Top Gardening Tools for Frugal Gardeners

It’s that time of the year again when you throw out used gardening tools and start shopping for gifts for that special someone – or else they’ll stop talking to you. Even if you’re painfully stingy like the Grinch, there’s no reason to forsake your own gardening tools. 

In the past, farmers would ply their fields with a few rough-hewn tools. Today, there is a wide cadre of tools, some exceedingly expensive, that facilitate the gardening process. However, you do not need to spend a lot of money to get the job done. 

Here are the top gardening tools for budget-conscious gardeners who don’t want to break the bank. 

1. Hori Hori Knife

With a hori hori knife, you’ll feel like an assassin in the garden – a multi-use blade that can dispense with those irksome tools that routinely get in the way, such as a trowel or a weeder. While it won’t fully replace a rake or shovel, it is well suited for precision tasks that are time-sensitive. During the growing season, it sets to work by attacking unruly weeds with its serrated blade. Sought after for its versatility, it can also be used to scoop up dirt, repot plants, and cut away diseased growth. 

2. Garden Tool Box

One pain point for gardeners is finding a spot to keep all their gardening tools and supplies without trekking to a neglected shed that’s likely in a shambolic state of disrepair. Designed to be securely attached to Vego raised beds, this garden tool box allows you to access all your tools with ease, thanks to its conveniently hinged lid and secure design. Now you can tend to your plants anytime, and you won’t have to worry about grappling with opening and closing the lid. 

3. Magnetic Plant Tag 

Gardeners who scatter their seeds haphazardly and don’t know the definition of a “plant tag” tend to rely on their memory instead. It’s understandable why they don’t want to label their plants – the amount of time it takes to create the label, attach it, and replace it is not desirable. But after confusing mint for basil one too many times, it’s probably time to invest in a set of magnetic plant tags. Lightweight, durable, and weatherproof, these tags, aligned with the curvature of Vego raised beds, will help you remember your plants’ names and give them the appropriate care.

4. Compost Fork 

Gardeners who compost encounter a slew of obstacles along the way, including loathsome odors, pests, and an understandable lack of motivation to turn the pile. Many of those problems can be solved through a combination of tools, including a worm composter and compost fork. Unlike heavy metal forks that are prone to rust, this compost fork is made from strong, lightweight plastic that resists cracks, warping, and wear over time. It is durable enough to handle heavy compost and can also be used for everyday tasks, such as digging in soft soil or loosening soil around plants.

5. Rake       

Rakes are one of those generic tools that nobody likes, yet they remain essential. Gardeners should ideally have two types: a garden (or bow) rake and a leaf rake. Rakes are important for several key gardening tasks, including preparing soil by loosening compaction, leveling the ground, and clearing debris like leaves and twigs from lawns and beds. 

6. Pruning Shears     

Pruning is something that is feared to the maximum, so when it comes to pruners, it’s important to have a comfortable pruner. There are two common types: bypass pruners are designed for pruning live plants, and anvil pruners are more heavy-duty and used to lop off dead or diseased growth. The Gonicc Bypass Pruner is a great-value pick that can accomplish a variety of tasks. Gardeners with small hands report ease of use with the Okatsune 101 pruner.

7. Gardening Gloves 

Gardening can easily become a nightmarish endeavor should some mishap befall you, like a nasty, careless wound from a bed of thorns. This is why gloves are important. Designed for warmth and protection, this elbow-length glove, ideal for pruning garden roses, can also be used to cut back branches or plants in the winter. Unlike other gloves that may feel uncomfortable on the skin, its suede cuffs are soft and puncture-resistant, providing an enjoyable experience. In general, gardening gloves should emphasize comfort, fit well, and be made of breathable fabric. 

8. Garden Hose with Adjustable Nozzle

Watering is admittedly one of the more relaxing tasks in the garden, though there’s always the possibility of a tangled hose. You’ll be glad to not trip over the hose anymore with Vego’s 9-Pattern Spray Nozzle, which contains enough options to cover everything from watering delicate plants to tackling robust cleaning jobs.

9. Seed Starting Kit

The tenuous process of starting from seed doesn’t always appeal to everyone, but for the economic gardener, it is a salient way to grow crops. Starting your plants from seed can save you a lot of money compared to buying transplants. In addition, you’re afforded greater variety, including rare cultivars or heirlooms. A seed-starting kit can be found online under $30 – look for sales. Repurpose items like egg cartons or plastic yogurt cups as makeshift seed-starting containers to save even more.