Gardening Tools: What’s New? Gardening tools improved for easier use
by Heidi Bloebaum/Victoria County Master Gardener
February 17, 2024
PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY BRYNN LEE/VICTORIA COUNTY MASTER GARDENER
Master Gardener Kathy Chilek using a battery-operated hedge trimmer
PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY BRYNN LEE/VICTORIA COUNTY MASTER GARDENER
Expanding hedge trimmers go from 26-inch to 32-inch
PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY BRYNN LEE/VICTORIA COUNTY MASTER GARDENER
Master Gardener Betty Friedrichs using a cordless reciprocating saw.
PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY BRYNN LEE/VICTORIA COUNTY MASTER GARDENER
Cordless reciprocating saw comes in various weights. The lightweight one is most effective.
PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY BRYNN LEE/VICTORIA COUNTY MASTER GARDENER
Master Gardener Brenda Motley using cordless pruner
PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY BRYNN LEE/VICTORIA COUNTY MASTER GARDENER
Cordless pruners are great for arthritic hands; very sharp and lightweight
Gardening has always been a popular outdoor activity for families and individuals. Over the past few years, a number of innovations in the world of gardening tools have emerged, revolutionizing ways we nurture and care for our plants.
One of the most significant advancements in gardening tools is the introduction of electric and battery-powered equipment. Traditional gardening tools such as lawnmowers, hedge trimmers, and leaf blowers have now been engineered with electric motors and rechargeable batteries, eliminating the need for manual labor and reducing noise pollution.
Additionally, battery-powered tools are usually lighter and much easier to maneuver, further enhancing the gardening experience. With improvements in battery technology, the runtime of these tools has significantly increased, allowing gardeners to accomplish more tasks without interruption.
Ergonomic design has become a key consideration for tool manufacturers. Gardeners no longer need to suffer from uncomfortable grips or strained muscles.
For example, the handles of many tools have been redesigned to provide a more comfortable and natural grip, reducing hand and joint strain during prolonged use. This ergonomic approach ensures that gardening can be an enjoyable and pain-free experience for gardeners of all ages and physical abilities.
In addition to increased comfort, many gardening tools now incorporate smart features and technology. Sprinkler systems, for instance, can be controlled remotely through smartphone applications, allowing gardeners to adjust the watering schedule even when they are away from home.
These remotely operated systems not only save time but also ensure efficient water usage, promoting water conservation and reducing the chances of over- or under-watering plants.
Further advancements in engineering have also given rise to automated robotic gardening assistants. These devices are capable of taking care of routine gardening tasks like weeding, mowing, and pruning, allowing gardeners to concentrate on more creative and personalized endeavors.
These robotic helpers utilize sensors, cameras, and artificial intelligence to navigate and perform tasks accurately and efficiently. Also these independent tools provide a hands-free experience for those experiencing physical limitations.
Another development in gardening tools is the emergence of lightweight and versatile equipment. Tools made from advanced materials like carbon fiber are lighter and easier to handle while maintaining their strength and durability.
Gardeners can customize these tools to meet their specific needs by utilizing adjustable features, which reduces the need for specialized tools. For example, a single tool may possess interchangeable heads that can be switched between a rake, a hoe, or a cultivator, making it highly adaptable and cost-effective.
In recent years, there has been a growing trend in vertical gardening due to limited space in urban areas. To cater to this demand, vertical gardening tools have been created to facilitate the cultivation of plants in tight spaces.
Vertical planters, wall-mounted gardening systems, and trellises provide opportunities for gardeners to grow a variety of plants vertically, maximizing the use of available space. These tools not only add aesthetic appeal to walls and fences but also enable individuals to grow their own gardens in areas where traditional gardening may not be possible.
Subsequently, sustainability and eco-friendliness are becoming integral considerations for many gardeners in tool selection. In response, manufacturers have begun producing tools made from recycled materials.
For example, some tools feature handles made from recycled plastic, reducing consumption of new resources. Additionally, organic and biodegradable materials are being used for packaging and tool components, promoting sustainability throughout the lifecycle of the product.
As gardening continues to capture the hearts of individuals worldwide, the evolution of gardening tools ensures that both seasoned gardeners and new enthusiasts can enjoy this beloved pastime to the fullest.
The Gardeners’ Dirt is written by members of the Victoria County Master Gardener Association, an educational outreach of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension – Victoria County. Mail your questions in care of the Advocate, P.O. Box 1518, Victoria, TX 77901; or vcmga@vicad.com, or comment on this column at VictoriaAdvocate.com.
REFERENCES:
Eco Gardener – Smart Gardening: 9 essential tools for gardeners
Using Robots in the Garden: Learn About Maintaining Gardens Remotely
The Seasonal Homestead – Garden Tools to Make Your Life Easier
The Gardening Tools Market: Exploring Unearthing Growth Opportunities
7 Essential Tools for Gardeners 50 and Older
Dave’s Garden – Vertical Gardening
Carbon v Stainless Steel Tools
Arthritis Foundation – Making Gardening Easier With These Helpful Garden Tools