thisplace.com.au - Gardening Tools & Equipment - what do you need to start in the backyard

You don't have to go overboard with tools for the yard and garden, you can get by with some basic tools and equipment. You also have the choice of buying the tools you want new or you can purchase them second hand, thus saving yourself money.

For about $2000 you would get yourself a decent set of tools and equipment for the garden. If you could obtain all or some of the tools second hand, you would save up to half of this cost.

Of course you don't have to buy everything at once, try buying a piece here and there. In no time you will have gotten almost everything you'll need. For starters here are some of the basic things you'll want.

mower - petrol or electric - prices will vary between models and makes, expect to pay from $ 400 and up For an electric mower prices will cost around $250 and don't forget about hand push mowers which you can pick up for about $100. A petrol mower is obviously better suited to a larger lawn whereas an electric mower is really only suitable for a smaller yard
trimmer - petrol or electric - prices will vary as with the lawn mowers, you will pay more for a petrol trimmer but they are usually more robust and longer lasting than an electric trimmer. Expect to pay from $180 up to over $ 500 for a more powerful version ( also try to buy a model with a straight shaft )
mulcher - petrol or electric - an electric model will cost a lot less than a petrol version, however the petrol version will possess more grunt. Prices once again vary between models- electric models start around $ 250
hose - try to buy a decent hose as it will last for a lot longer than a cheaper one - prices will start at about $10 and go up for better examples ( $40 will get you a better version )
hose stand - wind your hose up to keep it in better condition - these cost as little as $15 and you can get a trolley version for about $40
rake - an essential tool of the garden, you should get both a plastic and a metal rake. For $30 you should get both
shovel \ spade - you can get all types if you want as each one does a different job or perhaps you could get by with just one ( post hole shovel will do all of your jobs and save your back a bit ). Prices start at about $12 - $15 for each model
secateurs / pruners - a pruners will start at about $5 while secateurs will be a little more expensive but will perform harder tasks - expect to pay about $25
lopping shears - for the bigger jobs in the yard - priced from about $30
gloves - save your hands and your health, buy some gloves - from a few dollars to about $10
mattock / pick- both of these can be picked up for around $35 each
pitch fork - for about $15 you will get a pitch fork that will help turn the soil over and to get the weeds out
hand fork - for smaller jobs grab a one of these for about $3-$5
tree pruner with telescopic handle- save the trouble of climbing up a ladder by using one of these - it will set you back Around $30
sprayer - for about $25 to $30 you can have a spray unit that should last a long time
tap timer - save time by installing a timer on your tap, the cost will be about $20
wheelbarrow - an essential item for the gardener, will set you back about $50, for about $100 you will get a bigger, better version
garden shed - prices start around $350 ( not including installation costs ). A fairly essential item to store all of your tools in. By having a shed you will free up space in the garage.

The above selection of tools is by no means set in stone, some people will not need all of them, while others will want more. You could go without the mowers and trimmers if you are going to get someone in to do your lawn.

Another point to remember is to look after your tools. Keep them clean, dry and add some oil and grease to moving parts and you will find that they will last a lot longer and you will save money by not having to replace your tools regularly.