There is a saying that goes something like this; a worker is only as good as the tools the worker uses. Now there is some truth in this, as using the right tool for the right job makes the job easier to do and should reduce error.

When it comes to gardening, good tools make the job easier, just try and prune that shrub with your kitchen scissors, it may work, and you may break the scissors or hurt your hand. Using a properly, ergonomically designed pair of pruning shears.

Pruning shears are used on branches that are up to one-half inch in diameter. If you use your pruning shears on anything larger you will harm the shears and possibly the plant. A poorly pruned branch is a wound waiting to be infected.

Which pruning tool you purchase will depend upon the pruning chores that need to be done. If you do not have trees or shrubs, including roses then you do not have a great need of pruning shears.

For example, Fiskars makes the PowerGear Pruner which maximizes leverage to reduce cutting effort, while the rotating handle minimizes strain and fatigue, especially during extended use.  To make this tool even more appealing it comes with a lifetime manufacturer's warranty.

Now most hedges require some level of pruning and buying a set of hedge shears that are easy to use and strong enough to do the job. There are companies that specialize in making ergonomic hand tools for gardeners and I suggest that regardless of yoru age or physical condition you give them a serious look, why make the job any harder than it need be.

Smith & Hawken is another company that makes ergonomic hand tools. Their hedge shears have High carbon steel blades, with s curved blades and adjustable tension settings as well as lightweight aluminum handles are covered with ergonomically sound grips.

If you are growing cut flower then a good sharp, be sure it is sharp, knife will do the job, like any tool, keep it clean.

Buy a pocket knife that has a lock back blade which won’t slip and cut you when pressure is applied. There are a number of companies that make knifes especially designed for the gardener; if you do not have a good pocket knife give one of these some thought.

My hand trowel is one of the most used tools in my small but busy tool kit. Much of my gardening these days is done in containers of one kind or another and the hand trowel is perfect for adding soil and compost to the containers. You can buy long handled versions so that if you do not need to bend down or kneel to garden.

I find the trowel also very useful for digging holes for bulbs, backfilling those holes or adding compost to the rose bed.

There are tools that are specially designed for container gardening and if you garden that way then these are worth the investment.

 NRG , for example, makes a hand trowel that has an ergonomic grip which makes the work easier.

Buy good quality tools and buy only what you need; the first step before spending any money is to assess your needs and buy the tools that make the job easier. Good tools are worth the money.

I can buy a hand trowel in the dollar store for a buck but the blade bends easily and the tool becomes useless fast. I am not eager to run to the store to buy a new one when I am gardening.

Take care of the tools you do buy clean them and keep them dry; they will last a very long time.