Red Tin Inn: In the Garden Must have Tools

I think that most of us have go to tools. I mean those tools that we always go to, to get the job done.

Here are a few of my go tos for yard clean up and garden maintenance.

My number one : Martha Stewart garden tote bag.

Multi-Purpose Heavy-Duty Garden Tote bag is made from rugged, eco-friendly, rip-resistant woven polypropylene fabric. It will hold 48 gallons has reinforced carry handles, side handles and a bottom handle.

You can order these directly from her web site, Amazon and Home Depot. They make yard clean up so easy!

Number 2: Martha Stewart classic Stainless steel garden set.

Made of stainless steel and light weight. These are great for light weight digging.

These have smaller heads than a traditional shovel making them easier to use in a tight garden space.

These are now hard to find. Look for a border spades , classic garden tools or spades designed for small areas.

Number 3: Wicker basket garden tote

I have two different garden bags. One is for hand tools and the other is smaller and holds scissors and string.

My main basket is actually a magazine organizer that I put scrap wood separators in.

Love the English garden look of this garden tote and every thing is in view and assessible.

The smaller trellis companion tote has string and wire with snips and scissors. I grab this when I am staking plants or tying up vines . It is a repurposed cutlery basket and the perfect size.

Both of these baskets are thrift store purchases and were so much less expensive then buying a basket garden tote. If you are not a thrifter or have scrap wood laying around you can start at amazon with a price point of 35.00

Number 4: Japanese Stainless Hori Knife W/7.5" Blade, Steel Hilt

I actually use this handy tool a lot. Serrated edge nice point and depth measurements.

a price point on this (a 7 inch knife with sheath and sharpening stone) on Amazon is around 22 bucks. This is a MS and is currently 39.00 it has a 7.5 inch blade and steel hilt. Also it has a sheath that I put on a leather belt with a set of secateurs. On a heavy garden day I will have the belt on. Everything at reach.

Number 5: Hula Hoe it was my Grandfathers.

This weeder glides under the soil cutting the tops off of weed starts. It is quick and uses very little effort. It has a lot of hours on it. A great tool.

You can find one today for around 20.00

Number 6: Triangle Hoe

This one is hard to find. I actually picked this one up at a yard sale many years ago. It is a small head on a log handle. It is great for getting under foliage around plants and for digging trenches. It glides under the soil cutting the tops off of weed starts.

I should clean this tool more often. You can find this on Amazon starting at 59.00

Number 7: Garden Kneeling bench

This one has seen better days. You can flip it over kneel on it and use the side legs to help you up. I use it a lot that way. It also prevents soil compaction by spreading weight over a large surface.

These start around 25.00 and are easy to find.

Number 8: Japanese Weeding Sickle

This is a sharp tool and great for weeding in tight spots. A hand hoe I use it primarily in tight areas around the green house beds. These are easy to find and start around 12 bucks.

Number 9: Small rakes

I have a few small rakes . A few are expandable and have telescoping handles. They are great in tight spaces and pick up small debris easily. This is actually a child's rake made of metal and I use it a good bit. Easily found any where garden tools are sold.

Number10: Vintage enamel pots as scoops.

These work great for scooping potting soil. Are pretty tough and can be found at most thrift stores.

Number 11: Large vintage 55 gal. galvanized garbage can.

Large storage container for the large amount of potting soil I keep in my green house.

Number 12: assortment of garden hand tools

These are incredibly utilitarian and necessary. I make sure to get contoured soft grips with bright colors. The soft grip in easy on the hands and the bright color easy on the eyes...to find them in the garden.

Easily found any where garden tools are sold.

Number 13: Garden hat

Although the sun has therapeutic qualities it can also be rough on your face especially if you have rosacea so I pair up that sun screen with a wide brimmed hat.

Easily found any where garden tools are sold.

Number 14: Garden bed edger.

I have a few garden beds that have natural edges this is a great tool to cut in that edge.

Easily found any where garden tools are sold.

Number 15: Alcohol preps

Before you use your secateurs you need to clean the blades. Alcohol will kill most fungus and disease that plants carry. If you are trimming roses clean your blade before you move to the next plant.

Easily found .