You can learn a lot from working with more experienced gardeners - like how to save yourself time and effort by using the best tool for the job

Fine Mesh Garden Sieve: If you have clumpy clay or gravelly, rocky soil, this will be a lifesaver. With 2 interchangeable mesh inserts, you can decide how fine you need to screen. I created a garden in an area where the previous owners had placed a lot of gravel and pea pebbles, which would have been nearly impossible without this easy to use garden tool. Happy soil means happy plants, and this gadget gets you started off on the right foot!

Felco Pruner #8: I remember when I got my first garden center job and my boss handed me my very own pair of Felco #2 pruners - as professional a tool as one can own, and they've served me well for almost 30 years. Felco #8s are a redesigned version, with ergonomic handles that optimize the force exerted to reduce effort and possible strain on the hand and wrist. Capable of 1 inch diameter cuts and with all replaceable parts, these will be the last pruners you ever need to buy.

Secatuer, Pruner, & Lopper Sharpener: No matter what kind of pruners or loppers you have, keeping them sharp will make all your trimming jobs easier. Clean, sharp cuts are also important for your plants, as torn, ragged stems can result in disease and dieback. This one is easy to use on any pruners, loppers, or knives, and allows for the proper angle for your blade. You don't realize how dull your blades have become until you sharpen them and feel the difference! This garden tool belongs in every gardener's tool shed.

Trug Tub: These recycled polyethylene trugs are indispensible and virtually indestructible. Lightweight, waterproof, and tough, with sturdy handles to help you transport leaves and garden debris, soil, plants, garden tools, and more.  Stands up on its own for easy filling, and flexible so that you can hold both handles in one hand for easy carrying. You can even use them as a pond liner or temporary home for your water plants, or to hold drinks and ice at your next garden party. Also great for dunking your hanging baskets or potted plants in water if you've let them dry out too much, or for mixing potting soil. Available in 2 sizes--the large seems to be preferred. If it's a dirty, messy job, these can handle it.  

Gardener's Scrub Brush: Maybe Martha Stewart can garden without ever getting her hands dirty, but that doesn't apply to a lot of us. We need an efficient and gentle way to get our hands clean, so a good scrub brush is an essential garden tool. This is by far the best nail brush I have ever used. And I guess it should be - it's medical grade, the kind used by hospitals. The angled single row of stiffer bristles is the key - it holds your fingers at just the right angle for the bristles to get under the nails. It does a great job of gently scrubbing hands without chafing, too, which is important if you're like me and don't always wear gloves when gardening. Larger size than most nail brushes makes clean-up faster as well. 

Metal Seed Storage Box: This is a handy little item for gardeners who save seeds from year to year. The partitions inside allow for organization, and the well-fitting hinged lid and locking clasps keep everything safe and dry. Not only does it hold lots of seed packets, it's pretty, too! You can also use it to save your plant labels if you don't save seeds. FYI, some folks don't realize that unused seeds don't actually "expire," they just can't be sold after a certain date. The germination rate won't be as high, but properly stored seeds can last for years. I just sowed 4 or 5 packages of leafy green seeds that were many years old, and have some new seedlings coming up. Can't remember what I put where, but I suppose that will become apparent when the true leaves show up. So go ahead and experiment - gardening can give you fun surprises!