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 Wed, 4th Oct, 2023

In this article, we explore the top gardening tools in Ireland every gardener must have.

As the spring season blooms in Ireland, many residents eagerly get their hands dirty in the garden again. But for novice gardeners, it can be overwhelming to know where to start when it comes to equipping your tool shed. What are the essential gardening tools every Irish gardener needs?

In this article, we will go over the top 10 must-have gardening tools that every gardener in Ireland should have in their collection. Whether you are new to gardening or a seasoned pro, having high-quality best gardening tools and best gardening hand tools will make caring for your garden much easier and more enjoyable. We will cover the key tools for digging, pruning, weeding, planting, and more. With the right essential gardening tools, you'll easily handle any task in your garden. Read on for our picks of the top 10 best gardening tools in Ireland that no gardener should be without.

Key Takeaways

  • Invest in quality tools like trowels, shovels, pruners, rakes, and gloves that are durable and comfortable to use for easier gardening. 
  • Look for forged steel heads on tools like spades, trowels, and pruners for strength and edge retention.
  • Choose the right tools for the task like loppers for thicker branches and hand pruners for precision trimming.
  • Opt for versatile 3-in-1 tools that combine several functions to maximize usefulness and minimize storage.
  • Shop at specialized retailers like Carey Tools to ensure you get expert recommendations and high-quality tools from reputable brands.

The Essential Gardening Hand Trowel

Every gardener knows that having the right tools makes all the difference in planting, growing, and maintaining a beautiful garden. And one tool that should be in every gardener's toolbox is the humble but essential hand trowel. This handy little digging device may seem basic, but it's an invaluable aid for a host of gardening tasks.

The hand trowel is specially designed for digging in the confined spaces of garden beds and containers. Its short handle and small, scoop-shaped blade allow you to break up soil, make holes for planting, mix in fertiliser or compost, weed, and edge around plants with precision control. Hand trowels come in various blade shapes and sizes to suit different needs - from heavy-duty soil breaking to delicate transplanting jobs. We recommend the Countryman Hand Potting Trowel, which is both sturdy and versatile.

When selecting a hand trowel, look for a comfortable, ergonomic grip that won't strain your hand and wrist. Better quality trowels will have a sturdy, forged steel head that easily penetrates soil and resists bending out of shape. Look for handy features like measurement markings on the blade for gauging planting depths. The Stainless Steel Hand Trowel, FSC®, has an ergonomic grip and a durable stainless steel blade with measurement markings.

A good hand trowel is the gardener's best friend when it's time to add new seedlings, bulbs and transplants. Controlling a hand trowel allows you to dig the perfect-sized hole, create ideal soil conditions by mixing amendments, and place the plant at just the right depth. Weeding, cultivating, and edging are also breezes with the leverage of a hand trowel. Check out the Essentials Hand Trowel for an affordable but reliable option.

Hand trowels are designed for close-up garden work and are a useful companion to tools like shovels and hoes. While those larger tools are ideal for breaking ground and soil preparation, the hand trowel allows delicate work in planted beds. Every gardener should have one or two of these multi-purpose tools tucked in their pockets or tool belt for frequent use. The Evergreen Hand Trowel is a durable choice that provides excellent value for money.

Armed with a quality hand trowel, you'll be ready to cultivate the garden of your dreams easily! Explore more options at Carey Tools Hand Trowels.

Digging Essentials - Spades and Shovels for Every Garden Task

A well-stocked garden shed is every gardener's pride and joy. With the right tools on hand, you're ready to tackle any garden project with ease. Two essentials for digging and cultivating are the spade and shovel. Though similar, these useful tools serve different purposes in the garden.

The spade, with its flat cutting edge, is ideal for breaking up compacted soil and edging beds. Its sharp rectangular blade slices cleanly through roots and sod. Spades excel at digging narrow trenches for planting or dividing perennials. They're also handy for turning soil in small spaces like garden beds. Choose a sturdy, short-handled spade for working in tight spots. We recommend the Border Spade, featuring a comfortable ash handle and a forged head for extra durability.

