HOW TO · TOOLS & SKILLS
Tools & Skills
Practical guidance for choosing, using and caring for garden tools, with techniques that make everyday jobs cleaner, easier and more effective.
DIG · CUT · MAINTAIN · MASTER
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Trowels, spades, forks and planting tools: choose the right tool, work efficiently and avoid unnecessary effort or damage.
Secateurs, loppers and saws: make cleaner cuts, use the right tool for the diameter and work safely around plants.
Cleaning, sharpening and storage: keep tools reliable, comfortable to use and ready for the next job.
Practical methods for common garden jobs: improve technique, work with the soil and plants, and build confidence through repetition.
Start with these guides
How to stake tall perennials discreetly
Support tall garden perennials without spoiling their natural shape using early staking, grow-through supports, twiggy branches and soft ties.
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How to clean and store garden tools for winter
Prepare garden tools for winter by cleaning soil and sap, checking handles, removing rust, sharpening blades and storing tools dry.
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How to choose a garden trowel
Choose a garden trowel that suits your soil and planting style, with practical advice on blade shape, materials, handles, strength and comfort.
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How to use a garden fork properly
Use a garden fork efficiently for loosening soil, lifting perennials, aerating ground and moving organic material without unnecessary strain.
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How to choose and use secateurs
A practical guide to choosing bypass or anvil secateurs, matching them to your hand and making clean, controlled pruning cuts.
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How to sharpen secateurs
Learn how to clean, inspect and sharpen secateurs while preserving the original blade bevel, alignment and smooth cutting action.
View guide →Tools & techniques now
Seasonal techniques and tool-related guides selected from the Garden Calendar for this point in the year.
How to clean and store garden tools for winter
Prepare garden tools for winter by cleaning soil and sap, checking handles, removing rust, sharpening blades and storing…
View guide →
How to choose a garden trowel
Choose a garden trowel that suits your soil and planting style, with practical advice on blade shape, materials,…
View guide →
How to use a garden fork properly
Use a garden fork efficiently for loosening soil, lifting perennials, aerating ground and moving organic material without unnecessary…
View guide →Guide library
Browse every Tools & Skills guide, filter by subject or search by title.
2 guides
Good tools matter most when technique is sound
A sharp blade and a well-balanced tool can make a job easier, but the real difference comes from using it well. Match the tool to the task, work at the right angle and pace, and stop before forcing something designed for a lighter job. Clean, dry and maintain tools after use, especially cutting edges and moving parts.
Tools & Skills brings together the practical craft of gardening: how to dig without damaging structure, how to cut cleanly, how to plant efficiently and how to keep dependable tools in service for years.
Go deeper: Keeping garden tools in good condition → · A few useful tools for summer gardening →
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