches | Weight: 3 pounds PHOTO: Amazon When it comes to these hardworking bypass pruners, Felco seems to have carefully thought through every detail of the design to ensure many years of use, making the pruners worth the price.  With a 1-inch cutting capacity, these pruning shears are great for trimming rose bushes and woody perennials. The Anvil blade features a sap groove to prevent sticking. The cutting blade with a soft wire cutter is replaceable if needed, ensuring you can keep using these bypass pruners long into the future. The bolt and nut are easily adjustable so you can customize blade alignment if you wish. Forged aluminum handles are strong but lightweight; they’re covered with a red plastic coating to add comfort and help make sure you don’t lose the pruners in the garden. A rubber cushion with a shock absorber where the blades come together helps reduce the strain on your wrists as you work.  Product Details: Material: Steel and rubber | Size: 9.25 x 4 x 1 inches | Weight: 8.8 ounces PHOTO: Amazon Made of heavy-duty 16-gauge stainless steel, the Wilcox All-Pro hand trowel is nearly unbreakable and won’t even bend if you hit a strong root. Yet, it’s lightweight, so it’s comfortable to use for long periods of time.  This model is 10 inches long, but a variety of lengths are available, from 9 to 22 inches. The fine point on the 10-inch trowel is more precise than other models in this line and many other trowels on the market, which makes it a good choice when weeding or digging around existing plants. It works especially well for tending to sedums and sempervivums, both of which have shallow roots and need to be carefully lifted when transplanting.  A depth gauge (listed in both centimeters and inches) is stamped on one side to help you determine the correct depth for planting. The plastic handle includes ribbings and grooves to allow for a more comfortable positioning of the hand.   In addition to gardening, the trowel can also come in handy when camping, hiking, and hunting. Really, it’s hard to find anything to complain about with this garden trowel—as an added bonus, it’s even made in the USA.  Product Details: Material: Stainless steel | Size: 10 x 2.5 inches | Weight: 7.2 ounces PHOTO: Amazon Sometimes it can be hard to decide whether to buy a spade or a shovel. The Spear Head spade garden shovel lets you have the best of both garden tools in one. It features a design that lets you dig dirt like a shovel and cut through roots or dig a trench like a spade. Keep in mind, though, that the blade on this tool is smaller than a traditional shovel, so you won’t be able to move as much dirt in one scoop.  The blade on this Spear Head shovel is made of durable carbon manganese steel. The tool comes pre-sharpened, and the epoxy powder coating is designed to wear away around the edges first so the sharpened edge will continuously be revealed and grow sharper as it is used. This shovel/spade features a fiberglass handle that’s both strong and lightweight. The cushioned D-shape grip adds comfort and has UV inhibitors so it will stand up to any kind of weather. Maybe best of all, the tool is designed to reduce effort when digging into heavy, rocky, or compact soils. Product Details: Material: Steel and fiberglass | Size: 40.25 x 8.25 x 1.5 inches | Weight: 3.64 pounds PHOTO: Amazon The Edward Tools hand hoe is a great mini-size hoe to help with precise weeding, moving dirt, and planting in small flower beds or raised vegetable gardens. It’s made of heavy-duty carbon steel so it won’t bend or break, plus the powder-coated finish helps to resist rust. It’s sturdy enough to work well even in hard or rocky soils, although it should be noted that the hoe doesn’t have a sharpened edge so it won’t slice through especially tough roots. The ergonomic rubber grip and anti-skid handle ensures this tool is safe and comfortable to hold, even if you’ll be working for hours in the garden. Although it’s not a large enough hoe for big gardens, it’s a very handy tool to have nearby for small-scale gardening since it’s both lightweight and sturdy. Product Details: Material: Carbon steel, rubber | Size: 13.98 x 4.37 x 2.36 inches | Weight: 9 ounces PHOTO: Amazon Bow rakes are good for loosening or breaking up compacted soil and spreading mulch, compost, and other materials. This rake features super-sharp teeth to dig into any type of soil. The L-shape design of the blades helps them dig deep into the dirt and cut weeds below the soil, making the rake helpful for weeding as well as spreading mulch. If you don’t have a ton of leaves to rake up, this may be the only rake that you need in your yard and garden.  A protective rubber sleeve on the handle helps prevent splintering and makes the rake more comfortable to hold for long work sessions. A riveted socket helps prevent the head from separating from the handle. This rake has a 54-inch handle, which works well for most gardeners, and it’s lightweight, weighing only 2.84 pounds. The handle is made of fiberglass, a material that’s both strong and lightweight, while the blades are made from carbon steel with a chip-resistant coating for strength and durability. Keep in mind that the handle is smaller in diameter than a traditional rake, which might not be everyone’s preference. Product Details: Material: Fiberglass and carbon steel | Size: 59.5 x 14 x 3 inches | Weight: 2.84 pounds PHOTO: Amazon Why You Should Get It This hand cultivator is strong and built to last for many years; since it’s lightweight and features an ergonomic handle, it’s easy to use, too.  A hand cultivator is a great tool for aerating the soil, weeding, and breaking up the ground before planting. And the DeWit tine cultivator is strong enough for your toughest jobs (and any soil type), thanks to thick steel tines with sharpened tips that can easily cut through the soil. The ergonomic P-grip handle is flexible enough to allow it to bend a little without breaking; its design helps increase leverage and decrease the stress on your hands and wrists. Plus, its design allows you to use it with one hand or two as needed.  It’s made from hardened boron steel that has been heat-treated to add extra strength. The handle is made from ash wood that is harvested from environmentally responsible FSC-certified forests. And although the handle and tines are very strong, the tool is lightweight, so it’s easy to use for an extended time. The longer-than-average handle gives you a little extra reach to tackle hard-to-access spots, although that can also make it feel a bit bulky when working in tight spots.  Product Details: Material: Steel and ash wood | Size: 16.5 x 4.5 x 4.5 inches | Weight: 9.6 ounces PHOTO: Amazon If you’re a beginning gardener, you may think you don’t need a kneeling pad, but experienced gardeners know that it’s essential to have nearby for keeping you comfortable while you work. This 1.5-inch kneeling pad is extra thick to provide maximum comfort while you’re kneeling to weed or plant. It’s made of durable high-density foam that will contour to your knees and won’t break down or compress over time.  