Rose Care: Basic Tools

You need to have the right tools for any kind of job you are going to do, and this includes rose care in your garden.

Pruners

There are two types of pruner available, and you will be using one of these just about every day. The bypass pruner is one which has blades which work like scissor blades, crossing over each other. An anvil pruner's blades meet one on top of the other. Bypass pruners are recommended so that stems and canes do not become crushed.

Loppers

For rose care of more mature plants you will find loppers an essential tool, because they will cut back those thick old canes which pruners cannot cut. You do not need to buy these yet if your rose bushes are young.

Long Handled Shovel

It is worth spending a bit more to get a long handled shovel with a lightweight, padded handle, and to make sure that it is a good strong one. Over the years you will appreciate it for ease of use and lack of blisters, as you go about your rose care.

Wheelbarrow

You need to get yourself a serious wheelbarrow, rather than one of those cute garden 'carts', because you will be pushing some heavy loads around your garden.

Gloves

If you love roses, you have to appreciate the fact that they have thorns, and therefore for your rose care purposes you need to have a sturdy pair of gloves. It is no fun being pierced by rose thorns, so go for a pair of leather work gloves, of the kind which has big cuffs.

Kneeling Pads

You can use the type of kneeling pad with handles, but some people prefer the type of knee pads which strap on, because of their convenience, since they move around with you. If however the knee cups, which come in only one size, might not suit you, and if so the pad with handles will work just as well.

Short Garden Fork

You really need one of these, to loosen and turn the soil in small sections of your garden. Be sure to choose a good, steel one which has a good strong handle.

Watering Wand

Proper rose care includes watering, and you will find a wand great for giving a good root soaking, as well as watering roses in pots. It is a good idea to get one which has a quick shut off valve on it, as well as a quick release attachment for the hose. If you buy one which has not plastic but brass fittings, you will find it lasts you much longer, so it's worth the extra cost.

Garden Rake

You need one of these rakes with steel teeth for smoothing your garden beds and making them level. Make sure that the teeth are steel, and your rake has a strong handle.

Leaf Rake

This tool will be very handy for general gardening as well as rose care, and you will use it frequently for clearing away garden debris, including leaves and clippings. It's quite a good idea to buy a small one for smaller spaces, as well as a regular sized one.