I am looking for recommendations for best value in gardening tools,
above Home Depot level but not the absolutely best and priciest. I
already have a good shovel and watering arrangement, but need the
following -

Pruner: At Amazon I shortlisted Coronas. Also found a Bahco for $12
plus shipping.

Folding Hand saw, 5"-7": Felco, Corona, Fiskar, ARS?

Trowel:

Cultivator:

I don't have a short-list in these categories but am awars of brands
like Radius, Fiskar, Corona, Ames, etc.

Thanks for all help.

In article , RPS
wrote:

I am looking for recommendations for best value in gardening tools,
above Home Depot level but not the absolutely best and priciest. I
already have a good shovel and watering arrangement, but need the
following -

Pruner: At Amazon I shortlisted Coronas. Also found a Bahco for $12
plus shipping.

Folding Hand saw, 5"-7": Felco, Corona, Fiskar, ARS?

Trowel:

Cultivator:

I don't have a short-list in these categories but am awars of brands
like Radius, Fiskar, Corona, Ames, etc.

Thanks for all help.

Nothing wrong with starting out with tools that you will have to
replace latter. I favor Japanese hand tools for esthetics and comfort.
Mine have square wooden heads not round (boasting).

That said http://www.leevalley.com/en/garden/index.aspx has
many options I went with the gone Smith& Hawkins that carried Bulldog
tools. As you can see it is a jungle out here.

Sometimes if lucky in a public garden or nursery you can find some
codgers that love speaking and sharing gardening lore without commercial
interests just know by experience and for some reason ant to share it.

--
Bill S. Jersey USA zone 5 shade garden
globalvoicesonline.org

I am looking for recommendations for best value in gardening tools,
above Home Depot level but not the absolutely best and priciest. I
already have a good shovel and watering arrangement, but need the
following -
Pruner: At Amazon I shortlisted Coronas. Also found a Bahco for $12
plus shipping.
Folding Hand saw, 5"-7": Felco, Corona, Fiskar, ARS?
Trowel:
Cultivator:
I don't have a short-list in these categories but am awars of brands
like Radius, Fiskar, Corona, Ames, etc.
Thanks for all help.



Nothing wrong with starting out with tools that you will have to
replace latter. I favor Japanese hand tools for esthetics and comfort.
Mine have square wooden heads not round (boasting).
That said http://www.leevalley.com/en/garden/index.aspx has
many options I went with the gone Smith& Hawkins that carried Bulldog
tools. As you can see it is a jungle out here.
Sometimes if lucky in a public garden or nursery you can find some
codgers that love speaking and sharing gardening lore without commercial
interests just know by experience and for some reason ant to share it.


I was going to mention Lee Valley also.
If something is priced quite cheap - they will state
"good value for the money" - but they wouldn't sell you
a useless piece of junk - by saying that.
I love getting their catalogs - artwork photos on the cover -
& interesting things inside. ... which reminds me - I haven't got a
catalog lately - time to place an order !
ps : some of their high-end stuff is quite pricey - hand it down to
your grandkids ...
John T.



--- news://freenews.netfront.net/ - complaints: ---

"Bill who putters" wrote in message
...
In article , RPS
wrote:

I am looking for recommendations for best value in gardening tools,
above Home Depot level but not the absolutely best and priciest. I
already have a good shovel and watering arrangement, but need the
following -

Pruner: At Amazon I shortlisted Coronas. Also found a Bahco for $12
plus shipping.

Folding Hand saw, 5"-7": Felco, Corona, Fiskar, ARS?

Trowel:

Cultivator:

I don't have a short-list in these categories but am awars of brands
like Radius, Fiskar, Corona, Ames, etc.

Thanks for all help.

Nothing wrong with starting out with tools that you will have to
replace latter. I favor Japanese hand tools for esthetics and comfort.
Mine have square wooden heads not round (boasting).

That said http://www.leevalley.com/en/garden/index.aspx has
many options I went with the gone Smith& Hawkins that carried Bulldog
tools. As you can see it is a jungle out here.


I think it's cruel to tease people by mentioning tools they cannot buy any
more, like Smith & Hawken. But it's a fun kinda cruelty. :-)

WTF happened to that company anyway? Did the entire executive staff start
mainlining heroin or something? One day, they have actual tools and the
next, they'll selling useless decorative crap.