At 17.5 x 11 inches (larger than many other kneeling pads available), this model is large enough to give you plenty of room to spread out, so you don’t cramp up while kneeling. The pad is dirt- and water-resistant, so it can stand up to rocks or gravel and can be used on damp ground. A built-in handle makes it easy to carry it around the yard as you work. An added bonus: this kneeling pad is available in a wide range of colors, so you can have a little fun and pick your favorite hue. Product Details: Material: Foam | Size: 17.5 x 11 x 1.5 in | Weight: 0.75 pounds PHOTO: Amazon To help hold all your tools as you work through your garden, we love the Case4Life garden tool pouch. The green canvas waist belt is adjustable and easily clips around your waist so you can have easy access to your commonly used garden tools.  What stands out about this tool belt is the four pockets that are specifically designed for garden tools and accessories such as gardening gloves, seed packets, and pruning shears. It also has a larger pocket with a zipper to secure items, and it has a loop at the bottom of the bag for a hammer or other tools.  At just 5.3 ounces, it’s lightweight and won’t feel too heavy once you add your tools. It’s durably constructed to last for years, and it even comes with a three-year warranty. Our only complaint is that we wish there were more color options to complement the bright and cheerful feeling of gardening. At the time of publishing, it’s only available in a forest green hue.  Product Details: Material: Canvas and mesh | Size: 9.06x11.02 inches | Weight: 5.3 ounces PHOTO: Amazon The Grace & August garden apron features a generous pocket for harvesting vegetables and smart features that make it comfortable for a range of people to wear.  Available in purple and blue, this apron is made of cotton canvas with a water-resistant lining. The apron features a top bib pocket that, at 21 inches wide and 14 inches deep, is plenty big enough to hold a trowel or weeding tool. The large bottom kangaroo-style pocket is designed with clips at the bottom so you can easily open the bottom of the pocket to unload your harvest or dispose of weeds you’ve pulled.  We like the fact that the apron is designed with shoulder straps rather than hanging around your neck. The adjustable crossover back straps help distribute the weight more evenly, and a waist tie helps you get the right fit. It may not have as many pockets as some gardeners would prefer, but we love the fact that we can wipe the dirt on this apron and then just throw it in the washing machine when we finish our gardening chores.  Product Details: Material: Cotton canvas | Size: 27 x 34 inches | Weight: Not listed The Bottom Line The A.M. Leonard soil knife can help you cut roots, twine, and more while gardening, and you can carry it around in a tool pouch, like the Case4Life garden tool pouch. The Grampa’s Weeder is an essential for removing weeds in your lawn and garden, and you can use the Gorilla utility cart to move mulch, bricks, potted plants, and more. Better Homes & Gardens What to Know About Gardening Tools Before Shopping Material The best gardening tools are made with durable materials that will stand up to all the hard work you do in your garden. “Wood handles and steel blades are always a good way to go,” Hughes says. “Wood handles maintain a moderate temperature in heat and cold, making them more comfortable in your hands.”  Garden tool handles can also be made out of fiberglass, which is lightweight but strong, and aluminum, which is lightweight but prone to bending. Miller recommends staying away from tools with plastic handles. “Plastic breaks down easily, except ironically in landfills, where it will linger for generations, leaching harmful chemicals into our environment,” she says.  Size The best tools for someone tall may be different than those for someone shorter in stature. Make sure you consider handle length to make sure the tool will work for your height. Consider purchasing a tool with a telescoping handle if you have people of different heights who will be using the same tool.  In general, short-handled tools work for close-up work and long-handled tools are better for covering a lot of ground in a larger garden. A pair of loppers, for example, allow you to reach higher to trim thick branches. If you only have a small garden or container garden, short-handled tools may be all you need. But for larger gardens, you’ll likely need both short-handled and long-handled tools.  Weight Consider your physical abilities and limitations when choosing between tools of different weights. Remember, the best option for you might be different than what’s best for someone else.  In general, you want the gardening tool to have a little heft to it to ensure it’s sturdy and will stand up to heavy-duty use, but lighter is generally better. Remember, the tool will no doubt feel heavier after you have been using it awhile, or when it is scooping up dirt. “The best thing you can do is pick up and hold garden tools in your hand prior to purchasing,” Miller says. “If you can’t lift the shovel in the store aisle, you definitely won’t be able to lift it loaded with soil.”  Your Questions, Answered How do you clean gardening tools?  Gardening tools should ideally be cleaned after every use and then given a more thorough cleaning at the end of the gardening season. “First, blast them with a garden hose to pressure wash the dirt off,” Miller says. (You can also use a putty knife to scrape off any stuck-on mud.)  Next, it’s a good idea to disinfect your tools to prevent spreading bacteria and fungi. Dissolve a bleach tablet in a 5-gallon bucket and soak your tools, Miller suggests, or use a gentler, 50/50 mixture of vinegar and water. Wipe tools dry and use a few drops of WD-40 or food-grade oil on blades and joints to prevent rust.  How do you sharpen gardening tools?  Plan to sharpen gardening tools, such as high-quality spades, trowels, and hoes, at least once a year. Before sharpening any tool, clean it first with a wire brush or steel pad to remove built-up dirt and rust. Then, lock the tool into a vise or hold it still with a clamp and move a mill file along the edge of the blade to sharpen. You can use sandpaper to remove any rust on the blade and lightly coat the blade with machine oil.   What is the best way to store gardening tools?  Even the best gardening tools need to be stored inside to prolong their life and keep them in good shape. “Store tools in a dry area and ideally in an area with moderate temperatures,” Hughes says. Plan to keep them in an outdoor shed, garage, or barn for the winter; keep them off the ground and away from rain, snow, and UV exposure from the sun.  Who We Are Renee Freemon Mulvihill is a writer, specializing in home and garden topics. To write this article, she spent hours online researching various garden tools (and dreaming about what she would like to have for her own garden). She also talked to Tom Hughes, owner of Hughes Nursery and Landscape, and Lindsay Miller, a horticultural writer from Gardener’s Supply Company, to get their tips and advice about choosing and caring for gardening tools.  Brandi Fuller has been a shopping editor for Better Homes & Gardens since September 2022. She specializes in outdoor, pest control, gardening, and wildlife products. She analyzed results and feedback from our outdoor products and garden tools testings to recommend the best gardening tools. Source link

