Okay, so here’s the thing about my garden shed - it’s not at all Instagram-worthy.
Actually, it’s not even technically a garden shed. It’s my garage.
There are no perfectly lined up tools, no Pinterest-inspired labels, and definitely no artisanal baskets filled with handcrafted accessories.
What I do have is a pile of trusty, well-loved tools that have seen me through countless gardening wins…and even more epic fails.
When I first started gardening, I was overwhelmed by all the shiny gadgets in garden centres and hardware stores.
Did I really need that weird claw thing?
Spoiler alert…no, I did not.
Over time, I figured out which tools were actually essential, and which ones were just taking up real estate in my already cluttered space.
So, in the interest of learning from my mistakes, I’m sharing my top 10 must-have tools for beginner gardeners - tools that will make your entry into gardening easier, more fun, and a lot less confusing.
Cue Julie Andrews...because here are a few of my favourite things!
The Basics...
#1. TROWEL
Why you need it: A trowel is the Swiss Army knife of gardening. It’s perfect for digging holes for plants, scooping soil, and even prying up those weeds and invasive species that refuse to leave.
What’s in my shed: My trowel is scratched, dented, missing the pointy tip, and has survived more than its fair share of drops, rock* encounters, and general abuse.
It’s a warrior.
I don’t know what I’d do without it.
Pro tip: Look for a trowel with a comfy grip and a sturdy metal blade. It will last longer, and make digging easier.
And it will hold up better against those rocks*.
* the perils of gardening in Canadian shield country…am I right!?!
#2. HAND PRUNERS
Why you need them: Whether you’re trimming back unruly plants, or snipping flowers for a vase, a good pair of pruners will be your best friend.
What’s in my shed: I have a few different pruners for different tasks, but I love each of them.
I have a larger pair for general pruning, and a smaller pair for working with more delicate plants or for taking cuttings for an arrangement.
The key for me is to find pruners with the fewest moving parts.
The more springs and things there are, the more bits and pieces that can come loose or need adjusting.
Pro tip: Keep your pruners clean and sharp.
Trust me, dull pruners are the worst - they’ll crush your plants instead of cutting them, and you’ll just get frustrated.
#3. GARDENING GLOVES
Why you need them: Unless you love dirt under your fingernails...like, all the time...you're going to want to invest in a pair.
Admittedly, I do love dirt under my fingernails.
What I don't love are rose thorns, nettle stings, and unexplained contact dermatitis.
What's in my shed: My gloves are...let's just say "well-loved."
They're filthy, have a few holes thanks to my fair share of pruning mishaps, and have saved me from brambles, nettles, mystery insects, and toxic plants.
I learned the hard way that my hands don't love echinacea, so after some itchy days I vowed to never garden without them again.
Pro tip: Get gloves that fit snugly but still let you move your fingers. And if they're machine washable? Even better.
The Big Guns...
#4. SPADE
Why you need it: You aren't going to want to dig a hole for a 15 gallon tree with a trowel.
When it comes to bigger digging jobs, you'll be SO thankful to have a reliable spade in your tool shed. It's a lifesaver.
What's in my shed: My spade is another hero. It's not fancy, I didn't spend a ton of money on it, but it gets the job done.
Pro tip: When choosing your spade, made sure the handle is comfortable and it's not too heavy. If you're breaking a sweat just lifting the spade, it's going to be so much harder with a scoop of soil.
It's also nice to have a good, sharp blade on your spade, but that's something you'll need to maintain over time.
#5 GARDEN FORK
Why you need it: A garden fork is ideal for loosening compacted soil, aerating your garden beds, and turning over compost piles.
What's in m shed: My garden fork is the mate to my spade. Although I didn't buy them at the same time. In fact, my garden fork is one of those tools I didn't think I needed until I needed it. But since it's joined the shed gang, I can't imagine life without it.
Pro tip: Look for similar details as the spade, but make sure you've also found one with strong, evenly spaced tines. Cheap ones tend to bend - trust me. Canadian Shield country, remember?
#6 HOSE & SPRAY NOZZLE
Why you need it: Um...well...plants need water.
Shocking, I know.
A good watering hose will last you several years if you take care of it, and the spray nozzle allows you to adjust the spray according to plant needs.
What's in my shed: Okay, I haven't gotten into specific brands here, but I'm about to... I love my X-Hose and Gardena Watering Wand. The X-hose doesn't really need to be coiled up like a regular garden hose (I just pile mine in a decorative pot), and having a wand gives me a little longer reach and keeps the water away from my hands.
I HATE having cold, wet hands.
Pro tip: If you're investing in a spray nozzle or wand, I highly recommend looking for one with adjustable spray patterns AND flow rate. It's a game-changer.
#7 GARDEN RAKE
Why you need it: Whether you're clearing leaves, smoothing out soil, or levelling mulch, a good rake is invaluable.
What's in my shed: I actually have a few rakes in my collection.
- A large, light-duty leaf rake
- A small, light-duty garden bed rake
- A large, heavy garden rake
They all earn their keep with their usefulness, and I'm not sure where I'd be without them. There are certainly a few jobs that would have been WAY less successful.
The Nice-to-Haves...
#8 HORI HORI KNIFE
Why you need it: Part knife, part trowel, part miracle tool...the Hori Hori is perfect for digging, cutting, and weeding.
What's in my shed: In one of THE most romantic moves ever, my partner gifted me a Hori Hori knife for Christmas one year. It's well-loved and well-used, and I like to send him reminders of his romantic gesture with photos like this one...
Pro tip: Use it to cut through stubborn roots, or dig up weeds with deep taproots. Just be careful...it's sharp!
#9 WHEELBARROW or GARDEN CART
Why you need it: Moving soil, mulch, heavy pots...they're all SO much easier to move with a wheelbarrow or cart.
What's in my shed: I use an old, beat up wheelbarrow, handed down through generations. It's saved my back during our potato and squash harvests, and helps with transporting HEAPS of material to the compost pile.
Pro tip: If you have a smaller garden or limited storage space, a foldable garden cart might be a better fit than a traditional wheelbarrow.
#10 PLANT LABELS
Why you need them: Okay, so you might think you'll remember what you planted where...and maybe you have and will for many years.
But one day...ONE DAY...you'll be admitting defeat and wearing reading glasses, committing to a nightly skincare routine, having no clue what any of those little green sprouts are just yet.
I may or may not be speaking from experience on this one.
What's in my shed: Honestly, we drive old chopped up hockey sticks into the ground, with hastily scribbled info on them. Nothing fancy, it gets the job done.
You don't need a shed full of tools to be a gardener - you just need to decide you are one.
But having a few well-chosen essentials will make your beginner's journey easier and more fun. Start with the basics, like the trowel, pruners, and gloves, and build your collection over time.
And here's the best part...once you've got the tools, you'll be ready to tackle any job your garden throws at you.
Except perhaps bunnies. But that's a whole other post.
So, what's in your garden shed? Have you started your collection?
Comment below and tell me all about it...I'd love to know what you can't live without!
