If you are just starting out in gardening, it is convenient to use simple hand tools. These tools are easy to handle, inexpensive and take up little space. Consider a hand pruner, garden shovel, spade and hoe.

When buying tools, it is smart to choose tools that you can take apart to sharpen and maintain.

Once you find the right tool, regular maintenance is important to make sure it lasts.

Always make sure the tool is clean and dry before storing it, even if you are going to use it again the next day.

Store it in a dry, cool place. Clean the tool after each use, such as by washing mud off a spade with water and a hard brush. Dry it and grease it. Also keep the handles clean and dry to prevent rotting.

Periodically take your pruning shears apart, clean them with steel wool and turpentine, sharpen the blades, grease the spring and reassemble the shears. If you sharpen knives with a sharpening stone, spread oil on the stone and move the knife or blade along the stone at a 25° angle.

Make sure your whetstone and file stay dust-free by wrapping old rags around them after use.

Lubricate metal parts of tools regularly to prevent rust. Drizzle some lubricating oil on moving parts of pruning shears, wipe off excess oil with a cloth.

Inspect your tools for wear before each use and replace worn tools as soon as possible.

Proper and well-maintained gardening tools put your personal plant paradise at your fingertips!