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19 Basic Garden Tools Names and Uses with Pictures

Gardening is a popular hobby around the world. Countries that enjoy gardening include, but are not limited to, Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Canada, China, Japan, Germany, Netherlands, the UK, and the USA. A lot of people love gardening because it gives them a chance to connect with nature, relieve stress, relax, and become creative. However, a beautiful garden can’t be made just with your bare hands, it requires at least a few basic garden tools.

Just like cooking or baking, gardening also requires an initial investment in purchasing garden tools. The size of the investment depends on the garden size. If you have a huge backyard, you’ll probably need more garden equipment compared to people who cultivate gardens in a limited space, like balconies, shelves, or windowsills. This article will go over the essential gardening tools to give you an idea of what kinds of equipment are out there.

Garden Tools Names and Uses

Among all the gardening tools, we listed the most essential tools and explained their uses with pictures.

Boots

Garden boots are sturdy, waterproof footwear worn by gardeners to protect their feet while working in the garden. These boots help keep feet dry and provide traction in muddy or wet conditions. Types of garden boots include rubber rain boots and waterproof work boots designed specifically for gardening tasks.

A wheelbarrow is a helpful tool in gardening used for carrying soil, plants, or other heavy items. It has one wheel and handles, allowing gardeners to easily transport materials across the garden. There are also two-wheeled models with a deep basin for holding dirt, plants, or tools.

A watering can is a container with a spout used in gardening to water plants. Gardeners fill the can with water and then pour it gently over their plants to provide the right amount of moisture. Different types of watering cans include those made of plastic, metal, or decorative designs, each designed for easy and controlled watering.

A trowel is a small handheld tool in gardening that looks like a mini shovel with a pointed end. Gardeners use trowels to dig small holes for planting, transplanting seedlings, or removing weeds.

Soil in gardening is the natural material in which plants grow, providing essential nutrients and support. Different types of garden soils include loam, sandy soil, and clay soil. Loam is a balanced mixture of sand, silt, and clay, offering ideal conditions for plant growth; sandy soil drains well, and clay soil retains more moisture.

Shovel

A shovel in gardening is a tool with a broad, flat blade used for digging, lifting, and moving soil. Gardeners use shovels to prepare planting beds, dig holes for plants, and perform various tasks that involve moving or turning soil.

Seeds

A seed is a tiny unit that is capable of turning into a plant. Gardeners plant these seeds in soil, providing them with water, sunlight, and care to facilitate the growth of healthy plants. Different types of garden seeds include flower seeds, vegetable seeds, and herb seeds.

Rake

Rakes in gardening are tools with long handles and tined heads, and they are used for gathering leaves and debris or leveling soil. Gardeners use rakes to maintain a tidy garden, prepare planting beds, and ensure even surfaces in outdoor spaces. Often people use rakes to gather autumn leaves.

Pruning shears

Pruning shears in gardening are handheld cutting tools with sharp blades, designed for trimming and shaping plants. Gardeners use pruning shears to selectively remove branches, stems, or leaves to promote plant health, control growth, and enhance the overall appearance of the garden. It’s a precise and essential tool for maintaining the well-being and aesthetics of various plants.

Lawnmower

Lawnmowers in gardening are machines with rotating blades used to cut and maintain the grass in a yard or garden. Gardeners use lawnmowers by pushing or riding them over the grass, trimming grass to a desired height for a neat and even appearance. Regular mowing helps keep the lawn healthy, controls weed growth, and contributes to an attractive outdoor space.

Hose

A hose in gardening is a flexible tube that carries water from a water source to plants. Gardeners use hoses to water their plants, providing the necessary moisture for growth. Unlike watering cans, hoses are used to cover a larger area and provide a more general watering.

Harvest

In gardening, harvest refers to the act of gathering mature crops or fruits that are ready for consumption or use. Harvesting involves carefully collecting the crop or fruit to get the best quality for consumption or storage.