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The right tools can make your gardening chores easier—and maybe faster, too. There are a variety of gardening tools that can help with digging, weeding, planting, and more. “Every gardener needs a high-quality spade, shovel, rake, hand trowel, pruners, and loppers,” says Tom Hughes, owner of Iowa-based Hughes Nursery and Landscape. “And a hoe is an essential tool for vegetable gardens.”  Of course, the best gardening tools for you might be different than the best gardening tools for your neighbor. When you’re looking for gardening tools, consider how tall you are, how much you can lift, and what chores you do regularly. If you have limited mobility, you might want to choose one of the many ergonomic tools on the market. If you have trouble bending and kneeling, long-handled tools and a kneeling pad might be good to have on hand.   “Look for tools constructed with the fewest number of parts,” says Lindsay Miller, horticultural writer for Gardener’s Supply Company. “The more individual pieces attached by bolts and collars, the more weak spots there are.”  Gardening Tools We’ve Tested—And Loved PHOTO: Walmart Because of its thoughtful, two-handle design, the Bloem watering can was one of our favorites when we tested over 30 watering cans. The handles make it easy to carry and pour, and the adjustable water spout allows you to switch from a light or heavy stream.  We intentionally dropped the can when it was full of water, and we were impressed that it stayed upright and didn’t tip over. When we dropped it a few more times, both with and without water, it didn’t dent or scratch.  Made with BPA-free plastic, it’s coated with a UV protectant to help prevent fading. It’s only available in one color, but thankfully the black and orange design is fairly neutral.  Product Details: Material: Polypropylene plastic | Size: 2.6 gallons | Weight: 1 pound PHOTO: Better Homes & Gardens PHOTO: Better Homes & Gardens PHOTO: The Home Depot We tested these gardening gloves ourselves, we were impressed with how well they held up to messy gardening chores, like mulching a vegetable garden and turning compost in compost bins.   The gloves’ synthetic leather fingertips provide a strong grip when you’re holding gardening tools, and the stretchy spandex between the fingers and on the body of the glove adds breathability and extra comfort on hot summer days. An adjustable hook and loop wrist strap allows you to customize the fit and make the gloves feel more secure. Reinforced seams at common wear points add durability, and the padded palm enhances comfort, especially during repetitive chores, such as raking leaves and digging.  In addition to offering protection for all types of gardening chores, these gardening gloves offer a few extra features as well. They’re machine washable, so you can just toss them in your washing machine when they get dirty.  Plus, they’re touchscreen compatible, so you don’t have to take your gloves off every time you need to reach for your phone to identify a mystery plant or potential disease. Also, the glove’s thumb features a terry cloth strip to help you wipe away sweat while you’re working.  The gloves are currently only available in one size, so they may not fit especially small or large hands. Product Details: Material: Synthetic leather, spandex | Size: One size (women’s medium) | Weight: Not listed PHOTO: Walmart After testing almost 40 garden hoses, the Kotto expandable hose was easily the top choice. With garden hoses, kinking is a common issue, but we didn’t experience any kinking with the Kotto hose thanks to its flexible and durable polyester fabric.  We also didn’t experience another common garden hose issue: leaks. It connected securely to the spigot, and all of the water went through the hose instead of spraying out at the connection points. And because it’s made from a lightweight fabric (rather than heavy rubber), it was incredibly easy to pull around the yard to water various raised garden beds, trees, and shrubs.  We learned a helpful trick while testing this garden hose: when you’re done using it, allow all of the water to drain from the hose before winding it up on your garden hose reel. Once the water is drained, it’s much easier and lighter to wind up.  Product Details: Material: Polyester fabric with latex core: | Size: 25, 50, 75, 100, or 150 feet | Weight: 3.5 pounds PHOTO: Amazon Why You Should Get It The nozzle can be turned on and off with just your thumb, and when we intentionally dropped it down a cement stairway, it didn’t get damaged at all.  If you’re looking for a hose nozzle to pair with your Kotto expandable hose, the Dramm spray gun is an affordable yet durable choice.  It’s easy to use since it features a one-touch valve that allows you to turn the water on and off using only your thumb. Because there’s no need to squeeze the handle as other nozzles require, it’s more comfortable to use for long watering sessions and is ideal for people with limited hand mobility.  When we tested the the hose nozzle, it was easy to turn the dial and switch between the various spray patterns. We found the highest power stream setting to be quite powerful—it easily removed mud from dirty Adirondack chairs. We also dropped the hose nozzle down a cement stairway as part of the durability testing and saw no signs of damage or any decrease in quality. Even though it proved to be sturdy, we appreciate that it comes with a lifetime guarantee. Product Details: Material: Metal | Size: 4 x 7 x 2.25 inches | Weight: 13.6 ounces This hose nozzle has nine different settings, including a shower setting to water flowers. PHOTO: Better Homes & Gardens Because of its powerful stream, we didn't have any problems cleaning mud off of a chair. PHOTO: Better Homes & Gardens PHOTO: Amazon If you have branches, mulch, or potting soil to move around your lawn or garden, this cart proved to be a true workhorse when we tested wheelbarrows. The 36 x 20-inch bed has a weight capacity of 600 pounds and can hold up to 4 cubic feet of material. We love that unlike a standard wheelbarrow, it has four wheels—so no more heavy loads that make the cart tip over as you’re trying to move it. The cart’s 10-inch pneumatic tires are big enough to make it over rough terrain, and the quick-release dumping feature makes it easy to unload and functions similarly to a dump truck. You simply unlatch the bed from the frame and lift up on the bed to release the cart’s contents. A padded handle provides extra comfort when you’re pulling heavy loads and tight-turn steering helps you pull it exactly where you want to unload. The tub is rustproof so you don’t have to worry about leaving it outside in the elements.   