In article ,
"JoeSpareBedroom" wrote:


WTF happened to that company anyway? Did the entire executive staff start
mainlining heroin or something? One day, they have actual tools and the
next, they'll selling useless decorative crap.

http://articles.sfgate.com/2009-07-1...h-hawken-scott
s-miracle-gro-hawken-garden

--
Bill S. Jersey USA zone 5 shade garden
globalvoicesonline.org

"RPS" wrote in message
...
I am looking for recommendations for best value in gardening tools,
above Home Depot level but not the absolutely best and priciest. I
already have a good shovel and watering arrangement, but need the
following -

Pruner: At Amazon I shortlisted Coronas. Also found a Bahco for $12
plus shipping.

Folding Hand saw, 5"-7": Felco, Corona, Fiskar, ARS?

Trowel:

Cultivator:

I don't have a short-list in these categories but am awars of brands
like Radius, Fiskar, Corona, Ames, etc.

Thanks for all help.


I've always found Fiskar pruning shears work more smoothly than any other
brand. Definitely worth the money.

This tool won't make sense until you own one:
http://www.cleanairgardening.com/horihoriknife.html

It's absolutely the single most useful garden tool I've ever owned. Mine's
25 years old. Great for digging, weeding, and the serrated edge can cut
through thick roots underground. I've never sharpened mine. There's no need
to. It's the shape of the thing that makes it so functional.

That's not the only source for these knives. Search on eBay using some or
all of the words "japanese hori hori weeder knife" and you may find it a
little cheaper.

Incidentally, from a distance, the knife looks ominous when held in the
hand. I believe it may have been a handy visual aid when I needed to educate
moron dog owners who didn't understand the words "not here, please". A pitch
fork is better for this purpose, but you can't carry one on your belt.

On 8/11/10 12:42 PM, JoeSpareBedroom wrote:
"RPS" wrote in message
...
I am looking for recommendations for best value in gardening tools,
above Home Depot level but not the absolutely best and priciest. I
already have a good shovel and watering arrangement, but need the
following -

Pruner: At Amazon I shortlisted Coronas. Also found a Bahco for $12
plus shipping.

Folding Hand saw, 5"-7": Felco, Corona, Fiskar, ARS?

Trowel:

Cultivator:

I don't have a short-list in these categories but am awars of brands
like Radius, Fiskar, Corona, Ames, etc.

Thanks for all help.


I've always found Fiskar pruning shears work more smoothly than any other
brand. Definitely worth the money.

This tool won't make sense until you own one:
http://www.cleanairgardening.com/horihoriknife.html

It's absolutely the single most useful garden tool I've ever owned. Mine's
25 years old. Great for digging, weeding, and the serrated edge can cut
through thick roots underground. I've never sharpened mine. There's no need
to. It's the shape of the thing that makes it so functional.

That's not the only source for these knives. Search on eBay using some or
all of the words "japanese hori hori weeder knife" and you may find it a
little cheaper.

Incidentally, from a distance, the knife looks ominous when held in the
hand. I believe it may have been a handy visual aid when I needed to educate
moron dog owners who didn't understand the words "not here, please". A pitch
fork is better for this purpose, but you can't carry one on your belt.


Instead of spending $34 plus shipping, I use a plain paring knife that I
bought at the local supermarket for less than $10. Before buying it, I
checked (1) that the blade is quite stiff and (2) that the tang of the
blade extends the length of the handle. This serves quite well for
weeding and edging the lawn. I do sharpen it with a whetstone when I
use it for making cuttings of perennials and shrubs.

--
David E. Ross
Climate: California Mediterranean
Sunset Zone: 21 -- interior Santa Monica Mountains with some ocean
influence (USDA 10a, very close to Sunset Zone 19)
Gardening diary at http://www.rossde.com/garden/diary

"David E. Ross" wrote in message
.. .
On 8/11/10 12:42 PM, JoeSpareBedroom wrote:
"RPS" wrote in message
...
I am looking for recommendations for best value in gardening tools,
above Home Depot level but not the absolutely best and priciest. I
already have a good shovel and watering arrangement, but need the
following -

Pruner: At Amazon I shortlisted Coronas. Also found a Bahco for $12
plus shipping.

Folding Hand saw, 5"-7": Felco, Corona, Fiskar, ARS?

Trowel:

Cultivator:

I don't have a short-list in these categories but am awars of brands
like Radius, Fiskar, Corona, Ames, etc.

Thanks for all help.


I've always found Fiskar pruning shears work more smoothly than any other
brand. Definitely worth the money.

This tool won't make sense until you own one:
http://www.cleanairgardening.com/horihoriknife.html

It's absolutely the single most useful garden tool I've ever owned.
Mine's
25 years old. Great for digging, weeding, and the serrated edge can cut
through thick roots underground. I've never sharpened mine. There's no
need
to. It's the shape of the thing that makes it so functional.

