It does not matter if you own a big garden or a smaller one. You need to own the essential gardening tools to make the task easier and comfortable. Step into any garden supply store these days; you will be overwhelmed by the different types of products and brands you find to ease up your gardening efforts. However, a shed of tools does not help you become an avid gardener. Here is all you need to know about buying right garden tools and how to take care of it.

Buying guide
Spade, rake, hoe, watering can, pruner, trimmer, chain saw – the list of garden tools is long. If you are selecting the tools cleverly, a few of them will be sufficient for all your daily gardening needs. Consider these factors before you buy the tool.

• Weight & grip: The weight of the product should be given first preference. You should be able to handle the product easily. Therefore, check the grip of the handle as well. If you can find light-weight tools with wider handles, that would make a better choice. Your ease and comfort level must be taken into consideration when you buy garden tools.
• Quality & material: The durability of the product depends on the material it is made of. If you prefer to have durable and stronger tools, steel is good option. Plastic and fiber tools will not stay with you for long. Check the warranty period of the product as well.
• Length of the handle: Gardening requires physical effort regularly. So when you choose the tools like rake, hoe etc, consider your height also. Bending can cause strain on the back if it is too small.
• Choose wisely: Garden tools with interchangeable heads make a good choice if you are not buying on a tight budget. You can change the header accordingly when you dig, prepare the soil, trim etc and adjust the handle as per the height you require. To ease up the effort, you have power options in most of the garden maintenance tools.

Store it well
Before buying the tools, find a space to store it perfectly. Find a garden tool box to keep the tools so that it can be stored dry after every use. Do not leave the tools exposed to the changing weather conditions, as their durability will decrease. Set up a shed for storing garden equipment if you have space and budget.

Clean it up
It is necessary to clean the garden tools properly after every use so that they stay in good condition for a longer period. Wash or brush up the tools to remove the dirt, debris and soil after the gardening task. Dry it and store it indoors so it does not get rusty. You can apply oil on the blade of the pruning tools to prevent rusting. If you are using the blades on plants with disease, make sure you sterilize it before using it again.