I have hose woes too. I bought some expensive ones that were supposed to be kink free but they're not. I might try the metal hose above.

I only have one outdoor hose faucet so another faucet would be ideal. But a little helper I've found is a Y connector at the faucet, or I think what I've got is a Y connector connected to a Y connector. I have three hoses going different directions and little levers that control which hose gets the water. That way I can leave the hoses going off in certain directions so there is not quite as much lugging them around. But I try to think of hose lugging as free gym.

@bayarea_girl_z10a_ca i don’t have a pic. I generally just add a layer of bubble wrap to th inside walls of a pot before I add my soil and plant. I heard on a garden podcast once that this would help keep roots cool in our Mississippi heat. I use about two layers around the walls/side of the container before I add soil

@Sunny Mississippi 8a Thank you. I think it's a great idea especially for people who use metal containers. I found a pic from the web. Helen

I have that pink shovel and think it’s very helpful especially digging up plants. I also like the Sloggers garden shoes.

this garden waste bag is something else I like. There’s a bigger one but this smaller size is very handy and dumps easily into my big cans. Fiskars 394040-1001 Kangaroo Garden Bag (10 Gallon), Green https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00004SD7C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_TFAYD5MW1HTQZ17Z6GP1

@a1an Thank you for the reminder. I love tools. I remember I bought a bread maker because I wanted to make fresh bread for the whole family. I used it 3 times and now it stays in the back of the kitchen cabinet, lol. I'm still being teased about it.

I like to do everything in the garden myself instead of asking for my husband's help because I told myself that the moment I have to ask for help that means I have too many roses and shouldn't buy any more roses (I still want to buy more roses.) Digging many holes through clay soil is such a hassle for someone small like me that I want to try out some options and see what will work best. I know I will return some of the items that is why I bought everything from HomeDepot (90-day return). Thanks to you now I know about "Hilti", "SDS-Max" :) Helen

Is the Bosch + bit fits your budget and your needs, I'm all for it ....it is a workhorse of a tool and much better choice than the original -no named tool- linked. it is a heavy tool but that might work to your benefit as you're not holding it horizontal to make a hole in concrete wall. So yes, it will do the job and make it easier for you, with a price. But if you're okay with that, by all mean...anything is still better than having a sore back for days/weeks !

And if/when you don't need it no more, the Bosch will resell better on CL/Facebook but lotsa bottom feeders when it comes to local classifieds as well

@a1an Thank you. I agree. I have a feeling it's better than the no-brand jackhammer that I got. My shoulders felt numb one full day after using that jackhammer. That tool doesn't have any vibration reduction for the user since it's so cheap compared with other big brand jackhammers. I will test this tool and only keep it if I really love it. I appreciate all the advices you and everyone have been giving me :) I learn new things every day. Helen

A while back someone on here recommended I get a trenching shovel because I was having a lot of problems using a regular spade. It was a great tip! I find I have way less trouble getting the trencher to sink into the ground. And, it isn't so big and heavy when it's full of dirt that I can't lift it!

Since I do all my watering by hand I need 3, 100 ft. hoses to water all the zones in my yard. I have yet to find any hose that isn't a pain in the BUTT! Kinks and twists and leaks at every juncture. I water in something I can get soaked in because I know I will. It's not so bad in June, July and August but in April and October it can get pretty chilly!

Pruners are weird. I have an OLD steel pair of Fiskars that were my Mom's and I bought an expensive fancy pair of Felco's. Guess which one I end up using most! Yep, those 50 year old Fiskars are the ones I grab first. I thought the rotating grip on the Felcos would be less stressful on my hands but it turns out it's just annoying.

Helen -

You are just placing tool/bit on area and just holding the tool/trigger right. No need to push down. Let the tool do the work. Do note, on these tools, there is 3 setting - hammer drilling, drilling and chisel. For the bit you use, it should be be used on Hammer Mode....

@seil zone 6b MI I remember when I was little, American tools/machines had great quality and last forever. Now many of them feel like junks. I think the big corporations figure out the "secret" that if they make tools which last forever, then people don't buy new tools.

