"You get what you pay for.” We've all heard that saying before; it applies to a lot of things, but especially to home garden products and garden hand tools that can take a beating each time you use them.
What it means, of course, is that buying cheap may save money at the time of purchase, but you'll pay for it in the long run. Whether you're serious about your home gardening, or just like to work in your yard one or two days a week, you have very likely experienced the frustration of using cheap gardening tools or other yard garden products that don't last and don't do the job well. Some even break after just a few outings! Then you're back to the store to explain how you broke your gardening tool, trying to either get your money back or swap for something better you should have bought in the first place. It's a serious waste of your time and money.
The lesson learned is, when it comes to garden hand tools and other home garden products, it doesn't pay to go cheap. Do it right the first time by putting some thought into your purchase. Think about what it is you want to accomplish with the garden product you need, and how long you want it to last. And, for the sake of your health, don't forget comfort and ease of use, especially with garden hand tools.
Things to consider when buying home garden products or garden hand tools:
- If you plan to dig holes for new plants, consider a long-handled shovel instead of a short-handled one to save your back. A professional-quality long-handled shovel allows you to apply more pressure when digging without straining your back.
- When dividing plants in the spring or fall to make new plants, use a high-quality soil knife with a strong blade that won’t bend. This allows you to easily and delicately slice through the roots with minimum damage to the plant.
- Garden yard carts and wheelbarrows must be of sturdy construction with large wheels that will hold up during rugged use, and the frames should be constructed out of light-weight aluminum which won’t rust.
- Garden yard carts that are made properly will allow you to push very heavy loads--like rocks and large bags of manure or mulch--up and down hills or just across your lawn more easily without swaying or tipping over.
- Gardening tools such as bypass hand pruners, soil knives, hedge trimmers, and loppers should be made of quality metals and other durable materials for comfort and durability. The last thing you want when pruning or digging is a blade that will bend or break.
- Rain barrels should be made of durable plastic, and they should be sealed both for safety and to avoid mosquito breeding.
- Items like compost tumblers, planters, cold frames, benches, and stools should be heavy-duty enough to stand up to years of use in your garden and in all kinds of weather.
You get the picture: you get what you pay for. So do it right the first time and spend a little extra to get home garden products that will make your job easier and be comfortable to use. Quality home garden products and hand tools look better and feel better in your hands, and they last. Spending a little more for comfort and durability pays in the long run.