For wider digging jobs, reach for a round-point shovel. Its curved blade scoops up soil and cuts through roots with less effort. The Round Mouth Shovel offers an ergonomic grip and a hardened, tempered steel blade, ensuring long-lasting use.

Shovels are perfect for turning compost piles, mixing soil amendments, and digging holes for trees and large shrubs. A long-handled shovel lets you move more soil without straining your back. The Contractor Trenching Shovel is a great choice, providing extended reach and a forged head for added strength.

Durability matters when selecting these essential digging tools. Opt for drop-forged steel heads securely attached to hardwood or fiberglass handles. Consider your height and grip when choosing handle styles and lengths.

No garden tool collection is complete without both a spade and shovel. Having the right cultivating tools saves time and effort in the garden. Invest in a high-quality spade for edging, dividing, and trenching. Reach for your sturdy shovel when prepping new beds, planting trees, or digging heavily. With this digging duo close at hand, you'll be ready to take on any garden project. Check out more options on Carey Tools Spades and Shovels page.

The Essential Gardening Gloves for Protecting Your Hands

Gardening is a fulfilling hobby, but it can also be messy and hazardous to your hands. Choosing the right pair of gardening gloves protects your skin while allowing flexibility and grip. The best gloves provide a barrier against dirt, thorns, insect bites and stings. At the same time, they enable you to handle tools and plants comfortably. 

When selecting gardening gloves, fit and dexterity are key. Loose-fitting gloves will slip and slide, making tasks frustrating. On the other hand, gloves that are too tight restrict movement and cause discomfort. Measure your dominant hand and read sizing charts to find the right fit. Opt for snug but not constricting. The Town and Country Master Gardener Gloves offer a comfortable, snug fit with the added benefit of additional padding on the palm and fingers.

Material is also important. Leather gloves provide toughness against thorns and punctures but can be hot. Cotton offers breathability but less durability. Nitrile gloves are puncture-resistant and grippy. Look for textured palms and fingers to improve grip on tools and plants, whether wet or dry. The Handyman Flex Grip gloves combine comfort and breathability with a nitrile-coated palm for enhanced grip.

For heavy-duty pruning and digging, gauntlet-style gloves protect wrists and forearms. The TGL418L Premium Leather & Suede Men's Gloves are perfect for this purpose, made from top-quality leather and featuring gauntlet cuffs for added protection.

Waterproof gloves keep hands dry for hose work. The TGL216 Original Aquasure Cotton Ladies' Gloves are an excellent waterproof option, designed to keep your hands dry in even the wettest conditions.

For delicate tasks like transplanting seedlings, fingerless gloves allow dexterity. Consider rubber-dipped fingertips for a sure grip. The Fingerless Synthetic Padded Leather Palm Gloves offer fingerless design with rubber-dipped fingertips, providing both precision and grip for delicate tasks.

Trusted brands offer quality gloves to suit all gardening needs. Choose the right pair for your unique hands and tasks, and enjoy gardening comfortably while keeping your skin safe. Investing in a durable and well-fitting glove helps make gardening a pleasure rather than a pain. Browse through more options here: Gardening Gloves collection.

Pruning Shears

A beautiful, lush garden takes work. While the plants do most of the growing on their own, gardeners need to help them thrive by providing care and maintenance. Having the right tools makes these garden tasks easier and more effective.

Pruning is an essential part of garden care. As plants grow, some stems and leaves will inevitably die. Pruning shears allow you to remove dead or diseased sections to prevent the spread of infection and pests like fungus gnats. They also help you maintain the desired shape and fullness of shrubs, trees, and flowering plants by cutting back excessive growth. Sharp bypass pruners like Felco and Corona make clean, precise cuts that heal quickly without crushing stems. 

In addition to pruning shears, every gardener needs basic tools like trowels, shovels, and garden knives. The best trowels have ergonomic handles and sturdy stainless steel heads that slide easily into soil for planting bulbs and seedlings. Pointed hori hori knives loosen soil and dig out weeds by the roots. Round-headed shovels scoop and turn soil without damaging delicate roots.

Loppers - The Secret Weapon for Overgrown Bushes

Many novice gardeners are familiar with essential tools like pruners and shears for basic yard maintenance. However, when faced with thick, woody stems and overgrown bushes, even the sharpest pruners struggle to make a clean cut. This is where loppers come in - the unsung hero of overgrown garden rejuvenation.

