Fall Cleanup Tools
Essential tools for fall garden cleanup
Fall cleanup is a crucial task for gardeners, and having the right tools can make the job easier and faster. According to Amy Galloway Medley, a regular contributor to Fine Gardening, the A.M. Leonard Flatbed 2-Wheel Nursery Cart is a game-changer for hauling heavy materials.
Essential Tools for Fall Cleanup
The cart has an 850-pound capacity and a low, flat bed that allows for easy sliding of heavy objects, reducing the need for lifting. The diamond-shaped holes in the flatbed reduce the weight of the cart while maintaining its strength and preventing water or soil retention.
The A.M. Leonard Flatbed 2-Wheel Nursery Cart is priced at $606 and can be found at amleo.com. Another essential tool for fall cleanup is a multipurpose hay fork, which can be used to gather and remove leaves and debris from tight spaces.
Multipurpose Hay Fork
Carol Collins, a Fine Gardening staff member, recommends the Forged Steel 5-Tine Manure Fork, which has a 54-inch hardwood handle and sharp, drop-forged steel tines. This tool is not only useful for fall cleanup but also for spreading mulch in the spring.
| Tool | Price | Source |
|---|---|---|
| A.M. Leonard Flatbed 2-Wheel Nursery Cart | $606 | amleo.com |
| Forged Steel 5-Tine Manure Fork | $55 | amleo.com |
| Milwaukee 3044-20 M18 Brushless Handheld Leaf Blower | $150 | homedepot.com |
| Easy Haul Wheelbarrow by Simplay3 | $130 | simplay3.com or amazon.com |
| Zenport K208P Harvest Sickle | $14 | amazon.com |
| Zenport ZL201 Adjustable Steel Rake | $30 | horticulturesource.com or amazon.com |
Leaf Blower and Wheelbarrow
Christine DeLorenzo, another Fine Gardening staff member, recommends the Milwaukee 3044-20 M18 Brushless Handheld Leaf Blower, which is battery-powered and quieter than gas-powered blowers. The Easy Haul Wheelbarrow by Simplay3 is also a great option, with flat-free tires and a straight edge that makes it easy to load and unload materials.
Harvest Sickle and Adjustable Rake
The Zenport K208P Harvest Sickle is a lightweight, ergonomic hand knife with a curved, stainless-steel blade that is perfect for veggie harvesting and end-of-season cleanup. The Zenport ZL201 Adjustable Steel Rake is a versatile tool that can be converted from 8 inches to 23 inches wide, making it useful for a variety of tasks, from creating clean lines along a border to removing thatch from grasses.
The Fine Gardening staff members have tested and recommended these tools, which can be found at various online retailers, including amleo.com, homedepot.com, simplay3.com, and amazon.com. According to the staff members, these tools have made their fall cleanup tasks easier and faster, and they are worth considering for any gardener looking to make their job more efficient. The Zenport ZL201 Adjustable Steel Rake, for example, is a great option for those who want a versatile tool that can handle multiple tasks, and it is available for $30 at horticulturesource.com or amazon.com.
