To while away the post-holiday lull, I reviewed some past columns and discarded outdated references. I discovered a column from January 2016 that discussed essential tools for beginning gardeners. Here is an update for the new gardeners Novice gardeners often ask, “How do I know which tools to buy?” The selection of gardening tools, gadgets, and trendy items in catalogs and online is endless. A “Whole Gardening Tools Catalog” would require a front-end loader to lift it. Every combination of materials exists: plastic, rubber, PVC, copper, brass, aluminum, steel, and every other synthetic material or metal alloy ever discovered or invented. I think almost every gardening columnist or blogger has researched and written about gardening tools. Many writers tout the costliest items. There is, after all, a certain degree of snobbery among gardeners. Secretly, we want our gardening tools to carry the best brand with an instantly recognizable name, the most comfortable handles, and the stronges...