Wilkinson Sword

Standard fork and spade, if you are growing in open ground, not necessary if you only have raised beds or containers. Essential is a hand fork and trowel. If you have shrubs or just going to grow vegetables a good pair of secateurs is not necessary, otherwise the best you can afford. If you are growing bedding plants a pair of flower snips or sharp scissors. If you make your own compost a sieve can be handy to make your own seed compost. If you have a lawn you need a lawn mower. Edging shears and an edge cutter is desirable if you like a crisp lawn but not essential.

Hold the tool in your hand, does it feel comfortable? Does it feel balanced? Try and buy at the top of your budget. If it has removable parts make sure replacement parts are available.

You don't need a lot of tools so just start with the basics and buy as the need for a certain tool arises.