Helpful Rose Gardening Tools

As with any job you tackle, the work is always much easier if you arm yourself with the right tools. Before heading out to your rose garden, make sure you bring along these basic rose gardening tools.

Pruners

A good pruner is one tool that you will use almost daily. There are two types of pruners on the market. One is called an "anvil" pruner, and the other is called a "bypass" pruner. An anvil pruner has blades that meet on top of each other. Bypass pruners have blades that pass each other like scissors do. Always use bypass pruners so you don't crush your canes and stems.

Loppers

When your rose garden starts to mature there will come times when this will be an indispensable tool for cutting back old, thick canes that are too much for a set of pruning shears. If you are just starting your rose garden, save your money as you won't need this for a few years.

Long-Handled Shovel

Choose a lightweight model with a strong handle. Shovels with fiberglass throats are good choices. Spend a few extra dollars and get one with a padded handle as it will save you lots of blisters as the years go by.

Wheelbarrow

Avoid the temptation to buy the cute garden "carts." You are going to need a real wheelbarrow. As your gardening addiction, I mean hobby, takes off there will be no end to the things you will be hauling in and out of your garden. Some of those things will be very heavy and you'll be glad that you have a real wheelbarrow to help you.

Gloves

"You can complain because a rose has thorns, or you can rejoice because thorns have a rose." - Tom Wilson

The rose garden is no place for thin, whimpy gloves. Unless you enjoy feeling the thorns,  you will find you want some leather rose gardening gloves.  Most any leather work glove will protect your hands. Many rose gardeners prefer the ones with those big, fold-down cuffs.  Even canvas work gloves can help some. If your just starting out you might want to wait before spending the money on some quality rose gardening leather gloves.

Kneeling Pads

Some people prefer the big 8"x15" water-resistant pads with handles, while others prefer strap-on knee pads. The kneepads are often more convenient because they move when you do. The one-size-fits-all knee cups often cost more and may not fit the way you like.  You might also find them less convenient when working in a wet, muddy area.  If that's the case, the kneeling pad will suit you fine.

Short Garden Digging Fork

This tool is indispensable for turning and loosening soil in small patches. Choose a good quality model with steel forks and a sturdy handle.

Watering Wand

Great for watering potted roses and for giving your other roses a good root soaking. Choose a model with a quick shutoff valve on the wand itself, and a quick release fitting for the end that plugs into the hose. Spend the money to get a model with brass fittings instead of plastic. It will last years longer.

Garden Rake

These are the rakes with the sharp steel teeth that you use for leveling and smoothing beds. Choose one with a sturdy handle and steel tines.

Leaf Rake

You'll use this tool a lot for cleaning up clippings, leaves and other garden debris. You may want to buy both a "regular" size rake, and one of the smaller "child size" rakes for pulling debris from tight quarters.

Suppliers for rose garden tools

You shouldn't have any trouble finding places to purchase these basic rose gardening tools. Your local garden supply store likely will stock these tools. Many hardware stores carry them as well.  You can also shop online for garden supplies.  If your're on a budget or just starting your rose garden, check out area yard sales for your gardening supplies.

Whether you stock up on tools and supplies when you start your New England rose garden, or if you decide to get things as you find you need them, be sure to have fun!