Loppers are specially designed for cutting through branches up to 1.5 inches thick with ease. Their long handles provide leverage for power, while the larger blades easily slice through wood that would leave hand pruners ineffective. Loppers are the best gardening tool for renovating overgrown, tangled messes of bushes and shrubs. The Solid™ L11 Bypass Loppers are an excellent choice with their comfortable grip and slim design.

One key advantage of loppers is their extended reach. Pruners and shears are limited in the scope of what they can cut, but loppers can access high branches and far corners of a yard much more effectively. Their long handles and large cutting capacity open up possibilities for restoring order to severely overgrown landscaping. The PowerGear™ X Bypass Loppers - Large 800mm offer an incredible reach, making them perfect for taming unruly areas filled with thick woody growth.

Loppers are also useful for harvesting fruits and vegetables out of reach of shorter tools. Cutting high tomato vines, apple branches, and other produce plants is made easy with loppers. The P116-SL-60 Lopper 600mm is great for both pruning and harvesting needs, thanks to their sharp and sturdy construction.

For both pruning and harvesting needs, loppers are an indispensable addition to any gardener's tool collection. They make quick work of cutting tasks that are difficult or impossible for basic pruners and shears. The XT Pro Telescopic Bypass Loppers 695 - 945mm provide adjustable telescoping handles, allowing you to tackle a wider range of cutting tasks with ease.

Explore more lopper option here:Loppers collection.

Garden Hose & Reel

Watering your garden is an essential task for any gardener. A quality garden hose and reel set can make this job much easier. When you're looking for the best garden hose, there are a few key factors to consider. 

The length is important - 25-50 feet is ideal for most home gardens, as it allows you to water all areas without excessive dragging. Hozelock 60m Metal Pro Hose Cart & 30m of Hose is one of the hoses with this range of length which provides enough coverage for medium to large-sized gardens. Its lightweight design means it's easy to manoeuvre.

You'll also want to invest in the best hose nozzle. Many nozzle styles include mist, jet, shower, and flat spray. Consider your watering needs and choose the nozzle type accordingly. As specific products weren't available on the site, consider checking back regularly to catch any new updates.

Once you have your hose, you need somewhere to store it. This is where a hose reel comes in handy. They keep your hose neatly coiled and off the ground when not in use. A hose reel with a crank handle makes recoiling fast and easy. Like the 30m Freestanding Compact Hose Reel, mounted reels and cart designs provide mobility around your garden. 

Properly storing your hose on a reel will prevent cracking and deterioration, extending its life. It also prevents tripping hazards and tangled messes, which can be incredibly frustrating. For that, the Hozelock 60m Freestanding Hose Reel ONLY can be one of the essential tools and equipment for garden upkeep.

Pair your new hose and reel with a high-quality sprinkler, and you'll have the ultimate watering setup for your garden. Keep your plants happy and your yard maintained with these useful tools, like the Hozelock 60m Metal Hose Cart ONLY. They're a great investment for any gardener looking to make watering efficient and hassle-free.Watering Tools for a Healthy Garden

A thriving garden requires the right tools for proper care, especially when it comes to watering. Investing in quality watering tools will make nurturing your garden an easy and enjoyable task.

Start with a good hose and reel that can reach all areas of your garden without getting tangled or kinked. Look for hoses made of durable materials that won't crack over time. The Heavy-Duty Reinforced Builder's Hose comes in various lengths – 50m with a multi-purpose, hardwearing hose to cater to your needs, and a hose reel like the Hozelock Hose Cart with Wheels, keeps things neat while providing effortless storage.

Don't forget watering cans! These are perfect for smaller gardens or potted plants. Choose a can with a long spout to easily reach plants. Watering cans allow you to control water flow for delicate flowers and seedlings.

Sprinklers are ideal for larger gardens. The Hozelock Rectangular Sprinkler Pro with oscillating and rotating models distributes water evenly over wide areas. You can also select a targeted sprinkler like the Hozelock Multi Sprinkler 79m² to focus on specific garden beds. Timers like Electronic Water Timer automate the watering process, keeping your garden nourished even when you're away.

