What is the most useful garden tool? Top-25 Garden Tools in Canada to Use in Spring, Summer & Autumn | 2022 Buyer’s Guide
What is the most useful garden tool? In the spring, you start planting crops appropriate to the season. However, not all crops tolerate cold so you cannot plant the whole garden at once. Another important step is weeding, which involves removing unwanted plants that damage your garden by absorbing the nutrients from the soil. (You may like Best Soil pH Testers)
In the summer, you will need to take out the plants that have already reached maturity and, perhaps, replace them with other crops. Long-season plants like winter squash will stay in place. Watering is crucial in the summer, especially in regions that haven’t seen rain for a long time.
In the autumn, you can plant some crops, such as asparagus and broccoli, that survive the cold season. Also, you should prepare your garden for the frost by using mulch or planting cover crops. As you see, you have heaps to do and that is why we recommend using electric tools that will make your work a breeze. For your convenience, we have categorized these devices based on the season when they should be used.
What are things that gardeners need? Types of Garden Tools & Equipment
Garden Tools & Machines For Spring
Start your gardening season by buying an electric wheelbarrow. This is a great tool for transporting a lot of material across the garden, especially when it comes to large-sized areas. You can also load it with mulch, soil, compost, or your gardening tools. A good option is a vehicle with a deep basin, air-filled wheels, and reinforced undercarriage. There is a great product from a trusted brand — the Greenworks Akku wheelbarrow G40G.
Powered by a 40V-battery, this self-propelled wheelbarrow has a max forward speed of 4.2 km per hour and a reverse speed of 2.4 km per hour. The vehicle can carry up to 100 kg at a time and features a safety start bowl.
What are the garden tools needed in weeding and cultivating?
Although weeding is something you should do all year round, the best time for this activity is spring and early summer. That is when the weeds are emerging and easier to take under control. We recommend that you start weeding your garden in March up to June.
You can use weed eaters, also known as string trimmers, that cut down plants using rotating heads. This handheld tool is made with a long shaft that contains a handle and a rotating head. Weed eaters are typically lightweight, flexible and come with minimal controls. As compared to lawnmowers, they are easier to move around, which is a clear advantage when the matter concerns small or medium-sized lawns.
- Weed eaters can be gas-powered or cordless. Although many homeowners believe that gas-powered models are better, battery-powered weed eaters actually outperform them in a number of ways. Apart from being quieter and environmentally friendly, they are easier to start, operate, and maintain.
Weed burners are intended for eliminating emergent weeds by subjecting them to heat shock that causes damage to them. Why work like a dog pulling weeds if you can simply incinerate these plants? Weed burners include a metal wand that is attached to a propane tank and functions like a torch directing the flames. Note that the torch will burn anything within approximately two feet, so flame weeders should be applied only in the areas where there is nothing except for weeds.
While the propane weed burner is a traditional option, electric models are a sort of new approach. They are gaining in popularity because of their enhanced convenience and safety. Designed for professional weeding, this 2000-watt tool delivers a maximum flame temperature of up to 650°C. Electrically driven, it does not generate open flame and does not use natural gas. The product features an extra-long nozzle, an ergonomic, detachable handle, and a compact design. With this tool, you can quickly get rid of weeds in your garden, driveways, etc.
And finally, you have a third option to get rid of weeds — kill them with chemicals using a weed sprayer. This device will allow you to drench your garden with any chemical. Weed sprayers are particularly recommended for medium-to-large areas because killing weeds with chemicals is easier and faster than uprooting them physically. The downside to this method lies in the fact that you can harm your plants, grass, and beneficial insects. In order to pick the Best Backpack Sprayer, make sure that it has an output pressure capacity of 150PSI or more and adjustable nozzle tips.
- For cultivating the powerful 1500W Electric Tiller, Power Cultivator works through almost any type of soil and can even cope with small rocks.
The machine features a powerful 1500W copper motor producing 380 revolutions per minute (RPM). Suitable for tilling large areas, it has a cutting width of 400mm and tilling depth of 220mm. The unit is equipped with six extra thickened steel blades each with four soil tilling blades. Additionally, it features adjustable wheels, overheats protection, and a brake button.
