16 Mistakes People Make When Buying Garden Equipment

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Imagine a lush, vibrant garden in your backyard — it’s exciting. It’s a place where the flowers are bursting with color, there are always vegetables, and the lawn looks as though it was snipped from a magazine spread. Creating this dreamy garden often means that you are investing in the right tools and equipment, but the excitement can sometimes lead to poor choices.

Many gardeners stumble at the first hurdle by buying tools that don’t fit their needs or simply forgetting the basics. Whether you’re a newbie gardener or a pro, you can lose time and money if you make these common mistakes when purchasing garden equipment.

Choosing Tools Without Testing

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Have you ever found that you wanted to buy something, but discovered it didn’t feel right in your hands? Garden tools have that problem. If possible, always test them out in–store. Just a quick grip test can show you if the tool is comfortable and functional from your point of view.

Overlooking Specialized Tools

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It’s a good idea to stick to the basics in the beginning, but there are some tasks that only come along with specialized gear. For example, you’ll quickly get frustrated if you try to prune a thick branch with standard shears. While you may spend more on specialized tools upfront, you would save time and effort.

The Rise of the ‘Sustainability’ Word

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As eco friendly gardening is becoming more and more popular so are sustainable tools. You can even cut back on your environmental impact by using bamboo handles, recycled metals, or a solar powered bit of equipment. Also, these tools typically last longer and work just as good as the traditional ones.

Overlooking Durability

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Yes, that bargain bin rake may look like a steal, but if it breaks after the third use, was it really worth it? High quality tools that stand up to being used regularly are worth investing in because they will save you money in the long run. Try to find sturdy materials like stainless steel or hardwood and if shopping online, read reviews.

Buying Too Much at Once

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When starting out, it’s easy to think you need everything under the sun to get going. The truth is that many gardens do very well with just a few essential tools. Start small. Right now, you might only need a spade, gloves, a trowel, watering can. As your gardening needs grow, then your collection can grow too.

Forgetting About Storage

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Where are you going to keep all this new gear? A question that isn’t usually answered until tools begin to accumulate in a basement, or a corner of the garage. Before you make big purchases, consider your storage space. Using tools that fold or are compact can be a lifesaver.

Skipping the Research

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Garden tools aren’t one size fits all. It depends on the soil type, climate and size of your garden. Take, for instance, gas powered tools may be an overkill for a small garden. On the other hand, a manual lawnmower is likely to be too impractical for larger spaces. Do some research before you hit the store.

Not Thinking Long-Term

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Garden equipment isn’t cheap, and so you should consider long term benefits. Warrantied tools or tools that are easy to maintain usually work out in the long run. Like a good friend, a good garden tool should be there when you need it and dependable.

Underestimating Safety

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Price and aesthetics often take precedence over safety features, but they’re really important. Hedge trimmers, chainsaws and other tools can be dangerous if they lack basic safety features such as blade guards and strong handles. Make sure you check the safety features before you buy it, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Ignoring User Reviews

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Don’t splurge on that fancy soil tiller until you read what other gardeners have to say about it. Salesperson’s pitch is often not as reliable as user reviews. According to a survey by Statista, 62% of consumers say that online reviews were very helpful in their purchase decisions, so apply it.

Relying Solely on Brand Names

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Some brands have great reputations, but just because a product is expensive, doesn’t mean it’s any good. Sometimes, the lesser known brands have tools just as reliable, if not more reliable, than the big names. In terms of functionality and durability, don’t concern yourself with the logo that is stamped on the handle.

Neglecting Maintenance Needs

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Every tool needs some TLC, to keep it in good shape. A common oversight is not to think about the maintenance requirements of your garden equipment. Electric tools may need batteries changed and metal tools might have to have oiling regularly to prevent rust. If you’re not ready to commit to upkeep, simpler options are the way to go.

Opting for Cheap Knockoffs

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It’s tempting to save a few bucks and buy a cheap knockoff, but most knockoff tools just don’t deliver when it comes to quality. Be smart about how you spend and remember that quality can beat quantity.

Buying Without a Plan

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Picture this: You’re walking into a garden store, with no list, no plan, just vibes. You go from thinking you need a good pair of gloves to suddenly being out with a chainsaw, a set of hedge clippers and a seed spreader. Before you start shopping, consider what you really need for your garden. Stick to the list you make, even when the latest shiny new gadgets are trying to tempt you.

The Shiniest Gadget Is What You Fall

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Garden stores are full of shiny things. It’s easy to get caught up in the allure of ‘innovative’ tools, from self watering pots to robotic lawnmowers. Some are hype, some are gimmick, and there are others that are truly deserving of the hype. The question is, will this tool actually make your gardening life easier or is it just cool to look at?

Ignoring Ergonomics

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Gardening is hard work and it should not be made any harder with the wrong tools. Many choose equipment without thinking about comfort and ease of use. A shovel with a handle that is too short can leave you with a sore back and heavy pruning shears can strain your hands. Test tools before buying.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.

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