So here they are - my most favorite, most used and most loved gardening tools. I pretty much use them all the time - mostly on a daily basis (except the saw which probably comes out more like weekly). And because I love them so, I’ve included links for each tool - just in case you’d like to add them to your gardening arsenal.

First up - Super Sharp Snips

Really sharp snips are a must-have for any gardener. Sharp blades mean clean cuts, and clean cuts mean that the plants you are harvesting from can heal quicker. Snips have small blades that operate via a spring hinge. They can be used to harvest herbs and vegetables like beans, tomatoes and peppers. And their small size makes them easy to maneuver when deadheading or cutting flowers. The snips I use are Tabor Tools K7A Straight Pruning and Trimming Scissors.

Next up - A Handy Dandy Trowel

This tool is near and dear to my heart as it belonged to my Mom. I use it every time I have to dig anything. Whether it’s planting in a raised garden bed, or transplanting succulents or digging a hole for a small shrub, this is the most perfectly sized little shovel I’ve found.

The scoop is a little larger than a lot of trowels I’ve seen - it measures 3 1/2 inches wide by 6 inches long. Any type of manufacturer’s markings have long since worn away, but here’s one on Amazon that seems close to the one I have - Cate’s Garden Hand Trowel.

Followed by - The Workhorse Pruners

The pruners I use are by Corona. They are bypass pruners which means the blades cross over each other just like a pair of scissors. These pruners have steel blades and can cut up to 1 inch in diameter.

I mostly use these pruners for the roses in my kitchen garden. But I also use them when pruning my Meyer lemon and key lime trees. Be sure to purchase pruners that are metal throughout - including the fastener at the top of the handles. You’ll be using these pruners so often, even a heavy plastic won’t hold up for long. And because they’re so versatile - you might just want to get 2! Here’s the link to the Corona ClassicCUT Bypass Pruner.

And then - A Wicked Hand Weeder

More commonly (and fondly) referred to as “that Pokey Thing”. I just have to say . . . this tool is the bomb! You can use it when planting seedlings, pulling weeds, marking shallow trenches (like for garlic) and digging up dahlia tubers. And every time I pull it out of my gardening tote I think “this is the coolest thing ever!”

Now you won’t be expecting this - but my hand weeder came from Cutco. Yep - the knife company. I’ve had it for years but it’s still available - the Cutco Garden Weeder.

Finally - The Fabulous Folding Saw

I seriously don’t know what I’d do without this baby. I’ve cut down ivy from trees, pruned azaleas and crepe mrytles, and sawed off tons of dead branches. Again my go-to brand is Corona. The blade is 10 inches long (although they do have a shorter one) and latches down when it’s not being used. It’s perfect for anything that’s up to about 6 inches in diameter.

You can purchase this saw directly from Corona - RazorTOOTH Folding Saw - 10 inch - or you can find it on Amazon.

Happy Gardening!

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