That's not the only source for these knives. Search on eBay using some or
all of the words "japanese hori hori weeder knife" and you may find it a
little cheaper.

Incidentally, from a distance, the knife looks ominous when held in the
hand. I believe it may have been a handy visual aid when I needed to
educate
moron dog owners who didn't understand the words "not here, please". A
pitch
fork is better for this purpose, but you can't carry one on your belt.


Instead of spending $34 plus shipping, I use a plain paring knife that I
bought at the local supermarket for less than $10. Before buying it, I
checked (1) that the blade is quite stiff and (2) that the tang of the
blade extends the length of the handle. This serves quite well for
weeding and edging the lawn. I do sharpen it with a whetstone when I
use it for making cuttings of perennials and shrubs.


How long is the blade of that paring knife?

On 8/11/10 2:25 PM, JoeSpareBedroom wrote:
"David E. Ross" wrote in message
.. .
On 8/11/10 12:42 PM, JoeSpareBedroom wrote:
"RPS" wrote in message
...
I am looking for recommendations for best value in gardening tools,
above Home Depot level but not the absolutely best and priciest. I
already have a good shovel and watering arrangement, but need the
following -

Pruner: At Amazon I shortlisted Coronas. Also found a Bahco for $12
plus shipping.

Folding Hand saw, 5"-7": Felco, Corona, Fiskar, ARS?

Trowel:

Cultivator:

I don't have a short-list in these categories but am awars of brands
like Radius, Fiskar, Corona, Ames, etc.

Thanks for all help.


I've always found Fiskar pruning shears work more smoothly than any other
brand. Definitely worth the money.

This tool won't make sense until you own one:
http://www.cleanairgardening.com/horihoriknife.html

It's absolutely the single most useful garden tool I've ever owned.
Mine's
25 years old. Great for digging, weeding, and the serrated edge can cut
through thick roots underground. I've never sharpened mine. There's no
need
to. It's the shape of the thing that makes it so functional.

That's not the only source for these knives. Search on eBay using some or
all of the words "japanese hori hori weeder knife" and you may find it a
little cheaper.

Incidentally, from a distance, the knife looks ominous when held in the
hand. I believe it may have been a handy visual aid when I needed to
educate
moron dog owners who didn't understand the words "not here, please". A
pitch
fork is better for this purpose, but you can't carry one on your belt.


Instead of spending $34 plus shipping, I use a plain paring knife that I
bought at the local supermarket for less than $10. Before buying it, I
checked (1) that the blade is quite stiff and (2) that the tang of the
blade extends the length of the handle. This serves quite well for
weeding and edging the lawn. I do sharpen it with a whetstone when I
use it for making cuttings of perennials and shrubs.


How long is the blade of that paring knife?

4-1/2 inches

--
David E. Ross
Climate: California Mediterranean
Sunset Zone: 21 -- interior Santa Monica Mountains with some ocean
influence (USDA 10a, very close to Sunset Zone 19)
Gardening diary at http://www.rossde.com/garden/diary

"David E. Ross" wrote in message
...
On 8/11/10 2:25 PM, JoeSpareBedroom wrote:
"David E. Ross" wrote in message
.. .
On 8/11/10 12:42 PM, JoeSpareBedroom wrote:
"RPS" wrote in message
...
I am looking for recommendations for best value in gardening tools,
above Home Depot level but not the absolutely best and priciest. I
already have a good shovel and watering arrangement, but need the
following -

Pruner: At Amazon I shortlisted Coronas. Also found a Bahco for $12
plus shipping.

Folding Hand saw, 5"-7": Felco, Corona, Fiskar, ARS?

Trowel:

Cultivator:

I don't have a short-list in these categories but am awars of brands
like Radius, Fiskar, Corona, Ames, etc.

Thanks for all help.


I've always found Fiskar pruning shears work more smoothly than any
other
brand. Definitely worth the money.

This tool won't make sense until you own one:
http://www.cleanairgardening.com/horihoriknife.html

It's absolutely the single most useful garden tool I've ever owned.
Mine's
25 years old. Great for digging, weeding, and the serrated edge can cut
through thick roots underground. I've never sharpened mine. There's no
need
to. It's the shape of the thing that makes it so functional.

That's not the only source for these knives. Search on eBay using some
or
all of the words "japanese hori hori weeder knife" and you may find it
a
little cheaper.

Incidentally, from a distance, the knife looks ominous when held in the
hand. I believe it may have been a handy visual aid when I needed to
educate
moron dog owners who didn't understand the words "not here, please". A
pitch
fork is better for this purpose, but you can't carry one on your belt.


