Tools and Procedures

HAND TOOLS

Weeder Description: Metal shaft with handle that forks Use: Removes weeds Operation: Jab into ground, pry up weed Safety: careful-Sharp

Spade Description: mini shovel Use: digging small holes to plant/scoop Operation: jab into ground, pry up soil Safety: careful-Sharp

Hand Cultivator Description: metal shaft with 3-5 prongs Use: loosening soil/scraping up mulch Operation: Extend arm, drag Safety: careful;-sharp

Pruner Description: Scissor like tool Use: dead heading/cutting small branches Operation: unlock, squeeze to cut, re-lock Safety: watch fingers

Bucket Description: Plastic container and handle Use: Hold weeds, waste, or water Operation: Fill container Safety: Do NOT stack or store in front of greenhouse door put completely in tool shed

Mallet Description: large heavy hammer Use: drive in stake Operation: raise with both hands, strike down Safety: use safety glasses, watch fingers

Wire Brush Description: handle, wire bristles Use: Scrubbing rock and metal Operation: rub back and forth Safety: Sharp bristles, wear safety glasses

Work Gloves Description: leather or cloth Use: protects hands Operation: put hand inside Safety: keep with you, can easily be lost, store properly

Hose Description: Long rubber tube with metal ends Use: Water gardens Operation: Attach to spigot. Turn on water Safety: Tripping hazard. Wind up when finished.

Pruning Saw Description: Handle with saw blade. Fixed or foldable. Use: Trimming branches Operation: Hold saw securely, move the saw back and forth Safety: Sharp! Use care when carrying near others

LARGE TOOLS

Round Shovel Description: long handled spade, rounded with a point Use: digging and scooping Operation: set spade perpendicular (90°) to ground, step, pull back Safety: may be sharp

Square Shovel Description: Long handled square scooper Use: scooping Operation: Slide under pile, lift Safety: watch weight of load

Sharpshooter Description: medium length spade Use: digging deep holes Operation: step on top of blade, pull back Safety: sharp

Spading Fork Description: Medium handle tool ending with 4 prongs Use: Loosening soil before weeding Operation: jab into the ground, one step, lean back, remove Safety: sharp

Pitchfork Description: Long handled tool with several slim tines Use: scooping materials (compost, straw) Operation: Slide under pile, lift Safety: tines are sharp

Gardening Hoe Description: Long handled tool triangular end or prongs Use: removing weeds/loosening soil Operation: extend arms, lightly chop, don’t lift higher than knees Safety: Store properly, sharp

Bow Rake Description: Long tool with wide metal end and many tines Use: Removes debris/Sharp & smoothing beds Operation: Extend arm, drag toward body Safety: store properly

Leaf Rake Description: Long tool fan shaped metal or plastic tines Use: gathering leaves Operation: Extend arm, drag towards body Safety: Tines can scratch

Loppers Description: Double handled tool with blades Use: Cutting twigs & Small branches Operation: open, put branch in blades, close Safety: sharp. Closing together watch fingers

Pickaxe Description: med. Handled tool with heavy metal head Use: busting rock & soil, cutting roots Operation: Lift hip high, slam down Safety: heavy, sharp end

Wheelbarrow Description: Large bucket atop of one wheel w/ handles Use: moving bulky or heavy materials/mixing concrete Operation: fill with material centered over wheel, lift with a straight back Safety: Heavy, tips easily