A lush, green garden is a thing of beauty. While the casual observer may see beautiful flowers, the trained grower will appreciate the amount of work involved in the creation of such a space. This includes the tools used for gardening tasks.
Garden Tools from the Past
Over time, the growing list of garden chores may begin to feel burdensome. Though some find themselves in search of the next great thing to help with these tasks, others choose to examine ancient garden tools more closely to solve their garden related problems.
Dating back at least 10,000 years, the use of tools that make light of chores such as tilling, planting, and weeding is nothing new. Though primitive, these ancient garden tools were used to complete many of the same chores we do today. The Bronze Age saw the introduction of the first metal garden implements, which gradually led to the development of tools used for gardening today.
Throughout history, handmade garden tools were essential to survival. These implements were strong, reliable, and able to produce the desired results. In recent years, some have begun to look to the past for answers to their labor needs. Since many of today’s mechanical tools have their origin based on old models, there is little doubt that home gardeners can also find them useful. In fact, these garden tools from the past are once again becoming popular for their consistency and productivity.
Old Farming Tools Used for Gardening
Old farming tools were especially necessary to work the soil and sow seeds. In many cases, tools such as shovels, hoes, and spades were among a person’s most needed and prized possessions, even left to others in their will.
Among some of the old farming tools are those traditionally used for cutting and harvesting. Hand tools such as the sickle, scythe, and Korean homi were once used on various crops. While many of these tools have been replaced by machines, home gardeners still embrace the usefulness of these implements when harvesting homegrown crops, such as wheat.
Beyond harvesting, you’ll find these tools used for gardening tasks such as removing weeds, cutting through stubborn roots, dividing perennial flowers, or even digging planting furrows.
Sometimes, what’s old can be new again, especially if it’s all you have.