Assembling the cart took just over an hour. Although the instructions were clear and provided helpful illustrations, there were some misaligned plastic holes and the sizing for the nuts wasn’t listed, so we had to try quite a few tools before finding the right size.  Product Details: Material: Steel frame, poly bed | Size: 20 x 19.5 x 38.7 inches | Weight: 31.5 pounds The single-handle design may cause more strain, especially if pulling heavy objects. PHOTO: Better Homes & Gardens The gold lever releases the cart's tub backwards, dumping out the contents. PHOTO: Better Homes & Gardens Other Gardening Tools We Recommend PHOTO: A.M. Leonard Why You Should Get It This soil knife is sturdy and durable and can help you with cutting roots and twine, planting, and measuring. This soil knife is a multifunctional tool that may soon become your favorite tool in your collection. It features a serrated edge, as well as a slicing edge so you can use it for a variety of tasks around the garden. The serrated edge works especially well for cutting through tough roots. The 6-inch blade includes a notch to help you cut twine or plant ties, and it features measurement markings to ensure you plant spring bulbs at the correct depth. The blade is made of high-quality stainless steel to ensure it will stand up to the elements as well as all your chores.  We also love that the knife features a bright orange plastic handle to make it easy to spot if you accidentally lay it down in the garden or in grass. The molded grip on the composite handle ensures it’s comfortable to hold for long periods of time.  This sturdy knife promises to last for many years; it comes with a lifetime warranty and the manufacturer says that it withstands more than 300 pounds of pressure. The notch for cutting twine is a handy feature, although you may want to wear gardening gloves to avoid any accidents.  Product Details: Material: Stainless steel | Size: 1.75 x 0.75 x 11.75 inches | Weight: 9.1 ounces PHOTO: Amazon This weeding tool was originally invented in 1913, but it stopped being produced in 1941 so that all available metals could be put to the war effort. Luckily for us, the tool was rediscovered in 1999 and is now being produced and sold again. To use this simple tool, you just center the fork over the weed, press it into the ground, and then lean on the handle to remove the weed. This system lets you weed without hurting your back or knees, and it’s an easy way to remove dandelions and other weeds, roots and all.  The weeder works in all soil types, but it is easiest to use after a good rain or after watering since you need to be able to push it into the ground. The head was redesigned in 1999 to make it stronger, and the bamboo handle ensures it will be long lasting. Weighing just 3 pounds, it’s easy for most people to hold and use, but we recommend working the ground after watering or a rainstorm for looser soil. If you want to control weeds without using chemicals, this is a handy tool to have in your toolbox. Product Details: Material: Bamboo and powder-coated steel | Size: 46 x 8 x 1.5 inches | Weight: 3 pounds PHOTO: Amazon When it comes to these hardworking bypass pruners, Felco seems to have carefully thought through every detail of the design to ensure many years of use, making the pruners worth the price.  With a 1-inch cutting capacity, these pruning shears are great for trimming rose bushes and woody perennials. The Anvil blade features a sap groove to prevent sticking. The cutting blade with a soft wire cutter is replaceable if needed, ensuring you can keep using these bypass pruners long into the future. The bolt and nut are easily adjustable so you can customize blade alignment if you wish. Forged aluminum handles are strong but lightweight; they’re covered with a red plastic coating to add comfort and help make sure you don’t lose the pruners in the garden. A rubber cushion with a shock absorber where the blades come together helps reduce the strain on your wrists as you work.  Product Details: Material: Steel and rubber | Size: 9.25 x 4 x 1 inches | Weight: 8.8 ounces PHOTO: Amazon Made of heavy-duty 16-gauge stainless steel, the Wilcox All-Pro hand trowel is nearly unbreakable and won’t even bend if you hit a strong root. Yet, it’s lightweight, so it’s comfortable to use for long periods of time.  This model is 10 inches long, but a variety of lengths are available, from 9 to 22 inches. The fine point on the 10-inch trowel is more precise than other models in this line and many other trowels on the market, which makes it a good choice when weeding or digging around existing plants. It works especially well for tending to sedums and sempervivums, both of which have shallow roots and need to be carefully lifted when transplanting.  A depth gauge (listed in both centimeters and inches) is stamped on one side to help you determine the correct depth for planting. The plastic handle includes ribbings and grooves to allow for a more comfortable positioning of the hand.   In addition to gardening, the trowel can also come in handy when camping, hiking, and hunting. Really, it’s hard to find anything to complain about with this garden trowel—as an added bonus, it’s even made in the USA.  