Many of us acquire a great deal of garden tools, but if we were to return to the basics, what would that look like. Well, if I had to pair things down, substantially, I know I would first stumble a bit over the hierarchy, and then remember the beginning. A time when buying lots was not an option, in fact hand me downs were in order.
So, to start again I would have to call upon a trusty spade. They are what we rely upon to dig holes, add soil and compost, and edge the beds. It is a necessity, and if you are able to invest in one that has a sturdy wooden or fiberglass handle it could last forever. On the other hand, having several over the course of your life is not the worst thing either.
Next on my list would fall the hand cultivator, as it removes weeds, prepares the soil, and in a pinch can be used for blending all that good stuff you mix prior to planting. Find one that rests well in your hand, otherwise I have found these instruments can be the cause of many a hand blister.
Following this would be a bypass pruner, as I tried for the longest time to get by with some industrial scissors. Well, as I mentioned, corners had to be cut. But, I am torn over whether or not I would choose the hand trowel or digging fork over this one.
As I stated, it is one thing to have never had these tools, and to just becoming acquainted, but another thing entirely to have had a menagerie of tools and have to go without. Tough exercise, glad I do not have to actually go through with it.