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Whether you’re new to the gardening world or have a seasoned green thumb, having the most essential gardening tools on hand makes a world of difference for you and your plants. One of the must-have gardening tools, for beginners especially, is a good pair of hand pruners. Pruning is a crucial task that encourages plants to grow and flower. This tool can also help you shape your shrubs and other greenery, and it keeps your garden looking well-maintained overall. To buy hand pruners brand new, you’re looking at a price tag of anywhere from $9 for a low-end pair, like the Amazon Basics 7-inch hand pruners, to $75 for a higher-end brand. This large price range is exactly why you should always check the thrift store for gardening tools first, as you never know what good deals await.

Hand pruners, often referred to as pruning shears, also work great on thicker, woody stems, like those on roses or raspberry bushes. This small tool packs all the punch of pair of garden loppers, but their handheld size makes pruning shears far easier to work with. Thrifting this strong and useful tool is a good way to save money, but finding a deal isn’t the only reason to shop for garden tools secondhand.

Thrifting your gardening tools is a great way to not only save a few bucks but also practice sustainable shopping habits. If you’re new to the gardening world, shopping secondhand is a great way to test out hand pruners. Then, if you find them to be an invaluable tool, you can always upgrade to a new pair down the road. One of the hard truths about being a beginner gardener is that you’ll likely waste a lot — from plants dying to unnecessary tool purchases. Thrifting is a good way to cut down on some of that loss.

While thrifting is an environmentally friendly, beginner-safe, and affordable way to source a pair of hand pruners, there are a few things to look out for when shopping secondhand. First, carefully inspect the tool to ensure there are no signs of rust. Second, make sure the pruners function as expected. There’s no point in getting a good deal if the tool you’re buying doesn’t even work. If the pruners you find seem dull, don’t worry — it is easy to sharpen pruning shears at home.