@a1an Thank you for the tips. I will do that. Helen

@bayarea_girl_z10a_ca I used Kobalt cordless drill 24V max 1/2

Thank you @htracyn79 PNW-8B. Helen

htracy - is your soil tilthy or crust hard like the OP is describing. It takes one rock even in soft soil and that drill will give your arm a good twist. Be mindful of those types of augers in a drill .

Speaking of rocks, a few years back I went to shovel prune a shrub. Shovel in the spot. Foot on the footpad Decided to give it a heave ho with the foot and just drop that shovel in the dirt...Easy Peasy in my tilthy soil.

Lo and behold, a rock was underneath - the vibration of steel went from shovel back into my leg

Nothing crazy happen BUT for 18 months, every now and then, I would get this pain in my knee and I knew it came from this single event.

So be careful gals and guys, using any tool, whether is electricity/battery powered or manual labor powered..

Updated with the power digging tool.

I tried the Bosch 12 Amp 1-9/16 in SDS-Max RH540M Rotary Hammer Drill with Shovel Bit and I LOVE IT! It's lighter which I can handle it easily and it works like a dream. Its prices is more than double the jackhammer but it will pay off in the long term. I will return the XtremepowerUS jackhammer.

I will use this SDS-Max not only for digging holes and moving roses but also for loosing up the soil around the roses. Because it works so well, my husband gives me a good reminder that I need to be careful so I don't dig in places that I can break the pipes. I think I'll call 811 so they can give me a map of underground utilities around the house.

If you are small, don't have a lot of strength, and have a budget for this type of tool, you should try it out. You may like it. I already told my husband don't buy me any presents for birthday, anniversary, Christmas... because I already spent those money on roses, potting soils, fertilizers and tools :) Helen

@a1an: my soil is clay and rocky. Thanks for reminder. Sometimes the drill moves pretty fast too and I just let it go to avoid arm twist.

Just saw this at Costco

The Rotoshovel – Electric Handheld Shovel https://www.costco.com/the-rotoshovel-%e2%80%93-electric-handheld-shovel.product.100725569.html

The only time I'm glad there are no rocks here is when I'm digging in the garden.

There are tons of tree roots..everywhere!

The water table is so high here now, I will be gardening strictly in pots if we don't move soon!

@htracyn79 PNW-8B That’s neat, Tracy :) Helen

Cobrahead weeder cultivator is mine. It makes weeding so much easier. I do have a few odds and end other things, but that one is my absolute favorite.

Have digging forks come up yet? I like them for our ground because we have close to pure clay. The fork, for unmuscular me, is better than a spade because it brings up chunks of soil rather than a too-heavy shovelful. A fork is also handy when you want to dig up plants, like herbaceous peonies and dahlias, that have tubers: the fork is less likely to cut the roots to bits, leaving half of them useless in the ground. Also true for getting up clumps of bulbs.

My husband always told me I needed one Melissa!

Melissa I just got one and love it! My soil is clay so with the shovel was so heavy. I guess I have to get the pink one above!

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Fiskars-Fork/233737674

this is the one I got. I used the replant 4 roses and to loosen up the soil at the bottom of the hole as well.

@htracyn79 PNW-8B just got one of the scissors! very sharp!!

Sloggers' garden shoes don't fit my feet, so I wear their clogs, more comfortable and taking on and off easily.

And last year I found Radius Garden 22311 Root Slayer, a shorter and lighter version. THIS IS MY REAL TREASURE! It's so sharp that I use it to dig holes, relocate roses, or remove invasive large plants like blackberries. I can even use it while sitting on a stool. It's my wrists and elbows' saver. No kidding.

I am going to get a small wood chipper tonight. https://www.harborfreight.com/65-hp-212cc-chipper-shredder-62323.html We have tons of tree branches and leave piles on the property, it could be an easy way to make them cycling back to the garden and save $ on mulch.

