Spring Garden Prep Guide
Get your garden ready for a bountiful season with this comprehensive spring prep guide. Learn how to clean, enrich soil, and plan for healthy plant growth, ensuring a vibrant outdoor space.
Buy vs. Borrow Breakdown
Toggle tools on or off to see exactly how much you'd save by borrowing from a local tool library instead of buying.
Project Cost Calculator
Check off tools you already own to see your real savings.
Tools Needed
8 of 8 tools needed
Buy Everything
$270
$225 tools + $45 materials
Rent Tools
$85
$40/day + $45 materials
Borrow From Library
$45
Free tools + $45 materials
You could save
$225
by borrowing tools from a library instead of buying them
Tools You'll Need
Check your local tool library — most carry every tool on this list.
- Garden RakeEssential
- Garden ShovelEssential
- Garden ForkEssential
- Pruning ShearsEssential
- Wheelbarrow
- Hand TrowelEssential
- Gardening GlovesEssential
- Watering Can or Hose with NozzleEssential
Materials You'll Buy
Materials are the only real cost — hardware stores near you have everything.
- Compost or well-rotted manure
- Organic soil amendments (e.g., bone meal, perlite)
- Seeds or starter plants
- Mulch (e.g., straw, wood chips)
- Garden stakes or trellises (optional)
- Plant labels
- Newspaper or cardboard (for weed suppression)
Find a Library With These Tools
Search 2,000+ tool lending libraries across the US. Most carry every tool on this project list — completely free to borrow.
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The full step-by-step walkthrough includes photos, pro tips, common mistakes to avoid, and safety callouts.
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