Before planting seeds, you should create specific conditions for your plants to grow well. To this end, you need to till the soil or, in other words, loosen and mix it. In well-tilled soil, the roots of your plants will spread easily and find enough nutrients for them. There is a specially designed tool for this purpose — the tiller/cultivator that helps the gardener to aerate the soil and break up the ground for planting.
Electric tillers make the whole process easier and help you get better results. This piece of equipment is made with rotating steel blades to loosen compacted soils. It is also good at pulling up weeds and mixing fertilizer into the soil. A tiller is often called a cultivator, however, there is a difference you should be aware of.
A tiller breaks up hard pieces of ground and handles even rocky soil, whereas a cultivator is mostly intended for mixing loose soil. Tillers are heavy-duty machines that can be used to create a new garden plot, but cultivators are ideal for working compost or fertilizer into the soil and breaking up weeds and grasses.
Lawn Mowing
Lawns can be mowed anytime between March and October, however, it is highly recommended that you start mowing in the spring. In March, focus mainly on dry grass but in May, you can lower the cutting height to just 4 cm. Mow your lawn at least once a week throughout the spring and avoid cutting wet grass as it may clog the machine. Mowers are designed to keep grass growth at the right height so that your lawn remains healthy and thick. These machines are categorized into riding mowers and push mowers, electric and gas-fueled ones. Both push and riding mowers contain blades that rotate and cut the grass as you drive or push the machine over the lawn.
Lawn mowers for a small yard are typically cordless models equipped with a Li-ion battery. They are highly maneuverable and quieter as compared to corded models. An excellent choice is the Murray Cordless Lawn Mower IQ18WM44 that comes with two 18-volt, 5.0 Ah batteries. The engines and batteries of Murray lawnmowers are manufactured in the USA by Briggs & Stratton and are surprisingly durable. This model covers up to 640 square meters and has a runtime of more than 30 minutes. With a cutting width of 44 cm, the Murray lawn mower offers an adjustable height of cut from 25 to 75 mm.
Corded electric lawn mowers, on the other hand, need to be plugged into a socket. When compared to battery-operated lawn mowers, they are cheaper and easier to push around or lift. For this reason, corded lawn mowers are very popular among elderly people and women.
This Electric Lawnmower weighs just 6.8 kg and includes a powerful 1,200-watt motor. Perfect for small-to-medium-size lawns, it has a height of cut ranging from 20 mm to 60 mm. Thanks to the hardened steel blade, the machine can cut tall grass. The grass box capacity is 31 litres and does not fall off when in use.
The above-mentioned models are push lawnmowers and now we will move to the other type — riding mowers, such as zero-turn mowers. Their main advantages include maneuverability, speed, and a great variety of attachments for different tasks. Unlike tractors, a zero turn mower has a mowing deck in front of it.
Self-Propelled Zero-Turn Lawnmower features 360-degree-turn front wheels, a self-propelled drive, four speed settings, a 508mm cutting width, and a large 70-litre grass collector.
However, the most advanced type is a robotic lawnmower. This is an electric device that uses rechargeable batteries and can autonomously travel around your lawn and mow it. You will need to set out a boundary wire that is intended to be a perimeter barrier for the robot. Once the robotic mower’s sensors detect the wire, the machine changes course in a random direction. One of the most popular models is the Flymo EasiLife 500 GO Robotic Lawn Mower that can cut up to 500 square meters of grass.
Grass trimming
While mowers cut the majority of grass, trimmers do the follow-up work and remove what mowers leave behind. To keep your lawn tidy and free of pests, trim grass once a week in the spring and twice a week in the summer. Electric grass trimmers perform this task quickly and efficiently.
- Corded grass trimmers are typically more powerful than battery-operated models and are more suitable for heavy-duty work. Just make sure you have a power source nearby and the cord is long enough. For instance, the Black + Decker GL7033GB Electric Grass Trimmer offers a 700-watt power rating and a cutting speed of 7000 RPM. Powered by E-Drive technology, it features a cutting width of 33 cm and a heavy-duty 2 mm line. The second handle is ergonomic and adjustable, which makes this model ideal for long-hour use.
- Cordless grass trimmers give you more flexibility and mobility. More advanced models are generally equipped with Li-ion batteries, providing you with enough runtime to handle larger tasks. The disadvantage of this type is that cordless trimmers are limited by the battery lifetime and need to be regularly recharged. The charging time ranges from less than an hour to several hours. The WORX 20V Cordless Grass Trimmer includes a 2.0Ah battery and a fast charger. It weighs only 2.4 kg and has a telescopic shaft. The pivoting head will cope with different types of terrain, including slopes and hard-to-reach areas. As an added benefit, this wonderful tool can be easily converted to an edger.
