BDN speaks with Extension staff about tools for first-time gardeners
The Bangor Daily News spoke with University of Maine Cooperative Extension staff members Kate Garland, horticultural specialist; Donna Coffin, Extension professor; and Alicyn Smart, assistant Extension professor and Extension plant pathologist; for an article about the best tools for first-time gardeners. Beginning gardeners might want to choose a trowel with measurements etched into the handle, Garland said. “A lot of times people get a little bit nervous about depth recommendations and they want to be accurate. If you do buy a trowel, I would suggest buying something that has some measurements on it. There’s a lot of wiggle room with planting, though, so don’t stress out too much on planting depths,” said Garland, who also recommended a right angle trowel for transplanting. “That way, you’re not disturbing the soil [as much]. It’s very fast. If you’re ready to do a whole bunch of transplants it’s very, very efficient.” Coffin added advice on different types of shovels and spades. “If you’re doing edging work like around a flower bed, you want a straight edge shovel,” she said. “A spade is a better all purpose tool. It’s easier to dig with. The straight edge shovel, if you’re spreading garden nutrients, that comes in handy, but you can use a spade to do that, too.” As for rakes, Smart said she prefers metal ones for gardening. “They are able to grab matted down leaves that may have been there for a couple of years,” she said. The trio also gave recommendations for gardening forks, gloves, wheelbarrows and more.