Specialty tools like the Hose End Connector Pro extend your watering capabilities, allowing you to adjust water pressure and spray patterns. Spray lances like Hozelock Lance Spray Plus 140 are great for those hard-to-reach spots, providing more reach than most standard connectors.

With the best tools, you can easily keep your garden healthy and thriving all season long. Invest in quality products designed to make plant care simple and efficient. A well-stocked collection of watering equipment, like those available at Carey Tools, ensures your garden always gets the moisture it needs to grow and flourish.

Garden Fork

For those new to gardening, the array of tools available can seem overwhelming. With so many options, it's hard to know which tools are essential and which are just nice to have. One tool that no gardener should be without is the garden fork. Though it may look similar to a typical eating utensil, this versatile tool is designed specifically for gardening needs.

The garden fork has several key features that make it one of the best tools to help when working in the backyard garden. It has a long, sturdy handle that allows you to dig without having to bend over or strain your back. The handle is also designed for comfort, ensuring maximum grip and control while you work. The SmartFit™ Telescopic Garden Fork from Carey Tools is a recommended product that exemplifies this feature with its adjustable handle length and ergonomic grip.

Where the garden fork really shines is in its prongs - typically three large, thick prongs that are shaped like a dinner fork. These sturdy prongs can dig and loosen even the most compacted soil with ease. The Ergonomic Garden Fork is the perfect right garden tool for breaking up hardened soil, working organic matter like compost into your garden beds, or just general weeding and turning over the soil.

When it's time for planting, a garden fork makes quick work of digging holes for seeds or seedlings. The fork helps break up the soil so plant roots can grow unimpeded. It's also an invaluable weeding tool to help remove stubborn roots and weeds without disturbing nearby plants.

No backyard garden is complete without this versatile, hardworking tool. The garden fork belongs in every gardener's toolbox right alongside the trowel, pruners, and gardening kneeler. With the right garden tools, gardening becomes much easier and more enjoyable. The garden fork is one tool that no gardener should be without.

The Rake

A rake is one of the most essential tools for any gardener. Though often associated with gathering up fallen leaves, a good rake can be used for so much more. Choosing the right rake for your gardening needs is important to make tasks easier and more efficient.

When selecting a rake, opt for one with a sturdy, lightweight handle that fits comfortably in your hand. Look for strong, durable tines that can stand up to rigorous use in the garden. The length of the tines and the width of the rake head should be suitable for the size of your garden and tasks. The Fiskars Xact Large Leaf Rake features a lightweight yet strong handle, making it a great recommendation for this feature.

A quality rake makes quick work of gathering leaves, twigs, and debris from your lawn and garden beds. The right rake can also evenly spread mulch, soil amendments, and compost throughout the garden with less effort. The Roughneck Aluminium Landscape Rake is the ultimate tool for this, providing excellent performance due to its high-quality construction.

Use a landscape rake to level areas in preparation for planting, or lightly rake over the soil to break up large clumps. A sturdy rake like Faithfull rake with its sturdy construction can be used to edge along borders and dig narrow trenches.

Investing in a high-quality rake designed for optimal comfort, durability, and versatility will make gardening tasks easier on your body. With the right rake in hand, from providers such as Carey Tools, you'll be well-equipped to care for your green garden all season long.

Investing in a high-quality rake designed for optimal comfort, durability, and versatility will make gardening tasks easier on your body. With the right rake in hand, you'll be well-equipped to care for your green garden all season long.

Hedge Trimmers - The Versatile Gardening Tool You'll Love

Hedge trimmers are one of the most versatile and useful tools for any gardener. Though their name implies they are only for trimming hedges, they can do so much more to make gardening easier and more efficient.

Recommended product: DUH601RT BL LXT Hedge Trimmer 18V

  • Comfortable handles
  • Lightweight design
  • Stainless steel blades that stay sharp for extended periods and resist rust

Hedge trimmers quickly cut through branches up to half an inch thick, making pruning bushes, trees, and shrubs a breeze. Their compact size allows you to trim hard-to-reach spots that larger tools like loppers can't access.

