Page 5 2026 Spring Home and Garden LINCOLN DAILY NEWS April 2026 3. Hori-hori (Soil knife). This is a multipurpose tool which digs, chops, saws, weeds, and measures. It is approximately the size of a hand trowel and has a serrated edge and a notch for pulling small weeds. 4. Dutch hand hoe. These are excellent for hand weeding and can be purchased for right or left-handed gardeners. A Dutch hand hoe is more robust than a Japanese hand hoe. This tool can be sharpened once a year for optimum performance. 5. Floral shovel. This is a versatile, small shovel used for lighter applications. Floral shovels are good for precision as well as dividing bulbs and planting trees. The size and weight are good for women. Shovels are either stamped or forged with forged being stronger. New shovels need to be sharpened before use. Tools for Occasional Use 1. Folding saw. These are for cuts of branches larger than 1.75 inches. A folding saw will saw in both push and pull directions and the blades are replaceable. Be sure to find a saw that has a safety mechanism that prevents the saw from folding unintentionally to prevent injury. 2. Loppers. These are for larger cuts than a hand pruner, ranging from 0.75 to 1.75 inches. They have longer handles for reaching branches. 3. Hedge shears. These are for shaping shrubs such as yews and boxwood, and for espalier. They are lightweight and made from aluminum. Hedge shears leave a softer finish than electric hedge trimmers. Wrage stated that a good horticulturist looks like she was not there. 4. Garden hoe. Hoes are for use in vegetable gardens and for weeding larger areas. A trapezoid hoe allows extra precision and has a replaceable head. 5. Half-moon edger. This tool is for edging garden beds and sidewalks. New edgers need to be sharpened before use. A sharp blade makes it easier to use. 6. Garden fork. A garden fork generally has a shorter handle than a pitchfork. It is used for digging, turning compost, dividing perennials, etc. 7. Shovel. A shovel larger than a floral shovel is for larger applications. Just like the floral shovel, forged are stronger than stamped and the shovel should be sharpened before use.
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