The most important tools every gardener should have for summer
The summer is an ideal time for any heavy pruning of shrubs and trees to improve their appearance and health. When pruned in the summer, your plants will regrow vigorously and look beautiful.
Shrub shearing
Avoid pruning trees in the autumn when they are shedding their leaves and in the spring when they are getting covered in foliage. Those plants that are pruned in October or later risk being damaged by cold weather.
- Shrub shears are intended for trimming shrubs, bushes, and other small or medium-sized plants. The WORX WG801E.5 20V Zen Cordless Shrub/Grass Shear is a versatile 4-in-one tool that combines the functionalities of a shrub shear, shaping shear, grass shear, and a weeder blade. Equipped with a long-lasting 20V Li-ion battery, it includes 12cm and 20cm blades that slice through branches and twigs twice — forward and backwards. An ergonomic grip is comfortable to hold and gives you full control over the process. This tool achieves a speed of up to 1150 revolutions per minute, allowing you to do the job fast and effortlessly. And last but not least, this model is super lightweight and, in fact, is the only battery-powered hedge trimmer on the market that weighs less than 1 kg.
- Hedge trimmers are applied to trim hedges or solitary shrubs. Motorized hedge trimmers can be electric and gas-powered. Although the latter option is more powerful, we recommend that homeowners should select among electric models as they are easier to operate and maintain. When choosing your hedge trimmer, look at the length of the blade that typically ranges from 40 cm to 60 cm. Another thing to consider is the distance between the teeth that tells you the size of the branch the tool will cut.
A chain saw can be used to cut large branches into smaller pieces as well as to trim wider branches. Note that battery-operated saws are not suitable for this task because they are not powerful enough. You should, therefore, use either gas-powered or electric corded models. Pick a saw that has such safety features as a kickback bar and a chain brake.
Irrigation
Garden sprinklers allow you to evenly water your garden during the specified time. The major benefit of having a sprinkler is that they take care of your garden while you are away, saving you time and money. Most modern models have timing settings so you can select when and how long your garden should be irrigated. However, it is important to avoid the temptation to leave the sprinkler turned on for too long. Watering at night creates a humid environment favorable for fungus because the grass remains wet for a longer time. In the mid-afternoon, a lot of moisture quickly evaporates and your plants do not get enough water. The ideal time for watering is early in the morning somewhere between 4 am and 8 am.
While stationary sprinklers are good for smaller yards, traveling tractor sprinklers are designed to irrigate larger areas. This is an automatic wheeled system that works by moving around your garden or lawn and watering it without you around. Just attach the water hose to the unit and select the transmission speed. Once turned on, the machine will work in the outlined direction, going straight or turning right or left. With a traveling sprinkler, gardening is not time-consuming anymore and is a lifesaver for busy homeowners. Another advantage of these devices is the ability to evenly distribute water across your garden.
This Traveling Sprinkler is a self-propelled machine that covers an area of up to 3,500 square feet. The sprinkler is fully adjustable and allows you to create a custom path for it to follow. You can choose between high, low, and neutral speed settings as well as adjust the watering diameter from 15 to 55 feet. Made of cast iron, the machine has a sturdy, weatherproof design and weighs around 10 kg.
The smart irrigation controller is a system with built-in water-saving features, such as a sensor used for adjusting the sprinkler’s optimal sprinkler runtime based on the weather forecast. The benefit of using this device is that it provides a healthy landscape and, at the same time, saves water and, therefore, your money. When a traditional irrigation system is used, a significant amount of water is lost to evaporation or wind. Smart irrigation controllers eliminate this loss, something that positively affects both your garden and your utility bills.
We recommend the Smart Sprinkler Controller with a 12-zone capacity and remote control. This fully automatic system dynamically creates and adjusts watering schedules, provides watering recommendations, gets local weather alerts. It connects to WiFi so that you can control your sprinklers from your smartphone, be it iOS or Android device, or a Web browser.
