Get to know trusty garden tools

Garden tools are handy things we can use when working in the garden, they make it easier for us to grow and look after our plants. Believe it or not, people have been using tools like these for thousands of years, even before there were cars or electricity. From planting pretty flowers on our windowsill to pulling up pesky weeds, let’s learn more about the tools that make gardening possible.

The first ever garden tools

People first started using tools for growing and gardening in the Bronze age – over 10,000 years ago. In fact, the use of these tools was a big moment for humankind because it was how we were able to grow our own food and survive. The first ever garden tools were digging sticks and scythes (long sticks with curved blades on the end) made with wood, flint, metal and even bone. Ancient people used their tools to cut tall grass, dig up the soil and plant seeds. Most modern garden tools we have today come from these very ancient tools.

Summer jobs in the garden

Summer is one of the busiest seasons in our gardens and green spaces – it’s when all our plants and flowers burst into life. That means there is lots to do to keep them happy and healthy, let’s find out more:

Watering

Plants get thirsty in warm, sunny weather. Keep them thriving by giving them regular drinks.

Weeding

Sometimes, plants grow where we don’t want them too. We can pull them out of the ground to make sure our other plants have enough room.

Planting

Summer is a great time to plant new things – especially vegetables like carrots, beets and parsnips. You could also grow your own flowers with our Little Seedlings jute bag starter kits. Choose from: sunflowers, nasturtiums, cosmos and more.

Pruning

This is when we remove old, tired branches and leaves from our plants so that new ones can grow even more.

Deadheading

When flowers start to get sad and droopy, we can gently remove their heads so that new ones can bloom.

Meet the trusty tools

Now that we know about some of the gardening jobs we can do in the summer, let’s find out more about the tools that make them possible.

Watering - watering can

Watering cans make it easy to give our plants a gentle sprinkle of water. And with our colourful kids watering can, this job is even more fun!

Weeding - hoe

A Dutch Hoe is a special tool with a sharp end that is very good at removing weeds. You could also pull weeds out using your hands and gloves. Make sure a grown-up is there to help you, and wear an apron to protect your clothes.

Planting - trowel

A trowel is a small tool that is like a mini spade. It’s really helpful for digging little holes in the soil that make planting easier. Why not give it a go with our bright novelty trowel.

Pruning - shears

Shears are like a big pair of scissors – they’re handy for cutting through thicker branches on bushes and trees. Be sure to have a grown-up there to help you.