Sometimes a gardener just needs the right tools for the right job. Summer gardening is tough enough, so make the job easier with these tools. These tools are the must have tools for summer gardening to help beat the heat, fight the weeds, and water efficiently.
Watering Tools for Garden Moisture
Soaker hose or irrigation system – For water-hungry plants like you commonly have in your vegetable garden, try installing a soaker hose or irrigation system under your mulch. Applying the water directly to the ground means less disease for your plants, and less pressure on your water bill!
Garden mulch – It should be common knowledge by now that a thick layer of mulch around your vegetable and flower beds will help preserve water and decrease the heat stress of your plants during the summer.
Earth Box or Self-Watering Containers – I’ve tried three different brands of self-watering containers and the Earth Box container is one of my favorite. It’s the only one still performing well and holding up nicely through three full growing seasons.
Weed and Pest Control Tools
Weed Aside or Organic Weed Control Sprays – These sprays work because of a higher acidity level, sometimes mixed with strong essential oils like clove or cinnamon oil. Be sure not to get any on your skin or on other plants in your garden. They should be applied directly to the weed plant on a calm day (be sure to follow label directions).
Scuffle Hoe – A scuffle hoe is fabulous for getting between your beloved plants and taking the tops off perennial weeds before they get a chance to really get going. We prefer a scuffle hoe because of the triangle shape which gives us three sharp edges to work with. Don’t swing these hoes wildly about your garden, rather slide them along the dirt to chop the tops off persistent weeds. Here’s a tip – get one with a long handle. Your back will thank you.
Weed Barrier Paper or Plastic – Laying down a weed barrier when planting a garden can save you literally hours of work over the course of the next year or two. Many gardeners prefer the black plastic kind, which is usually very inexpensive and easy to work with. Others prefer a barrier paper which will eventually break down and need to be replaced. I prefer a biodegradable, organic weed barrier personally. Whichever you use, be sure that water can easily go through and permeate the soil underneath.
Courtesy of Paul Pod
Heat Protection and Other Gardening Gear
Small Pruners or Shears – Summer is the time when many spring blooming flowers are deadheaded to encourage a new flush of blooms. Never use household scissors for your gardening tasks. Instead, invest in a set of handheld garden shears specifically designed for small herbaceous plants so your cuts will be clean and decrease risk of introducing disease to the plant.
Gardening Hat – There is a reason why large rimmed straw hats are the iconic gardeners’ hats. The loose weave of the straw allows airflow, while the large rim around the hat protects not only our eyes, but also the back of our necks and faces as we work around the summer garden.
Storage and Gardening Organization
No garden is complete without a way to store your tools safely and efficiently. I just reviewed the Rubbermaid Roughneck Gable Garden shed and was very pleased with what you get for the price.
Some tools are so handy for a gardener they are nearly “can’t live without them” in my mind. Your summer garden will thank you for picking up a few of these must-have garden tools!
Very helpful post! First time here and love your blog.