Recommended product: BEHT201 Hedge Trimmer 45cm 420W 240V

  • Cuts branches up to half an inch thick
  • Compact size for easy access to difficult spots
  • Suitable for pruning bushes, trees, and shrubs

Beyond hedges, use hedge trimmers to trim ornamental grasses, thin out perennials, and cut back spent flower stems. Their sharp blades easily slice through thin weeds and small patches of grass.

Recommended product: UH6570 Hedge Trimmer 550W 240V

  • Sharp blades for efficient cutting
  • Ideal for trimming ornamental grasses, perennials, and flower stems
  • Cuts through thin weeds and grass patches

Having a good set of hedge trimmers alongside other essential gardening tools like pruners and loppers enables you to tackle a variety of tasks. Keep your tools handy by storing them in a garden shed or toolbox. Organized storage keeps tools protected and easy to find. Quality tools properly cared for will provide years of reliable service and make gardening more productive and pleasant. Hedge trimmers are a versatile must-have that every gardener will appreciate owning

The Best Place to Find Quality Gardening Tools in Ireland

Gardening is a rewarding hobby that allows you to connect with nature and beautify your outdoor space. But without the right tools, it can be frustrating and difficult. This is why it's important to invest in high-quality gardening tools that are comfortable, durable, and designed to make gardening easier. 

When looking for the best gardening tools, we recommend shopping at Carey Tools. Unlike big box stores or generic online retailers, Carey Tools specializes in garden tools and has the top brands and latest innovations. 

For example, our pruning tools feature stainless steel blades that stay sharp, preventing you from struggling to cut through branches. The ergonomic handles are designed for comfort, even during long gardening sessions. Carey Tools also has essentials like spades, rakes, and hoses that are built to last thanks to durable materials and sturdy construction.

In addition to top-notch tools, Carey Tools makes gardening more enjoyable with handy storage solutions. From tool racks to shed organizers, you can keep all your tools neatly in one place and ready for use. No more wasting time searching for that one trowel!

Shopping for gardening tools at a specialized retailer like Carey Tools ensures you get products designed for gardening success. Browse our selection online or visit our store to get helpful advice from our knowledgeable staff. Invest in the best tools for gardening and make your time in the garden easier and more fulfilling.

5 Tips for Choosing the Best Gardening Tools to Help You Maintain Your Garden

Gardening is a beloved hobby for many people. There's something so satisfying about nurturing plants and watching them grow. But having the right tools can make all the difference when it comes to successful garden maintenance. Here are 5 tips to help you choose the best gardening tools to keep in your shed:

1. Opt for Ergonomic Handles

Look for tools with comfortable, ergonomic handles that will be easy to grip and maneuver. Many gardeners find tools with thick, rubberized handles are ideal, as they reduce hand fatigue during long gardening sessions. This is especially important for often-used tools like trowels and hand pruners.

2. Invest in Quality Materials 

The best gardening tools are made from strong, durable materials that can withstand frequent use. Forged steel blades on pruners and loppers will retain their sharpness better than cheaper aluminum versions. Likewise, choose hoes and trowels with heads made from tempered steel rather than plastic, which can easily crack or warp. Spending a bit more upfront will pay off with tools that provide years of reliable service.

3. Consider Weight and Balance

Every gardener has different needs when it comes to the weight and feel of their tools. If you'll be using a tool for extended periods, select ones with lighter weight handles to avoid tiring out your hands and arms. But opt for heavier tools if you need the extra power to break up densely packed soil. Test out a few different options to find the balance and weight distribution that feels best for your gardening tasks.

4. Look for Versatile, Multi-Use Tools 

Having a variety of single-purpose tools may seem appealing at first. But versatile, multi-use tools can save storage space and allow you to complete more gardening tasks without switching equipment constantly. For example, choose 3-in-1 tools that combine a trowel, transplanter, and cultivator in one. Or select pruners with a built-in saw edge to trim branches as well as live plants.

5. Buy From Reputable Brands

Stick to buying tools from established, reputable gardening brands with a reputation for quality and durability. These companies thoroughly test and vet their tools before bringing them to market. Well-known brands that have been making excellent gardening tools for decades. While their tools may cost more than generic or hardware store varieties, you can trust that tried-and-tested reliability.

