Course handoutGarden planning
Choosing garden tools
Common garden tools, what each is for, and what to weigh up when choosing them.
Theory and discussion only · Community education, not accredited training
Key takeaways
- 01Know what each tool is for, and choose only the tools you need.
- 02A good tool fits your body: weight, grip, handle length and reach all matter.
- 03Victoria’s Better Health Channel explains how to choose, use and store garden equipment safely.
In this course
01Common hand tools and their uses
- Trowel: a small scoop for planting holes
- Hand fork: loosening soil and lifting weeds
- Secateurs: cutting thin stems and small branches
- Rake: gathering leaves and levelling soil
- Watering can: giving plants a gentle drink
02Choosing tools to suit your body and needs
- A weight you can hold comfortably
- A handle length that matches your reach
- A grip that fits your hand
- Whether you prefer to stand, sit or kneel
03Accessible and adapted tools
- Long-handled tools for extra reach
- Lightweight tools that are easier to hold
- Thick or cushioned grips
- Raised beds and seated work areas
04Caring for and storing tools: an overview
- Clean off soil and keep tools dry
- Check equipment regularly for good working order
- Store tools safely and securely, especially around children
- Keep garden chemicals up high behind locked doors
05Official gardening safety guidance
- Use equipment that meets Australian standards
- Never remove or tamper with safety guards
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions
- Goggles for line trimmers; earmuffs or earplugs for noisy equipment
Talk it over
- Which garden tools were common where you grew up? Were any different from those used here?
- What makes a tool feel comfortable or uncomfortable to hold?
- How could a garden be set up so that more people can take part?
- Why do you think safety guidance says to store tools and chemicals securely?
Reflect
Think of a tool, for any job, that you enjoy using. What makes it work well for you?
Which three garden tools would you choose first, and why?
Further reading
- Better Health Channel (Victorian Department of Health) — Gardening safetyhttps://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/gardening-safety
Official guidance can change — always check the source.