Product Details: Material: Stainless steel | Size: 10 x 2.5 inches | Weight: 7.2 ounces PHOTO: Amazon Sometimes it can be hard to decide whether to buy a spade or a shovel. The Spear Head spade garden shovel lets you have the best of both garden tools in one. It features a design that lets you dig dirt like a shovel and cut through roots or dig a trench like a spade. Keep in mind, though, that the blade on this tool is smaller than a traditional shovel, so you won’t be able to move as much dirt in one scoop.  The blade on this Spear Head shovel is made of durable carbon manganese steel. The tool comes pre-sharpened, and the epoxy powder coating is designed to wear away around the edges first so the sharpened edge will continuously be revealed and grow sharper as it is used. This shovel/spade features a fiberglass handle that’s both strong and lightweight. The cushioned D-shape grip adds comfort and has UV inhibitors so it will stand up to any kind of weather. Maybe best of all, the tool is designed to reduce effort when digging into heavy, rocky, or compact soils. Product Details: Material: Steel and fiberglass | Size: 40.25 x 8.25 x 1.5 inches | Weight: 3.64 pounds PHOTO: Amazon The Edward Tools hand hoe is a great mini-size hoe to help with precise weeding, moving dirt, and planting in small flower beds or raised vegetable gardens. It’s made of heavy-duty carbon steel so it won’t bend or break, plus the powder-coated finish helps to resist rust. It’s sturdy enough to work well even in hard or rocky soils, although it should be noted that the hoe doesn’t have a sharpened edge so it won’t slice through especially tough roots. The ergonomic rubber grip and anti-skid handle ensures this tool is safe and comfortable to hold, even if you’ll be working for hours in the garden. Although it’s not a large enough hoe for big gardens, it’s a very handy tool to have nearby for small-scale gardening since it’s both lightweight and sturdy. Product Details: Material: Carbon steel, rubber | Size: 13.98 x 4.37 x 2.36 inches | Weight: 9 ounces PHOTO: Amazon Bow rakes are good for loosening or breaking up compacted soil and spreading mulch, compost, and other materials. This rake features super-sharp teeth to dig into any type of soil. The L-shape design of the blades helps them dig deep into the dirt and cut weeds below the soil, making the rake helpful for weeding as well as spreading mulch. If you don’t have a ton of leaves to rake up, this may be the only rake that you need in your yard and garden.  A protective rubber sleeve on the handle helps prevent splintering and makes the rake more comfortable to hold for long work sessions. A riveted socket helps prevent the head from separating from the handle. This rake has a 54-inch handle, which works well for most gardeners, and it’s lightweight, weighing only 2.84 pounds. The handle is made of fiberglass, a material that’s both strong and lightweight, while the blades are made from carbon steel with a chip-resistant coating for strength and durability. Keep in mind that the handle is smaller in diameter than a traditional rake, which might not be everyone’s preference. Product Details: Material: Fiberglass and carbon steel | Size: 59.5 x 14 x 3 inches | Weight: 2.84 pounds PHOTO: Amazon Why You Should Get It This hand cultivator is strong and built to last for many years; since it’s lightweight and features an ergonomic handle, it’s easy to use, too.  A hand cultivator is a great tool for aerating the soil, weeding, and breaking up the ground before planting. And the DeWit tine cultivator is strong enough for your toughest jobs (and any soil type), thanks to thick steel tines with sharpened tips that can easily cut through the soil. The ergonomic P-grip handle is flexible enough to allow it to bend a little without breaking; its design helps increase leverage and decrease the stress on your hands and wrists. Plus, its design allows you to use it with one hand or two as needed.  It’s made from hardened boron steel that has been heat-treated to add extra strength. The handle is made from ash wood that is harvested from environmentally responsible FSC-certified forests. And although the handle and tines are very strong, the tool is lightweight, so it’s easy to use for an extended time. The longer-than-average handle gives you a little extra reach to tackle hard-to-access spots, although that can also make it feel a bit bulky when working in tight spots.  Product Details: Material: Steel and ash wood | Size: 16.5 x 4.5 x 4.5 inches | Weight: 9.6 ounces PHOTO: Amazon If you’re a beginning gardener, you may think you don’t need a kneeling pad, but experienced gardeners know that it’s essential to have nearby for keeping you comfortable while you work. This 1.5-inch kneeling pad is extra thick to provide maximum comfort while you’re kneeling to weed or plant. It’s made of durable high-density foam that will contour to your knees and won’t break down or compress over time.  At 17.5 x 11 inches (larger than many other kneeling pads available), this model is large enough to give you plenty of room to spread out, so you don’t cramp up while kneeling. The pad is dirt- and water-resistant, so it can stand up to rocks or gravel and can be used on damp ground. A built-in handle makes it easy to carry it around the yard as you work. An added bonus: this kneeling pad is available in a wide range of colors, so you can have a little fun and pick your favorite hue. Product Details: Material: Foam | Size: 17.5 x 11 x 1.5 in | Weight: 0.75 pounds PHOTO: Amazon To help hold all your tools as you work through your garden, we love the Case4Life garden tool pouch. The green canvas waist belt is adjustable and easily clips around your waist so you can have easy access to your commonly used garden tools.  What stands out about this tool belt is the four pockets that are specifically designed for garden tools and accessories such as gardening gloves, seed packets, and pruning shears. It also has a larger pocket with a zipper to secure items, and it has a loop at the bottom of the bag for a hammer or other tools.  At just 5.3 ounces, it’s lightweight and won’t feel too heavy once you add your tools. It’s durably constructed to last for years, and it even comes with a three-year warranty. Our only complaint is that we wish there were more color options to complement the bright and cheerful feeling of gardening. At the time of publishing, it’s only available in a forest green hue.  