Following these tips will help you assemble a collection of the best gardening tools to keep your garden thriving for years to come. Investing in quality tools made for comfort, versatility, and durability is well worth it for every gardener. Your plants will thank you!

Carey Tools Can Help With All of Your Gardening Needs

Starting a new garden can feel overwhelming, especially if you're not sure where to begin gathering the necessary tools. At Carey Tools, our mission is to make gardening accessible for gardeners at every level. As Ireland's top-rated tool supplier, we provide everything you need to cultivate the garden of your dreams.

Our inventory includes the best gardening tools to help both novice and veteran gardeners care for every plant. We carry tried and tested tools that many gardeners rely on for garden maintenance and plant care. Our trowels, forks, and shovels are specially designed to be easy to maneuver so you can tend to plants with less fatigue. Pruning shears, loppers, and snips allow for precise trimming to encourage healthy growth. Rakes, hoes, and cultivators help you effectively weed and aerate soil.

Whether you're planting your first vegetable garden or overhauling an established landscape, Carey Tools equips you with the high-quality tools you need. Browse our extensive selection online or visit our store to get expert recommendations from our knowledgeable staff. We even offer free shipping on orders over €75 to make it easy to get started. With the right tools from Carey Tools, you'll be on your way to creating your dream garden.

FAQ's

What are the most essential garden hand tools every gardener should have?

Some of the most essential garden hand tools include: trowels, shovels/spades, pruning shears, loppers, garden forks, rakes, and gloves. The article covers these key tools that make gardening tasks like digging, pruning, weeding and planting easier.

How can I choose the best quality gardening tools?

At Carey Tools, we understand how important it is to have top-quality gardening tools that are reliable and long-lasting. To select the best gardening tools, we recommend bearing the following factors in mind:

  1. Material: Look for tools crafted from robust forged steel, which ensures long-term durability and wear resistance. At Carey Tools, we carry high-quality steel tools for your gardening needs.
  2. Ergonomics: Comfort is a key aspect of efficient gardening, so we advise choosing tools with ergonomic handles. Our range offers ergonomic designs that reduce strain and increase productivity.
  3. Grip: For better control, consider tools with rubberized grips that prevent slipping and make tasks easier to perform. Our selection includes gardening tools with excellent grip solutions.
  4. Reputable Brands: At Carey Tools, we source our products from well-respected gardening brands known for their outstanding quality, so you can be confident in your purchase.
  5. Reliable Retailers: To ensure you're buying durable, efficient tools, we recommend turning to specialized retailers, such as Carey Tools, where quality is the priority.

By avoiding low-cost plastic tools that may not withstand regular use, you can trust in our range of industry-leading gardening tools—we pride ourselves on offering practical, reliable solutions to all your gardening needs.

What features should I look for in hand pruners and loppers?

Look for pruners and loppers with sharp, stainless steel blades that will retain their edge. Bypass pruners make the cleanest cuts. Choose tools with comfortable, cushioned grips to prevent hand fatigue. Consider features like rotating handles and ratchet mechanisms for optimal cutting leverage.

What are some multipurpose tools that can save storage space?

Opt for 3-in-1 tools that combine several functions like a trowel, transplanter and cultivator. Choose pruners with built-in saws for both live plants and woody branches. Look for tools like hoes or rakes that can level soil as well as weed and cultivate. Dual purpose tools maximize usefulness while minimizing storage needs.

Where can I find the best selection of quality gardening tools in Ireland?

If you're looking for the finest selection of quality gardening tools in Ireland, look no further than Carey Tools. We pride ourselves on being your go-to destination for exceptional gardening tools, catering to both professional and hobbyist needs.

At Carey Tools, we focus on offering you the very best in garden equipment by featuring well-known, top-tier brands and the most innovative products on the market. Our dedication to providing an excellent range sets us apart from the generic big box stores.

Our knowledgeable and passionate staff are always on hand to offer their expertise and assist you in choosing the perfect tools that suit your individual gardening needs. With Carey Tools, you'll receive personalized guidance and unbeatable quality—two essential factors that make us the best place to find gardening tools in Ireland.

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