Sharpest tools in the shed?

"A lot of people are going back to gardening as an alternative tovacationing," said Sandy Killelea, a buyer/manager at Fasel andSons Garden Center in Oak Lawn.
Unseasonable weather conditions caused delays in spring planting,so it's not too late to prepare the soil for flowers, herbs andvegetables.
Before buying the plants, though, it's a good idea to dust off orpurchase the proper outdoor tools needed to cultivate a thrivinggarden.
Killelea and Ralph Macchia, manager of Saunoris Brothers Inc. inFrankfort, gave us the rundown on essential start-up tools. Thenthey told us about trendy gadgets for enhancing the hobby.
Getting started
First-time gardeners can expect to spend $125 for a good set ofbasic garden tools.
"When shopping for tools, it's best to go for longevity," Killeleasaid.
"Don't pick the cheapest tool because you may have to go back andbuy another one because you broke it. Then you're double spending.But you don't have to buy the most expensive tools. You can shop inthe mid-range."
These are the top five items that made the list.
" Bow rake for loosening the soil and spreading mulch and stone.
" Garden hoe for weeding and making furrows in the ground.
" Long-handled round point shovel, which offers more leverage fordigging through soil and grass than the short-handled version.
" Hose and nozzle for watering. The standard size hose is 50 feetlong. "A rubber hose lasts much longer than a vinyl one, and themore expensive hoses won't kink when you turn the corner," Macchiasaid. "A good nozzle should have an adjustable flow that goes froma stream to a fine mist."
" Short-handled trowel or transplanter for planting annuals andperrenials. "These tools tend to bend fairly easily, so it's bestto get a quality one in heavy metal with a cushioned handle,"Macchia said.
Also on the beginner list are:
" Bypass pruning shears. This tool, which cuts on two sides, isused for trimming rose bushes, trees and shrubs.
" Leaf rake for fall clean-up.
" Garden gloves. These are optional, but a good idea for protectingthe hands, Macchia said.
Stepping it up a notch
Homeowners who want to expand their gardening supplies may want toopt for Wolf Garten tools, which offer 10 different handle stylesand more than 60 snap-on tool heads.
"Gardeners like these because they can buy one handle and then buythe heads as they need them," Macchia said.
"You can buy a handle and snap on a leaf rake, push broom, crumbler(to break up the soil), weeder, saw or pole pruner."
Another handy gadget is the water wand garden hose attachment,which connects to a faucet and can reach across flower beds andinto hanging baskets.
"They save you from bending," Macchia said.
"Water wands are used at garden centers, but a lot of customersdon't know they're available for home use."
Killelea recommended adjustable Torrent nozzles that can be usedfor multi-tasking.
"You can use them as a sidewalk sweeper or as gently watering rainwands."
When low water pressure affects the watering process, Macchia saidthe solution may be a Gardena sprinkler.
"These sprinklers are not gear-driven, so they're more friendly tolow water pressure," he said.
Hose guides, placed in key positions in the yard, direct the hoseaway from flowers and landscape to prevent damage when watering.
Padded garden kneelers that reverse to a bench can be used forkneeling or sitting while cutting, trimming and weeding.
Garden totes and carts are great for storage and for moving plants.
"We also have tools that are more ergonomically friendly," Killeleasaid.
"They fit more comfortably in a lady's hand."
Rena Fulka can be reached at rfulka@southtownstar.com or (708)802-8829.