Tools make great gifts for the gardener on your list

By ERIC BARRETT

OSU Extension Educator

Every gardener has a favorite tool they use in the garden.

This could be a family heirloom that is irreplaceable or a new-age device that saves time and effort.

Whatever the choice, be sure it is something they will use.

Here is a list from our OSU Extension Master Gardener Volunteers of things to consider getting your favorite gardener this holiday season:

High-quality bypass pruners with a good closer. Something in the $20 range, versus the $5 range.

A multiuse garden knife or multifunction planting tool. It looks like a hand digger, only better. This is the favorite tool of many, whether it’s called a Japanese hori-hori knife or a 7-in-one planter buddy. $20 range.

A spading fork, which is similar to a pitchfork, but with a shorter handle and wide tines. This tool has four heavy-duty tines to use for spreading mulch, mixing compost, lifting plants for transplant or turning the soil. $20 to $40 range.

A long-handled digging shovel with extended metal up the handle. Most gardeners have a shovel with no handle. This one survives lots of gardening projects. $20 to $40 range.

A scuffle or loop hoe requires a little less effort for someone with small weeds. $25 to $35 range.

A book of certificates from you for pruning, planting, digging and so on might be the best thing to accompany any of these gifts.

Just take this list to your local garden center and ask for some help in choosing the perfect gift so they can keep making the home garden beautiful and bountiful.

For an overview of some of the best tools for the practical vegetable gardener, go to: go.osu.edu/besttools .