Gardening tools have changed relatively little since the early agricultural implements used by man. The spade, the hoe, the fork, and the rake and the plough all have their origins in ancient implements made of wood, flint and bone.

If you're getting started in gardening, your first tool should be a spading fork. This is used to break up the soil in readiness for planting. A spading fork looks like a pitchfork with a short handle and wider tines. You'll also need a round-ended shovel for most intense digging projects.

Next, you'll need a hoe. This is used for weeding should your plot be overrun and also for cultivating the surface of the earth to permit nutrients and water to penetrate. Another essential item is a bow rake. This has short tines on one side attached to a metal frame. You need this to level the soil before planting and after it has been turned.

Now you'll need to make sure your plants are watered. For this you'll need a watering can. These are of various types. For example, cans with long nozzles allow a gentle flow of water. Watering cans with detachable spray heads are good for watering young seedlings.

Most gardening tools are hand tools but if you have a large garden, you may also choose power tools. One of the first was the lawn mower which was since followed by mechanical cultivators, string trimmers, sprinklers, hedge trimmers, lawn aerators, and leaf sweepers.