Edging lawns
Late June is the best time for edging your lawn. If you have time to do this more than once a year, edge in late August as well. The thing is that edging the lawn at the beginning and end of the peak growing season will give you the perfect crispy edges you could ever dream of. However, accurate timing is not the only condition for having a perfectly edged lawn. Manual edgers are nothing compared to electric lawn edgers, especially when larger areas are in question. Some homeowners mistakingly believe that a weed trimmer can replace a lawn edger. They are wrong, it cannot.
The ONE+ Edger is a cordless device with an 18V battery. It features a 4-step height adjustment, a durable dual serrated 22cm blade and two wheels — one in the front and the other in the rear. The unit cuts deep into the grass and is as powerful as a circular saw. Also, it comes with a debris guard that prevents debris from being thrown toward the user operating the unit.
Useful Garden Tools For Autumn
The autumn comes and leaves fade to brown, covering your garden lawn. Raking takes a lot of time and is very labour-consuming, and this is where a leaf blower comes in handy! Modern models offer more versatility and can not only blow but also suck leaves and all sorts of debris.
Removing fallen leaves and debris
When choosing the Best Leaf Vacuum in Canada, make sure that it features speed control, a convenient grip, and an easy-to-access on-off switch. As compared to a gas-powered option, an electric leaf blower has multiple benefits. It is more lightweight, and operates quietly so you will not disturb your neighbours. Many electric leaf blowers have a backpack design, something that makes them more convenient yet powerful enough for a tough job. Or you may choose the Best Leaf Vacuum Mulcher in Canada in 2022.
A chipper shredder is a useful machine that cleans up your lawn, yard, and garden. It works by reducing branches and leaves to compost material and mulch. Not only will you dispose of all debris on your property, but you will also be able to use the material for other lawn needs.
Alternatively, you may use a thermal composter that speeds up the decomposition of organic matter and quickly produces fertilizer for your garden. Decayed organic materials such as animal manure and yard trimmings create compost. When spread on the soil, compost will break down into minerals that are highly beneficial for any garden. Compost supplies plants with nutrients improve the soil’s texture and help aerate it.
You may try the Thermo Composter with a 600-litre capacity. The unit is well insulated and generates a warm temperature to accelerate the decomposition of organic waste. Made of top-quality polypropylene, it is resistant to adverse weather conditions and UV rays. With a weight of just 2 kg, the Thermo King composter is 80 cm wide and 104 cm tall.
Another highly useful tool is an electric lawn sweeper. This powerful unit is very efficient in keeping a lawn in excellent condition. There are more versatile models like the Electric Debris Sweeper that can be used both in the home and in the garden.
It sweeps up not only leaves and dirt but also wood scraps, nails, screws, plastic, and other debris. Note that it comes without a battery which should be purchased separately. The machine features two 53cm spinning brushes and a spacious 17-litre collector. It shreds wood up to a diameter of 45 mm with a throughput of up to 230 kg per hour.
Getting rid of moss
Early autumn is ideal for removing moss from your lawn. It is a rule of thumb that you should kill moss well before seeding your lawn or garden. This is an important step that must not be overlooked if you want to keep your lawn or garden healthy. Although moss is unlikely to overtake your lawn, it can fill in the spaces where it is thin. To get the job done quickly and properly, use an electric lawn raker.
Dethatching & Scarification
September and October are a great time for dethatching cool-season grasses, whereas warm-season grasses should be dethatched at the end of the spring. In addition to dethatching, you need to aerate your lawn. This is a different process that involves removing the cores of the soil and the thatch layer. This creates paths for nutrients and water to penetrate the soil and thatch, which, among other things, makes thatch removal easier.
If you do not detach your lawn, dead grass cuttings will remain on the surface, preventing rainwater from getting under the ground, whereas the lawn will look soggy. A lawn scarifier, also known as a dethatcher, is a machine that was created specifically to perform these tasks. The device cuts through the soil and removes all sorts of debris as well as helps aerate the soil.
Other useful gardening tools that gardeners need
- Best Riding Lawn Mowers
- Best Pickaxe
- Best Leaf Rake
- Best Garden Sprayer
- Best Garden Scooters
- Best Walk Behind Leaf Blowers
- Best Cordless String Trimmers
- Best Commercial Weed Eater
- Best Battery String Trimmer
- Best Hand Reel Mower
- Best Motion-Activated Sprinklers
