• Tools are often made specifically for children, especially gloves, trowels, shovels, hand rakes, hoes, rakes, wheelbarrows and watering cans.

Materials

• Children's garden tools often are made out of the same materials that adult tools are, wood and metal. Tools also come in varying qualities of plastic.

Safety

• Be sure tools are right for your child's age and development. A dull plastic tool is suitable for a toddler, whereas an adult-quality hoe is appropriate for a school-age child. Always keep sharp tools out of reach of small children.

Teach Good Habits

• Teach your child to keep the tools clean, to use the right tool for the job and to always lay the tool with the sharp edge pointing down.

Alternatives

• A quick and easy alternative to actual tools is to simply pull out some old kitchen utensils. A large metal spoon and a measuring cup can satisfy a small child's basic urge to dig in the dirt.