I have 3 Ryobi shears, they work great with big tall weeds in the garden. It's too much work to pull big weeds, specially Canadian thorn weeds out, so I just cut them down with these. https://www.homedepot.com/p/RYOBI-ONE-18-Volt-Lithium-Ion-Cordless-Battery-Grass-Shear-and-Shrubber-Trimmer-Tool-Only-P2900BTL/309613784

And I use this small battery saw for thick rose canes or small tree branches:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/RYOBI-18-Volt-ONE-Cordless-Reciprocating-Saw-Tool-Only-P519/312462409

The absolute best tool I have is a wonderful compost aerator. Oh my gosh, I love that thing! It’s USA made from recycled farm equipment, I believe, and it’s design is genius! It’s just a wide screw with a long handle. You screw it in and pull up several times and your compost pile is turned! The simple design means nothing gets caught and it’s really easy to use, much better than using a fork, especially in a compost bin, which can get really awkward. My husband thought it would be a waste of money, but it is worth every penny. Its made by a company called Lotech. I adore it! I leave it hanging on the fence near my compost bins in all weather and it doesn’t rust or anything. Every time I empty kitchen scraps into the pile I just screw it in a couple of times. It’s so easy to keep your bin turned. It’s amazing the volume that my bin was able to handle last year because of the continued aeration.

And this is not sponsored, I just lucked out finding it.

I've already contributed my 99 cent hand rake to this thread. It has served me for many years.

My newest indispensable garden tool is a folding camp stool. My back won't let me stand and bend or reach to prune so I have been dragging a light weight patio chair around with me, but I found something better. It's so lightweight and easy to carry and position between the roses. Nothing fancy, just a simple folding camp stool.

Full-body workout from our gardening work 😂. Helen

I need that as a poster! As I mentioned on another post I got beekeepers gloves recently from a friend that are just fantastic for roses. They are goat skin with they heavy mesh Insert and heavy Duct fabric up to the elbows. Extremely easy to put on and off and fit well and the best thing is they are really cheap. Less than $10. Who would have thought to look for beekeepers gloves. Regarding shoes I recently got A pair from Wal-Mart that are fantastic. Normally I just wear my old running shoes but they've all falling apart literally. These were great because they were not expensive and fit beautifully being quite comfortable with heavy souls that are Suitable for digging. I take my old running Bed Inserts And use them inside the boot so they give so they give arch support and are very comfortable.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Wonder-Nation-Toddler-Unisex-Chore-Rain-Boot/686024299

These are sold as children's boots and they fit me perfectly as a size 7 ladies. I think I got 6 or 9 I don't know how to read that number. They have the same for the men but they're more expensive, go figure. Truthfully the toddlers must have feet the size of a lumberjack judging by what I was trying on.

Does anyone have a favorite style of watering can ?

It would be good to get myself a better watering can while there is free shipping from Botanical Interests, this one looks nice for the tight spots.

I already have a huge watering bucket , and a child's model of a small elephant that spouts water out the trunk, maybe it's time to upgrade.

Then I could get herb seeds I forgot the first time.

That looks like a good 1 but it's hard to tell the balance of the handle. That is Always important for me but it doesn't matter so much With a small 1. What I like about that watering can is that you can easily add the water since the hole is in the back and not in the middle being obstructed by the handle. I think I need an elephant watering can. I must be freaking adorable.

Vaporvac,

"you can easily add the water since the hole is in the back " strategically located.

Felco Model 100 Professional Cut & Hold Clippers. Makes deadheading a one handed project.

I love my water can from Amazon. Bosmere Haws Deluxe Plastic Watering Can, 1.8-Gallon/7-Liter

What I would really like is a clear watering can that has markings. I've never seen 1 but I think they should make it.

There are so many to chose from I couldn't decide.

A clear watering can is a fantastic idea ! then the stinky fish fertilizer could be poured right in the bottom to mix with water.

My old can monsoons the seedlings too death, washing them up out of the dirt. I thought of taping the holes until I find a more gentle raining watering can.

On amazon I ran across a cute one for kids from the Melissa and Doug line of toys.

