If you have a small garden or even if you're just planting veggies or plants in raised beds or pots, you'll need suitable tools. Trowels are some of the most popular garden tools. They're easy to use, affordable and small enough so you can store them just anywhere from the shed, garage, or in a small drawer in your closet. If you're a first-time garden trowel tool buyer, here are a few things to consider when buying.
Trowel Anatomy
Trowel handles are commonly crafted from wood, fibreglass, or metal. Its handles are usually covered in rubber or plastic to provide a comfortable grip. Certain trowels have wider handles to accommodate gardeners with limited grip strength or arthritis. Additionally, there are trowels with curved, foam-padded handles available.
Some companies provide extended-handled trowels with lightweight handles measuring 60cm to 90cm in length, catering to gardeners who struggle with bending over. Houseplant trowels come with small, almost miniature blades designed for container gardening.
Types of Trowels
- Standard trowel - a standard trowel has a handle made from wood, metal, plastic, or fiberglass, and a metal blade with a sharp edge.
- Garden Trowels - these serve purposes from digging holes to weeding and handling delicate seedlings, there are different types of trowels designed for specific needs. By choosing the appropriate garden trowel tool for the job, you can make gardening tasks more efficient and enjoyable.
- One-piece trowel - a one-piece garden trowel is crafted from cast lightweight aluminium or other metal alloy, or forged heavy-gauge steel. Typically, the handle comes with a colourful plastic grip. The blade of a one-piece steel trowel is often V-shaped for added strength.
- Planting or bulb trowel - a bulb trowel features a narrower blade, usually measuring 5cm to 7.5cm at the top and tapering down to about 2.5cm at the tip, with a length of up to 15cm. The smaller blade is ideal for digging small, narrow holes suitable for planting bulbs, bedding plants, or seedlings. Most bulb trowels come with measuring lines on the blades to determine the planting depth for each bulb.
- Transplanting - these help move plants without hurting their roots. They have a slim, pointed blade for easy, careful digging. This makes them perfect for moving seedlings or plants without messing up other plants nearby.
- Weeding - these engage in a constant struggle against the persistent presence of garden weeds. Their slender and sharp tips will help you effortlessly extract weeds from the ground. These tools not only improve the aesthetic appeal of your garden but also benefit your desirable plants by eliminating the competition for vital resources. Their compact and user-friendly design is ideal for effectively preventing the proliferation of weeds.
How to Choose The Right One for You
Choose a gardening trowel that provides a comfortable grip for your hand. Go for a tool with a vibrant handle that is easily visible if misplaced during your work. Experiment with different grips to ensure maximum comfort, typically opting for a larger grip for ease of use. Opt for a one-piece aluminium or steel trowel with a plastic or rubber-coated handle for durability and comfort. Be cautious of tang-and-ferrule trowels, as the blade may detach over time.
Consider V-shaped blades for added strength and resistance to bending. While aluminium trowels are lightweight and ideal for those with arthritis or weak grip, keep in mind that the blade may not be as sharp as steel and cannot be sharpened.
It's a smart thing to invest in multiple sizes of trowels to accommodate various tasks.
When and How to Use It
Garden trowels are ideal for digging small holes, such as those needed for planting bulbs, annuals, or perennials. However, when it comes to digging larger holes for trees or shrubs, using a garden trowel would be inefficient and time-consuming. Additionally, garden trowels are handy for weeding. In confined spaces, a narrow blade is more effective for removing weeds or planting small vegetation. For weeds with deep taproots, flat trowel blades are more suitable. On the other hand, wider blades and scoop-shaped blades are better suited for digging up small plants, creating holes for perennials, or transferring soil while potting plants.
Tips for Use
Use your trowel by gripping the handle with your knuckles wrapped around the back and your thumb pointing upwards, similar to holding an icepick; then, plunge the blade into the soil. When transferring plants, create a hole by inserting the trowel into the soil and moving it from side to side; the blade's curve will shape the hole. Opt for narrow and V-shaped blades when removing weeds, planting bulbs, or penetrating dense soil. Choose a wider and flatter blade for shifting soil and excavating large holes in loose soil. If bending or kneeling is challenging, consider using a trowel with a long handle.