Tools

Before you start the garden you will need to have tools for the students to use. Tools such as rakes, shovels and hoes should be sized for the students. Also, sprinkling cans need to be smaller and lighter for the young students. Suggested tools are:

• Hand trowel - This tool is used more by students than any other tool. It is essential for transplanting and cultivating.
• Hand cultivator
• Gloves
• Magnifying glass- examine insects, identify disease organisms on plants
• Hoe - used for chopping, scraping, shallow digging, and mounding
• Bow rake - wide metal head with heavy tines - level beds, spread soil amendments, and rake out rocks
• Leaf rake - remove light litter, such as leaves
• Scissors or clippers - trim plants, remove spent blooms
• Shovel - rounded on the end for digging and scooping
• Spade - squared on the end for cutting edges or digging
• Spading or digging fork - usually with four tines; dig into heavy soil
• Wheelbarrow or cart - transport materials in the garden
• Hose - buy a good quality hose that is flexible. Make sure it is long enough.
• Hose reel - store and prolong the life of the hose
• Sprinkler - choose one which can be set to a pattern and which emits a light mist, good for raised beds and for seedlings.
• Stakes, string, tape measure
• Watering can or 1/2 gal plastic containers with screw-on caps. Adults can poke small holes in the cap to allow a gentle stream of water to be emitted.
• Plant tags and waterproof markers - tongue depressors or popsicle sticks work well to identify plants or seeds. Sharpie waterproof markers work well to write the names of the plants on the tag.
• Clipboard
• Plastic jars or baby food jars to collect and study insects.