Product Details: Material: Canvas and mesh | Size: 9.06x11.02 inches | Weight: 5.3 ounces PHOTO: Amazon The Grace & August garden apron features a generous pocket for harvesting vegetables and smart features that make it comfortable for a range of people to wear.  Available in purple and blue, this apron is made of cotton canvas with a water-resistant lining. The apron features a top bib pocket that, at 21 inches wide and 14 inches deep, is plenty big enough to hold a trowel or weeding tool. The large bottom kangaroo-style pocket is designed with clips at the bottom so you can easily open the bottom of the pocket to unload your harvest or dispose of weeds you’ve pulled.  We like the fact that the apron is designed with shoulder straps rather than hanging around your neck. The adjustable crossover back straps help distribute the weight more evenly, and a waist tie helps you get the right fit. It may not have as many pockets as some gardeners would prefer, but we love the fact that we can wipe the dirt on this apron and then just throw it in the washing machine when we finish our gardening chores.  Product Details: Material: Cotton canvas | Size: 27 x 34 inches | Weight: Not listed The Bottom Line The A.M. Leonard soil knife can help you cut roots, twine, and more while gardening, and you can carry it around in a tool pouch, like the Case4Life garden tool pouch. The Grampa’s Weeder is an essential for removing weeds in your lawn and garden, and you can use the Gorilla utility cart to move mulch, bricks, potted plants, and more. Better Homes & Gardens What to Know About Gardening Tools Before Shopping Material The best gardening tools are made with durable materials that will stand up to all the hard work you do in your garden. “Wood handles and steel blades are always a good way to go,” Hughes says. “Wood handles maintain a moderate temperature in heat and cold, making them more comfortable in your hands.”  Garden tool handles can also be made out of fiberglass, which is lightweight but strong, and aluminum, which is lightweight but prone to bending. Miller recommends staying away from tools with plastic handles. “Plastic breaks down easily, except ironically in landfills, where it will linger for generations, leaching harmful chemicals into our environment,” she says.  Size The best tools for someone tall may be different than those for someone shorter in stature. Make sure you consider handle length to make sure the tool will work for your height. Consider purchasing a tool with a telescoping handle if you have people of different heights who will be using the same tool.  In general, short-handled tools work for close-up work and long-handled tools are better for covering a lot of ground in a larger garden. A pair of loppers, for example, allow you to reach higher to trim thick branches. If you only have a small garden or container garden, short-handled tools may be all you need. But for larger gardens, you’ll likely need both short-handled and long-handled tools.  Weight Consider your physical abilities and limitations when choosing between tools of different weights. Remember, the best option for you might be different than what’s best for someone else.  In general, you want the gardening tool to have a little heft to it to ensure it’s sturdy and will stand up to heavy-duty use, but lighter is generally better. Remember, the tool will no doubt feel heavier after you have been using it awhile, or when it is scooping up dirt. “The best thing you can do is pick up and hold garden tools in your hand prior to purchasing,” Miller says. “If you can’t lift the shovel in the store aisle, you definitely won’t be able to lift it loaded with soil.”  Your Questions, Answered How do you clean gardening tools?  Gardening tools should ideally be cleaned after every use and then given a more thorough cleaning at the end of the gardening season. “First, blast them with a garden hose to pressure wash the dirt off,” Miller says. (You can also use a putty knife to scrape off any stuck-on mud.)  Next, it’s a good idea to disinfect your tools to prevent spreading bacteria and fungi. Dissolve a bleach tablet in a 5-gallon bucket and soak your tools, Miller suggests, or use a gentler, 50/50 mixture of vinegar and water. Wipe tools dry and use a few drops of WD-40 or food-grade oil on blades and joints to prevent rust.  How do you sharpen gardening tools?  Plan to sharpen gardening tools, such as high-quality spades, trowels, and hoes, at least once a year. Before sharpening any tool, clean it first with a wire brush or steel pad to remove built-up dirt and rust. Then, lock the tool into a vise or hold it still with a clamp and move a mill file along the edge of the blade to sharpen. You can use sandpaper to remove any rust on the blade and lightly coat the blade with machine oil.   What is the best way to store gardening tools?  Even the best gardening tools need to be stored inside to prolong their life and keep them in good shape. “Store tools in a dry area and ideally in an area with moderate temperatures,” Hughes says. Plan to keep them in an outdoor shed, garage, or barn for the winter; keep them off the ground and away from rain, snow, and UV exposure from the sun.  Who We Are Renee Freemon Mulvihill is a writer, specializing in home and garden topics. To write this article, she spent hours online researching various garden tools (and dreaming about what she would like to have for her own garden). She also talked to Tom Hughes, owner of Hughes Nursery and Landscape, and Lindsay Miller, a horticultural writer from Gardener’s Supply Company, to get their tips and advice about choosing and caring for gardening tools.  Brandi Fuller has been a shopping editor for Better Homes & Gardens since September 2022. She specializes in outdoor, pest control, gardening, and wildlife products. She analyzed results and feedback from our outdoor products and garden tools testings to recommend the best gardening tools. Source link

