Gardening can be a rewarding hobby, but as with any endeavor, the proper hand tools are essential in order to complete the job successfully and with the least amount of hassle. Tools make the work easier to do and worth doing. There are some basics that will keep gardening enjoyable and less stressful.

The essential working hand tools for gardening are these: a broom and a rake for cleaning workspace after garden chores; a lopper for the hard to reach places in the garden where you need to make cutting adjustments, and wiring for trailing plants like beans and tomatoes that may need extra support. For larger gardens, a wheelbarrow is a necessity to move the harvest stuff and also equipment and electric tools within the garden space. A set of trowels and hand shovels make easy work for holes and work that is done close to the ground. A good garden hose and a soaker hose are essential for the watering that is done for larger gardens and those times the weather is not cooperating in the precipitation department. Serious eco-gardeners harvest rainwater, and a barrel or water keeper might be a consideration as well. Gloves and protective clothing, as well as face mask protection are considerations in doing pruning, weeding, and spreading fertilizer. Good cotton string and a heavy industrial extension cord are good additions to the garden hand tool box as well.