Shears

In gardening, shears are cutting tools with two long blades used for trimming and shaping hedges, bushes, or grass. They are distinct from pruning shears, which are designed for selectively cutting branches and stems on individual plants. Shears are more suitable for larger, uniform cutting tasks, like shaping bushes, while pruning shears are used for precision pruning on specific plants.

Grass

Grass are those green plants with skinny leaves that cover the ground. People often have them in their yards to make a nice green carpet. To take care of grass, you cut it with a lawnmower, give it water, and make sure the soil is good.

Gloves

Gloves are worn on your hands to protect them while you work with soil, plants, or other garden materials. They shield your hands from dirt, thorns, and cuts, making gardening more comfortable and safer. Wearing gloves also helps keep your hands clean and prevents any potential irritation from certain plants.

Flowerpot

In gardening, flowerpots are containers used to grow plants like flowers or herbs. People fill these pots with soil and then plant seeds or young plants in them. Flowerpots are handy for gardening on balconies, patios, or indoors, allowing you to cultivate plants in a controlled and portable way.

Flower bed

Flower beds are like special gardens where you plant flowers or other plants. They’re areas filled with soil where you arrange and grow different kinds of beautiful plants. Flower beds add colors and patterns to your garden, making it look pretty and well-organized.

Fertilizer

Fertilizers are like plant food that helps plants grow better. People use them by adding small amounts to the soil, and it gives plants the nutrients they need to be healthy and strong. Fertilizers can make flowers bloom more, vegetables grow bigger, and overall make your garden happier.

Fence

A fence is a barrier made of wood, metal, or other materials that goes around the garden. It helps keep unwanted animals out and can also add privacy to your outdoor space. Fences can be both practical and decorative, creating a boundary for your garden.

Garden Tool Name Quiz

How many of the tool names in English do you remember? Leave a comment and let me know!

Garden Tools FAQs

Let’s go over some of the most frequently asked questions about gardening equipment.

What are some gardening tools names?

Some of the common gardening tool names include a shovel, rake, hoe, trowel, pruning shears, wheelbarrow, watering can, garden gloves, garden fork, garden spade, hedge trimmer, lawnmower, garden knife, weeder, soil scoop, garden sprayer, garden caddy, loppers, garden twine, and bulb planter.

What is another word for garden?

Another word for “garden” is “yard” or “yard space.” Additionally, synonyms like “green space,” “lawn,” or “grounds” can also be used depending on the context.

What are some professional gardening tools?

Professional gardeners use a range of specialized tools, including professional-grade pruning shears, soil knives, professional pruners, garden forks (broadforks), and professional-grade shovels.

 

Where can I buy garden tools?

In Canada, you can buy garden supplies from Home Depot, Canadian Tire, Walmart, and Roma. In the USA, you can buy garden equipment from Lowe’s, Tractor Supply, and Target.

What are some digging tool names?

Digging tools include a shovel, spade, trowel, garden fork, mattock, post hole digger, auger, hand auger, bulb planter, hori hori knife, soil knife, dibble tool, hand rake, hoe, and hand cultivator.

What are things you find in a garden?

In a garden, you can find a variety of plants, including flowers, shrubs, trees, vegetables, and herbs. Pathways offer access, and garden tools like shovels and watering cans aid in cultivation. Decorative elements such as statues or birdhouses add aesthetic appeal, and seating provides a space for relaxation. You can also find insects and wildlife contributing to the garden ecosystem.

Garden tools names list

Garden Tools Names and Uses: Join the Conversation

What is your favourite gardening tool and why? Let us know in the comments. We’d love to hear from you.

About Jackie

Jackie Bolen has been teaching English for more than 20 years to students in South Korea and Canada. She's taught all ages, levels and kinds of TEFL classes. She holds an MA degree, along with the Celta and Delta English teaching certifications.

Jackie is the author of more than 100 books for English teachers and English learners, including 101 ESL Activities for Teenagers and Adults, Great Debates for ESL/EFL, and 1001 English Expressions and Phrases. She loves to share her ESL games, activities, teaching tips, and more with other teachers throughout the world.

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