Back in the day when I used to do a lot of Pottery, I used to make a Seedling water. It had holes on the bottom and you would dunk it under the water filling it up and then you would just water by holding your thumb over the hole on the top. It gave a very fine gentle spray over seedlings. They sold like crazy and I used to use them for all my seedlings as well. I'll see if I can find something similar so you might know what to buy. They're also the English watering cans that have a very fine spray that are fantastic for seedlings or even the ones that use a spray bottle. Here is an example although those I made were less elaborate without the handle.

https://www.plimoth.com/products/water-pot-thumb-lg

What a cool device, thanks Vaporvac , I never knew anything of the sort existed. The thumb watering pots are wonderful art pieces.

Stephanie's Bosmere Haws suggestion was a new discovery too, what fantastic stuff in their product line.

Google images for Water pot thumb controlled watering can... Lots of cute hacks.🙂Intersting article. http://www.oldandinteresting.com/medieval-watering-pot.aspx

Funny article.

With the amount of times I go in and out the door from the garden, i have a dirt floor. It never occurred to me to water it , in a handsome manner no less.

Has anyone tried the Tertill Weeding Robot? I think it's a cool idea. At $349, it would be nice to put it on our gift wish list in case our family can't find anything to buy for us, lol.

Here are some YouTube's reviews:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zR-NwZ8dP4w

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-5C1Q9qyuLs

Helen

This isn’t a tool, but it shows there are ways to protect rose blooms when we know it’s going to rain. I often cut my roses before the rain. However, if you don’t want to cut your roses, you can use an umbrella on your roses like this Instagram user, lol. Helen

Well, this thread seems to have come back. I thought the hori hori had been mentioned, but now I can't find word of it, so I will. This is a little hand tool, something between a trowel and a knife, with a shart point and a heavy blade, serrated on one side, and an ergonomic grip. My sister gave me one some years ago, and, after an initial period of bafflement, I discovered how exremely useful it is. I use it for shearing grass around the plants and for digging out weed roots. Uncumbersome and very handy!

Melissa, I just discovered the hori hori last season, and I love it. Removing weeds with a hori hori is no longer a painful job. Helen

That Tertill weed wacker is very cool! We own a Roomba, apparently made by same people, and love it. I don’t have a garden that would work with this, but it’s PERFECT for a small vege garden.

Not really a gardening tool - a comb would have been helpful.

When I came in , I looked in the mirror as I was washing my hands and found a beetle perched on top of my head. It took 3 tries to grab him out of my hair, now I feel all crawly.

I think I will make it a ritual to comb my hair every time after gardening.

Does anyone have recommendations for a rolling dolly cart for large potted roses? Perhaps a collapsible model?

@Sunny Mississippi 8a A heavy-duty hand truck! I bought one at a hardware store and it's fantastic. Not collapsible, but I've left it out in the rain for a year now and it hasn't really rusted much. I was using it to move big rocks so I think it'd be great for potted roses. You could strap the roses to it so they wouldn't fall off... and the big wheels are great for rough terrain.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Milwaukee-800-lb-2-Wheel-Red-Steel-Heavy-Duty-Hand-Truck/50042444

The best part is that you don't have to pick the rock/pot up, you just tip one end up, wiggle the hand truck underneath, and tilt it back. I'm a huge fan.

OH and my hori-hori is the best. I use it for weeding, digging, cutting open bags of dirt...so much!

I more recently discovered something that was called a "hand hoe" that covers the shallow weeds a hori-hori isn't good for. They make them with longer handles so you have to bed less, too. There are various styles, mine is like this:

https://www.gardentoolcompany.com/collections/all-garden-tools/products/garden-hand-hoe-by-sneeboer

Sunny, we used to get deliveries at the Harry and David store with a hand cart that had a nice long bed on it. That one did fold but it was probably really spendy but I am looking for something similar to move pots more easily than the little short bedded one that I have.

For me, a hand truck is the best for moving pots and bags of potting soil, etc. About 20 years ago, a local gardening friend who frequented garage sales bought a used hand truck for $1 at a garage sale and left it for me as a present with a hand-tied ribbon on it. It was old then, but I'm still using it! I call it my dolly, but technically, it's a hand truck, since it has 2 wheels and a "ledge" down low to slip under what you're carrying. As summercloud said, you just have to tip the thing you're carrying and slide it under. It might be my favorite possession :-D