Instead of spending $34 plus shipping, I use a plain paring knife that I
bought at the local supermarket for less than $10. Before buying it, I
checked (1) that the blade is quite stiff and (2) that the tang of the
blade extends the length of the handle. This serves quite well for
weeding and edging the lawn. I do sharpen it with a whetstone when I
use it for making cuttings of perennials and shrubs.


How long is the blade of that paring knife?

4-1/2 inches


In that case, you're comparing apples with space shuttles. Stop being silly.

On 8/11/10 5:04 PM, in article ,
"David E. Ross" wrote:

On 8/11/10 12:42 PM, JoeSpareBedroom wrote:
"RPS" wrote in message
...
I am looking for recommendations for best value in gardening tools,
above Home Depot level but not the absolutely best and priciest. I
already have a good shovel and watering arrangement, but need the
following -

Pruner: At Amazon I shortlisted Coronas. Also found a Bahco for $12
plus shipping.

Folding Hand saw, 5"-7": Felco, Corona, Fiskar, ARS?

Trowel:

Cultivator:

I don't have a short-list in these categories but am awars of brands
like Radius, Fiskar, Corona, Ames, etc.

Thanks for all help.


I've always found Fiskar pruning shears work more smoothly than any other
brand. Definitely worth the money.

This tool won't make sense until you own one:
http://www.cleanairgardening.com/horihoriknife.html

It's absolutely the single most useful garden tool I've ever owned. Mine's
25 years old. Great for digging, weeding, and the serrated edge can cut
through thick roots underground. I've never sharpened mine. There's no need
to. It's the shape of the thing that makes it so functional.

That's not the only source for these knives. Search on eBay using some or
all of the words "japanese hori hori weeder knife" and you may find it a
little cheaper.

Incidentally, from a distance, the knife looks ominous when held in the
hand. I believe it may have been a handy visual aid when I needed to educate
moron dog owners who didn't understand the words "not here, please". A pitch
fork is better for this purpose, but you can't carry one on your belt.


Instead of spending $34 plus shipping, I use a plain paring knife that I
bought at the local supermarket for less than $10. Before buying it, I
checked (1) that the blade is quite stiff and (2) that the tang of the
blade extends the length of the handle. This serves quite well for
weeding and edging the lawn. I do sharpen it with a whetstone when I
use it for making cuttings of perennials and shrubs.

And speaking of "on the cheap", I go to the local dollar store and get steak
knives. Look for the full tang, a fairly stiff blade and deep serrations.
Divides over grown clumps, cuts roots and patches of lawn. Also handy for
slug and hornworm killing!


Cheryl

I just ordered a Roth hori hori in stainless steel. Looks like a great
multi purpose tool for any home gardener to have around. Also looks
very well made and should last many years. It's nice to have one tool
that can do many tasks and do them well. Sure saves a lot of trips to
the shed Thank you so much for bringing this tool to my attention as
I have never heard of it before.

Rich

"EVP MAN" wrote in message
...

I just ordered a Roth hori hori in stainless steel. Looks like a great
multi purpose tool for any home gardener to have around. Also looks
very well made and should last many years. It's nice to have one tool
that can do many tasks and do them well. Sure saves a lot of trips to
the shed Thank you so much for bringing this tool to my attention as
I have never heard of it before.

Rich



The only problem I can foresee with stainless steel is that it'll be TOO
attractive to creatures who love shiny things and never put tools back where
they belong.

Hide it from your wife, in other words.

"EVP MAN" wrote:

I just ordered a Roth hori hori in stainless steel.
It's nice to have one tool that can do many tasks and do them well.
Sure saves a lot of trips to the shed

You wouldn't need to make a lot of trips to the shed if you kept all
your small tools in a 5 gallon contractor's bucket... with the lid on
it even doubles as a sturdy gardening seat.... also a good tote for
tossing all those stones and weeds you never come back for.

In article ,
brooklyn1 wrote:

"EVP MAN" wrote:

I just ordered a Roth hori hori in stainless steel.
It's nice to have one tool that can do many tasks and do them well.
Sure saves a lot of trips to the shed

You wouldn't need to make a lot of trips to the shed if you kept all
your small tools in a 5 gallon contractor's bucket... with the lid on
it even doubles as a sturdy gardening seat.... also a good tote for
tossing all those stones and weeds you never come back for.

I use a mounted large rural mailbox.

--
Bill S. Jersey USA zone 5 shade garden
globalvoicesonline.org