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Agriculture Films Market Key Highlights and Future Opportunities Till 2035

The new market research report titled ‘Agriculture Films Market’, published by Roots Analysis offers a comprehensive study of the global market, while estimating the overall market size and the size and share of the key regional segments of the global market over historical period, as well as the projected timeline of 2025-2035.

The global agriculture films market size is projected to grow from USD 13.96 billion in 2025 to USD 29.30 billion by 2035, representing a CAGR of 7.69%, during the forecast period till 2035. The anticipated market growth is accredited to the significant surge in demand across the regional and global markets for the products and services offered by the Agriculture Films industry.

The latest study provides readers with a granular analysis of the major developmental elements of the global market, potential business avenues, and the overall market dynamics. The report has been specially curated to offer a deep understanding of the competitive terrain of the global market, highlighting the leading market rivals, their market positions, product portfolios, gross revenue shares, profit margins, pricing analysis, sales network & distribution channels, and financial standing.

Type of Material

EVA/EBA

HDPE

LDPE

LLDPE

Reclaims

Type of Application

Greenhouse

Mulching

Silage

Type of Functionality

Anti-Fog Films

Thermal Films

UV Protection Films

Type of Thickness

Medium Films

Thick Films

Thin Films

Geographical Regions

North America

US

Canada

Mexico

Other North American countries

Europe

Austria

Belgium

Denmark

France

Germany

Ireland

Italy

Netherlands

Norway

Russia

Spain

Sweden

Switzerland

UK

Other European countries

Asia

China

India

Japan

Singapore

South Korea

Other Asian countries

Latin America

Brazil

Chile

Colombia

Venezuela

Other Latin American countries

Middle East and North Africa

Egypt

Iran

Iraq

Israel

Kuwait

Saudi Arabia

UAE

Other MENA countries

Rest of the World

Australia

New Zealand

Other countries

Leading Market Players

Armando Alvarez

Barbier

BASF

Berry Global

Coveris

Dow

Exxon Mobil

Kuraray

Novamont

Plastika Kritis

Rani

RKW

Sigma Plastics

Trioworld

The latest research report specializes in the in-depth analysis of the macroeconomic and microeconomic factors affecting the Agriculture Films Market development. The report also concentrates on the regulatory framework that is shaping the future of the global market. New and existing pricing structures, emerging application areas, and upcoming investment opportunities have also been detailed in the report. The report further studies the projected growth factors that are expected to influence the market dynamics over the forecast timeframe.

The study is inclusive of a comprehensive analysis of the commonly used marketing and promotional strategies adopted by the key market players. Taking into account the existing market development factors, historical events, and recent market trends, the study presents a balanced opinion on the future scenario of the Agriculture Films Market. It thus supports its opinion by discussing the key corporate strategies, such as mergers & acquisitions, takeovers, joint ventures, and strategic alliances, used by the market players to strengthen their global footprint.

Research Methodology

Our analysts have performed an accurate examination of the various aspects of the global market leveraging avant-garde primary and secondary sources of data collection. The report has gathered the necessary data and information from several reliable sources. Additionally, the report offers many strategic recommendations for companies involved in this ever-growing business sector to help them attain a competitive edge in the Agriculture Films Market.

Thank you for reading our report. Kindly get in touch with us to know more about the report or to receive a customized copy of it. Our team will ensure the report is tailored according to your sales@rootsanalysis.com.

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Mulch Films Market Size Share and Demand Analysis to 2033

Introduction

Mulch films are specialized plastic or biodegradable sheets spread over soil in agricultural fields to regulate temperature, conserve moisture, suppress weed growth, and enhance crop yield. As global agriculture transitions toward more efficient and sustainable practices, mulch films have emerged as a vital component in modern farming. These films are particularly useful in vegetable, fruit, and flower cultivation, providing both agronomic benefits and economic returns.

The global mulch films market is experiencing steady growth due to expanding agricultural activities, growing demand for higher crop yields, and increasing awareness about sustainable farming practices. Additionally, innovations in biodegradable and photodegradable mulch films are helping farmers adopt environmentally friendly solutions.

Market Overview

The global mulch films market was valued at approximately USD 4.8 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach around USD 7.5 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 5.2% during the forecast period. The rise in demand for food due to a growing global population and the need for improved agricultural productivity are major drivers of market expansion.

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Key Market Drivers

1. Rising Food Demand and Agricultural Intensification

As the global population approaches 9 billion by 2050, there is an urgent need to increase food production. Farmers are turning to innovative techniques like plasticulture to boost yield and efficiency. Mulch films help optimize soil conditions, allowing for better crop health and output.

