Tool Time | Ames Spring Tool Giveaway

Use a pencil as a transplanter or a can for making newspaper seedling pots, both indispensable when it comes to seeding and transplanting seedlings. But I’d no sooner use a pencil to plant a tree than I’d use a screw driver as a can opener.

The adage, the right tool for the job, is akin to right plant, right place. A quiver of tools meeting the tasks at hand are an opportunity — optimizing time, minimizing frustration and, honestly, they’re a whole bunch of fun. And, while I’ve opened a can with a screw driver, I wouldn’t recommend it.

When AMES Tools approached me to post a tool review and giveaway I saw it as an opportunity to revisit the tools we use to craft our gardens. I like to think we’re only as good as our imaginations and some would say we’re only as good as our tools. But maybe the right tools inspire imagination and show us what’s possible? Anyway, that’s what the kids have shown me.

AMES Garden Tools

AMES got its start as a company when Captain John Ames forged his first shovel in 1774. You could say they know their tools, having literally “grown up” with the United States. They have a long history of creating efficiencies, perfecting designs and reacting to customer feedback.

Of their broad selection of garden tools, here are just a few:

• Short Handled Shovel: What is a garden without a shovel? And a short handled shovel at that. Perfect for people of all sizes and an easy to hold grip, even kids are be happy to get in there and move some earth and plant. Plus I love that the “long end” of the handle doesn’t have the same consequences as a true long handled shovel (those inevitable times when someone will forget there are two ends to it and swing around nearly clocking you in the process).
• 16 Tine Bow Rake: The 16 tine bow rake is the kid favorite, perfect for adding finishing touches to the fort nestled under the hedge. Or use it to prepare your beds for spring planting, uproot weeds, spread your compost and level soil to reduce any chance of puddling or pooling of water. The comfort grip and long reach make for easy work.
• 2 Prong Weeder: I love my double sided hand hoe. It’s one of my go-to tools, especially when I need to work an area quickly. Pulling weeds and giving a light till to soil. AMES 2 prong weeder is the back-saving alternative. No need to crouch or kneel and the job is done. Weeds and problem areas cleaned up just like that.
• Transplanter: And then there’s the transplanter. This is a beautiful tool and I love beautiful things. It has a sturdy, wood handle and a spade designed to plant. Plus it’s equipped with a ruler etched on the trowel, making for more precise gardening when you need it.

I only have one complaint, I didn’t ask to test a pickax. The pickax I own exists in two pieces. The pick itself floating free, up and down the handle. I have to be sure it’s secure at the end before swinging or it comes down to my hands. AMES tools appear to have sturdy, long-lasting joinery.

The Giveaway

Start spring with a new set of tools! The giveaway is a starter kit, designed to give you and your garden an upgrade or simply get you off to a racing start. Valued at approximately $120, enter for a chance to win! The growing season is just around the corner.

Here’s the kit:

• 2 prong weeder hoe
• short handled, round pointed shovel
• 16 tine bow rake
• wood handled transplanter
• wood handled trowel
• 8 inch poly shrub rake
• spading fork
• bulb planter

Terms & Conditions:

The AMES Spring Tool Giveaway begins March 10th at 8am PST and ends March 20th, the first day of spring, at noon PST. AMES will send the winner the set of 8 tools listed above once the winner and winner’s shipping address are confirmed. The winner will be announced within 48 hours of the raffle closure. The winner must come forward and provide a shipping address within 48 hours. Entrants must be 18 years or older and live in the United States. All methods of entry are 100% optional.

Disclosure: I received free tools from AMES in exchange for writing a tool review on PASS THE PISTIL and for the opportunity to give something back to my readers. Opinions expressed are 100% my own and are in no way influenced by AMES. Huge thanks to the GROW WHAT YOU LOVE community and to AMES for making it possible.

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GROW WHAT YOU LOVE.