“A cart is a must to make the job faster and simpler,” says Nicole Burke, garden consultant and founder of Gardenary, Inc. To prepare for autumn, “I am often pulling loads of leaves, stems, and vines out of the garden in order to plant lettuces, radishes, and peas for the cooler season. Carts are so helpful to carry all that green toward the compost pile and then haul all the new compost back into the garden before planting again.” Not only can using a garden cart save your strength and prevent backaches, but Melinda Myers, gardening expert, author, and host of the “How to Grow Anything” DVD series, points out that it also cuts down on trips to and from the shed or garage. “I put on lots of steps every time I forget a tool or have to retrieve plants, mulch, or other items,” she says. “Now I have a larger space, so making efficient use of my time and energy is even more critical. Fewer trips means more energy and time for doing the actual gardening tasks.”
What to Look for When Choosing a Garden Cart
Whether you’re moving heavy containers, mulch, or tools, there are a few things you should consider when shopping for a garden cart. Opt for a model that’s easy to maneuver and has a tilt mechanism that allows it to essentially dump its contents with minimal effort. If you have a small yard, look for a slim, compact cart that can move through tight areas. However, if you’re tending to an acre or more, a large-capacity option that holds hundreds of pounds might better suit your needs. And while a two-wheeled garden cart is perfect for urban gardening, if you’re pulling your cart over rugged terrain, go with a four-wheeled cart that’ll provide stability and prevent it from tipping over. Price at time of publish: $120 Price at time of publish: $40 Price at time of publish: $110 Price at time of publish: $130 Price at time of publish: $140 Price at time of publish: $230 Price at time of publish: $179