2. Water Conservation in Arid and Semi-Arid Regions

Mulch films are highly effective in conserving soil moisture by reducing evaporation. In water-scarce regions such as the Middle East, Africa, and parts of Asia, mulch film adoption is crucial for minimizing irrigation needs and increasing drought resistance in crops.

3. Government Support and Subsidies

Governments across developing economies like India and China are promoting the use of mulch films to enhance agricultural productivity. Subsidies, awareness campaigns, and agricultural extension services are contributing to increased adoption.

4. Increasing Adoption of Sustainable Farming Practices

With rising environmental concerns, biodegradable mulch films are gaining traction. These films reduce plastic waste and eliminate the need for post-harvest collection and disposal, making them appealing to environmentally conscious farmers and regulators.

Market Challenges

1. Environmental Concerns with Plastic Mulch

Conventional polyethylene mulch films are not biodegradable and contribute to plastic pollution. Their disposal post-harvest is a major concern, particularly in regions with limited waste management infrastructure.

2. High Cost of Biodegradable Alternatives

Although eco-friendly mulch films are gaining popularity, their higher cost compared to conventional plastic mulch limits adoption, especially among smallholder farmers.

3. Fluctuating Raw Material Prices

The mulch film market is dependent on petrochemical derivatives such as LDPE and LLDPE. Volatility in crude oil prices can directly affect production costs and market stability.

4. Limited Awareness in Some Regions

In low-income and rural areas, farmers may lack awareness about the benefits of mulch films or access to the technology, limiting potential market growth.

Market Segmentation

By Type:

Clear/Transparent Mulch Films: Allow sunlight to pass through; ideal for early-season crops in cold climates.

Black Mulch Films: Effective in suppressing weed growth and maintaining soil warmth.

Colored Mulch Films: Includes red, silver, and blue variants, each with unique light reflection and pest control properties.

Biodegradable Mulch Films: Environmentally friendly, typically made from starch-based materials.

By Material:

Polyethylene (PE): The most commonly used, includes LDPE and LLDPE.

Polypropylene (PP)

Polylactic Acid (PLA)

Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA)

By Crop Type:

Vegetables (tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers)

Fruits (strawberries, melons, grapes)

Flowers & Ornamental Plants

Grains & Oilseeds

Others (tobacco, cotton)

By Application:

Open Field Farming

Greenhouses

By Region:

North America

Europe

Asia-Pacific

Latin America

Middle East & Africa

Regional Insights

Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific dominates the mulch films market, accounting for over 60% of global consumption. China and India are major markets due to their large agricultural sectors and favorable government initiatives. The region is also a hotbed for innovation in biodegradable films.

North America

North America is a mature market with advanced farming infrastructure. The U.S. is the primary consumer, with increasing interest in sustainable farming and organic agriculture. Biodegradable and colored films are witnessing growing demand.

Europe

Europe has a strong regulatory framework promoting environmental sustainability. As such, the region has seen significant growth in biodegradable mulch films, supported by EU policies and green farming incentives.

Latin America

Countries like Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina are witnessing increasing adoption of mulch films in horticulture and greenhouse farming. The region offers untapped opportunities for both plastic and biodegradable film producers.

Middle East & Africa

Although currently a smaller market, MEA is poised for growth due to expanding agriculture in arid areas. Mulch films are used extensively for water conservation and temperature regulation in crop production.

Competitive Landscape

The mulch films market is moderately consolidated, with key players focusing on R&D, product innovation, and regional expansion. Major companies include:

BASF SE

Berry Global Inc.

The Dow Chemical Company

RKW Group

AEP Industries Inc.

British Polythene Industries PLC

Ginegar Plastic Products Ltd.

Kingfa Sci. & Tech. Co. Ltd.

Ab Rani Plast Oy

Armando Alvarez Group

These companies are investing in bio-based polymers and high-performance films to meet evolving consumer and regulatory demands.

Recent Developments

2023: BASF introduced a new generation of compostable mulch films designed to degrade in soil within 6 months.

Berry Global expanded its line of colored mulch films in Latin America for specialty crop farming.

Ginegar announced a partnership with Israeli agritech firms to develop smart mulch films that integrate with IoT soil sensors.

Future Outlook

Looking ahead to 2032, the mulch films market is expected to transform significantly:

1. Shift Toward Sustainability

Biodegradable films will gain market share as global plastic regulations tighten. Innovation in raw materials and cost reductions will make these films more accessible to farmers worldwide.

2. Integration with Precision Agriculture

Future mulch films may be embedded with smart technologies—such as moisture indicators or pest repellents—to support precision farming practices.

3. Expansion in Emerging Markets

Africa and Southeast Asia represent high-growth regions, where government support and international development programs will encourage mulch film adoption.

4. Customization for Specific Crops and Climates

Advancements in formulation will enable the development of crop-specific films with enhanced UV resistance, color coding, and water permeability suited for varying agro-climatic zones.

Conclusion

The mulch films market stands at the intersection of agriculture and sustainability. As global food demand rises and environmental awareness grows, mulch films are becoming essential tools in modern farming. From improving crop yields to conserving water and reducing chemical use, the benefits of mulch films are multifaceted.

While environmental challenges associated with plastic waste remain, innovations in biodegradable and sustainable materials are paving the way for a greener future. Companies that can provide cost-effective, high-performance, and eco-friendly solutions will lead the mulch films market toward a promising and productive 2032.

Read Full Report:-https://www.uniprismmarketresearch.com/verticals/agriculture/mulch-films.html