Accomplished gardeners know having the right tools means tremendous success at harvest time. When garden season rolls around, having the right measuring tools leads to healthier plants and easier crop maintenance.
If you are new to gardening, we are here to discuss some of the top measuring tools you need. Most of these tools are inexpensive and store easily. The best tools will make gardening a more relaxing experience.
- Garden measuring trowel (with scale)
- Yardstick
- Soil PH meter
- Moisture meter
- Light meter
- Thermometer
- Wind gauge
- Humidity meter
- Measuring pitcher
- Seed spacing tool
- Plant spacing ruler
- Watering can
- Digital Caliper
Must-Have Measuring Tools for the Garden
Some people garden all year, while others enjoy it during late spring and summer. Gardening is an essential skill everyone should learn. Consider the following measuring tools to add to your arsenal.
1. Garden Measuring Trowel (With Scale)
Everyone knows you need a trowel for planting. A measuring trowel offers greater usefulness than a traditional trowel because this tool features a measurement scale that allows users to determine how deep they are digging.
When planting seeds, you must know the proper depth for each one. Some seeds may require up to six inches of depth, while others need to be planted on the surface. This handy trowel makes it easy to dig into the soil and ensure the proper depth for planting seeds.
2. Yardstick
You may have never looked at a yardstick and considered it a garden tool but including it in your arsenal is essential. Gardeners use yardsticks for many purposes in the garden.
You can use a yardstick to measure the distance between your plants. Yardsticks also make straight lines for planting neat rows of vegetables. Add a yardstick to your garden tools, and you will be surprised how often you use it while planting.
3. Soil pH Meter
The pH of your garden soil is critical for healthy plants. Some plants need more acidic soil than others. If you do not own a soil pH meter, consider buying one to test the pH of your soil.
These devices feature an electrode you submerge into the soil. The tester calculates the pH for you, giving you a reading quickly.
4. Moisture Meter
Everyone knows plants need water to grow strong. Your seeds will not even germinate without proper moisture.
Moisture meters use a simple conductivity meter to test the moisture in the soil. High moisture content conducts electricity more efficiently, allowing the moisture meter to determine the level of water in the soil. Keep one of these meters handy for checking on the moisture content in your soil.
5. Light Meter
Light meters are advanced tools that allow for more intuitive gardening. These tools help you measure the amount of light your plants are getting and the soil quality. These tools also measure the pH of soil.
6. Thermometer
Thermometers are critical for knowing when to plant. Most seeds do not germinate unless temperatures rise between 80-85 degrees. Use a thermometer in your garden and know the perfect time to plant your seeds.
7. Wind Gauge
Wind gauges help you protect your plants by taking action when winds become gusty. High winds can cause significant damage to plants. A wind gauge measures the velocity of the wind, helping you shield your plants.
8. Humidity Meter
Too much or too little water causes plants to die. Humidity meters measure the level of humidity in the soil, and there are also meters that measure the humidity in the air. Both of these are beneficial for gardeners.
Checking the humidity in the soil and air will allow you to know when to water. Some plants need more water than others. Having these meters at your disposal ensures you control the water amounts accordingly.
9. Measuring Pitcher
Watering your plants takes a concerted effort. Keeping track of the amount of water you give your plants prevents over or underwatering. A measuring pitcher helps you give a precise amount.
10. Seed Spacing Tool
Seed spacing is critical for ensuring plants have enough space to grow once they sprout. Seed spacing tools allow you to precisely space your seeds or plants for optimal growth. Using these tools takes out the guesswork of planting.
Most gardeners want to be as precise as possible when planting. Improper seed spacing can lead to problems with growth. Your seeds may not sprout if they do not have enough room.
11. Plant Spacing Ruler
Plant spacing rulers make light work of planting because they help you measure the proper spacing between plants. If you purchase plants from your local garden supply store or grow them indoors and then transplant them in the garden, having a plant spacing ruler is critical.
Some plants grow large and spread long vines, such as watermelons, squash, and cucumbers. Knowing the precise distance to plant your plants will keep them growing hardy and prevent them from crowding one another.
12. Watering Can
Watering cans help you water your garden without giving too much water. Watering cans come in various sizes and even have measurements on the side so you know how much you have watered. Make sure to refer to your plant guide for water amounts for each plant.
13. Digital Caliper
Calipers measure the width of your plants and can help you know when to trim them back or let them keep growing. Digital calipers are much easier to use than traditional tools because you do not have to read the measurements on the caliper. These tools make it easy to measure quickly.
Tools Make Gardening Easier and More Rewarding
If you want to garden effectively, the right tools will become essential. Although you could manage a garden with only a trowel, watering can, and seeds, the above tools make things much easier.
These tools do not take up a lot of room and can be stored away easily. Consider adding each of them to your collection. You will discover you garden more intuitively with the above arsenal of tools.
Gardening is a relaxing pastime that allows you to connect with nature. Maintaining a garden requires a lot of work, but the above tools make gardening more precise and less stressful.