Need Tool Recommendations

[tm_31]

I am starting a 4x8 raised bed vegetable garden, and I am planning on growing radishes, kale, lettuce, and spinach. What tools would I need to uphold my garden, and where is the best place to buy them from?

 

[DirtMechanic]

There are garden tool sets on amazon, and I imagine the garage sale websites like ebay and craigslist or marketplace may have this and that as well.

 

[tm_31]

There are garden tool sets on amazon, and I imagine the garage sale websites like ebay and craigslist or marketplace may have this and that as well.

Ill check them out, thanks!

 

[SeniorCitizen]

DirtMechanic mentioned good choices and often for best quality and cost, if available a local flea market etc. where old tools of good quality are sometimes found. The gardening Trowel would be a first if I were choosing. Fiskars has a set of 3 and Fiskars may be a little more expensive but better quality that the one i pitched in the recycle bin a few days ago that bent easily like a soup can lid.

I'll never find one better that the one pictured that belonged to the wife's grandmother. I did make a new Bodark wood handle for it a few years ago, so if left outdoors again by mistake the handle will still be good for another hundred years.

 

[SeniorCitizen]

DirtMechanic mentioned good choices and often for best quality and cost, if available a local flea market etc. where old tools of good quality are sometimes found. The gardening Trowel would be a first if I were choosing. Fiskars has a set of 3 and Fiskars may be a little more expensive but better quality that the one i pitched in the recycle bin a few days ago that bent easily like a soup can lid.

I'll never find one better that the one pictured that belonged to the wife's grandmother. I did make a new Bodark wood handle for it a few years ago, so if left outdoors again by mistake the handle will still be good for another hundred years.

One never knows, they may find a stainless steel trowel like made probably 30 years ago guaranteed to last a few generations. I use both because they have slightly different profiles.

 

[DirtMechanic]

My favorite scratcher

 

[UrbanWild]

A garden knife...absolutely a garden knife. Several are on amazon. I find it to be the most used tool for years.

And for long handled tools, I prefer wood handles. The design on many non-wooden handles means you can"t replace a handle. Trust me....fiberglass and plastic handles both can break. But then...I have even bent one of these:

60 in. Pinch Point Bar

Amazing deals on this 60In Pinch Point Bar at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

 

[DirtMechanic]

I need a garden knife. Or maybe a long sharpened trowel. Any recommendations?

 

[Jewell]

A hori hori is my favorite garden tool.

 

[UrbanWild]

I need a garden knife. Or maybe a long sharpened trowel. Any recommendations?

I'll take a picture of the one's I have. I don't think anyone carries them anymore. I like the one serrrated edge, measuring tool on the blade, and stout construction. I've been using them about 6 years now. Can't remember what I did before. I can even use the serrated edge like a chopping blade cutting down banana trees before a frost in the fall. I'll post pics next time.

 

[Mike Allen]

Hey Dirt Mechanic.
Some back scratcher that

 

[DirtMechanic]

Hey Dirt Mechanic.
Some back scratcher that

My wife's Father passed that along in his Estate. I understand why he liked it. I have found one similiar, but the widthe of tine seems greater and the length more apt to pull you under a bush. Dewit makes other interesting tools as well.

 

[UrbanWild]

Here are the garden knives we have. We have been using them daily for 5-6 years now. I think they came from Menards but that might be wrong.

 

[DirtMechanic]

I picked up this Fiskars knife at Home Depot. Used it for planting cowhorn and chili pepper plants and some 3 odd butterfly fly bushes DW wanted near the garden today. Good for opening roots up, as well cutting containers.

 

[DirtMechanic]

I picked up this Fiskars knife at Home Depot. Used it for planting cowhorn and chili pepper plants and some 3 odd butterfly fly bushes DW wanted near the garden today. Good for opening roots up, as well cutting containers.

Whups thought it posted

 

[mgmine]

With 32 sq ft. you don't need much. A shovel, rake, and maybe a weed puller. You can buy all sorts of fancy stuff but if you go to a few garage sales you will be able to find the fancy stuff in almost new condition plus the shovel and rake which will be well worn. Pay attention to the soil more than the tools. Without good soil and nutrition, you won't need tools because you won't have much of a crop.

 

[DirtMechanic]

Must include Japanese knives in your list for gardening tools.

Why?

 

[DirtMechanic]

In your tools for gardening, you always need sharp tools. That's why I am recommending it.

And gloves then, as well.

 

[Oliver Buckle]

On a small plot like that, and with a raised bed, I would probably use an onion hoe quite a bit to take out weeds. Small fork and trowel sets are pretty common, but it is worth checking how the blade attaches to the handle, that seems to be the place they usually go. Check out the pictures above, the trowel that belonged to someones grandparent has a good solid bar welded to the blade, watch out for the blade shaped to fit the handle, often cheap, thin metal, and the blade attached by a couple of quick spot welds. You could probably get by never using a full size fork and spade.

 

[DirtMechanic]

what type of clay are you using for your garden?

Ultisol. Udult series. We had 6 inches of rain last week in one day. I think we manage 60+ inches annually. It leaches every liming agent out and leaves an acid clay capable of aluminum solvent toxicity. Red like the girl of your dreams from the iron ore.