Hi Eric,

Welcome to the list! Glad you came out of "stealth" mode.

January? - Isn't that still a little chilly?

For tools I recommend Brent's site at:
http://www.evergreengardenworks.com/

"concave" cutters - are a must in your tool bag.
"spherical" or "knob" cutters - You will find necessary as you progress, but
not necessary at the beginning.

The difference between the two are the type of cuts they make. Concave make
a more pointed angled cut, "knob" cutters make a circular deeper cut and are
most often used to cleanup branches you remove leaving a hole that heals
easier.

I've been happy with my Joshua Roth - but buy from the intermediate or
advanced sets and Do not spend the money on "stainless" steel.

Keep reading and studying and find something to start with. Much more fun
then waiting on those little seeds to grow.

--
Denise Hurd Central CA - Sunset Zone 8-USDA Zone 9

"The Bride"

snipped