What are some essential tools that every gardener needs?

In addition to the basic tools that gardeners need to work the soil and handle plants—from seeding, planting, and harvesting to pruning and pest and disease control—Moody says gardeners need protective gear for themselves, such as gardening gloves, glasses, and ear plugs. Additionally, more hazardous tasks require more equipment. While you might be able to deadhead flowers in regular clothing, tasks with power tools like chain-sawing require a whole set of protective gear, including special safety pans and safety goggles.

What tools should a gardener have?

The gardening tools every gardener should have include a shovel, hand trowel, gloves, bypass and anvil pruners , loppers , a watering can and/or garden hose, garden rake and lawn rake, cultivator, and a wheelbarrow or a garden cart . Which tools are essential depends on the size of the yard and the type of plants grown (trees, shrubs, flowers, or vegetables).

What should a gardener wear?

First and foremost, Moody says gardeners need “comfortable clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty with soil, mud, mulch, etc.” From there, you want to look for breathable natural fabrics that are comfortable to move around in and machine-washable because they will need to be washed a lot. Protection is also important to consider. Long pants and sleeves keep gardeners safe from insects, scratches, poison ivy , and other skin irritants. Accessories are as important as the clothes. Gardening clogs, shoes, or boots should be sturdy, comfortable, and waterproof. Another indispensable piece of gardening wear, especially in hot and sunny weather, is a gardening hat.

What are some gardening gifts for someone who lacks outdoor space?

You don’t need sprawling outdoor space to become a gardener. “Houseplants always make a great gift,” Moody says. “Or if they have some outdoor space, they can start their own patio garden with a raised garden bed.”

The 22 Best Gardening Gifts for Him of 2023

If you're looking to buy a gardening gift for your green-thumbed loved one, you can never go wrong with some new gear.

We researched the best gardening gifts for him, considering categories like practicality, ergonomics, sustainability, and more. Our favorites includes protective, machine-washable gloves from Atlas Glove, the handy Fiskars Garden Tool Set, and a seed-saving kit from Uncommon Goods to help him stay organized.

In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look for
FAQ
Why Trust The Spruce

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If the gardener in your life is just starting out, then a solid pair of gloves is the way to go. Deemed the “standard for gardeners, growers, greenhouses, and landscapers for years,” the machine-washable gloves protect gardeners’ hands from thorny plants, thanks to its Nitrile coating. And yet, the material is light enough to allow for the dexterity needed to work with plants.

These gloves are available in four sizes and five colors to fit every gardener. The wrist is elasticized, so the gloves will stay on easily without being too tight or uncomfortable. When working in wet soil or dirt, these gloves offer an excellent grip for wet and slippery plants or seeds.

Price at time of publish: $12

Fiskars

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This basic tool set is all you need. Made of cast aluminum, the tools—a trowel, transplanter, and cultivator—cut through the toughest turf and also resist rust, which is good if you’re the type to leave your tools outside. But what makes this set stand out from the others is the ergonomic design of the handles, which reduces hand and wrist fatigue to allow you to work for hours without pain.

Price at time of publish: $31

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Once your gardener has all their tools, they’ll need an easy way to carry them. The sturdy material of this Esschert tool belt makes it easy to tote around the heaviest of tools but doesn’t weigh you down while you work.

Price at time of publish: $13

Kevin Espiritu

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If your gardener-to-be has shied away from growing plants because they don’t have yard space, this book is a must-buy. Written by Kevin Espiritu, founder of Epic Gardening, this book helps you choose the gardening method that works for your environment and provides tips for making your plants thrive. But you don’t have to limit this book to urban gardeners: everyone can benefit from the tips and tricks inside.

Price at time of publish: $28

Here Are the Best Gardening Books for All Types of Gardeners

Kinfield

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Help your guy keep mosquitoes at bay with this effective repellent that doesn’t smell like chemicals. Made with clean ingredients, the repellent uses a unique strain of Indonesian citronella to effectively keep bugs at bay. This is more expensive than the drugstore variety, but the non-greasy formula and refreshing smell make it worth it.

Price at time of publish: $22

Monty Don

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If your gardener likes to take an eco-friendly approach to gardening, then they need the guidance of Monty Don. Deemed the UK’s leading garden writer and broadcaster, Don’s methods center around organic gardening and providing habitats for local wildlife. This book is hefty which may be intimidating to beginners, but rest assured half of the pages are filled with stunning photos.

Price at time of publish: $30

Black Duck Brand

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For the gardener who prefers to eat their final product, this vegetable and herb seed set is the way to go. Each GMO-free seed packet includes planting instructions that are unique to each plant, as well as guidance that tells you when each plant is ready to be harvested. Previous customers rave about the variety of healthy germination of the plants.

Price at time of publish: $17

The 13 Best Places to Buy Seeds in 2023

Seeding Square

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Gardening 101: Seeds need room to sprout. Rather than resorting to rulers and guesses, this tool helps gardeners plant seeds in a perfect grid, at the correct depth, and with the proper amount of space. It's extremely easy to use, simply press, plant, and move on.

Price at time of publish: $30

Uncommon Goods

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Though they’re small, the cost of seeds can add up over time. Help your gardener save some green with this kit that helps them harvest and preserve seeds to plant in the future. Each kit contains envelopes, seed tins, and date or variety labels to keep things organized, as well as seed-saving directions and charts to get the process started.

Price at time of publish: $28

Professional EZ Travel Collection

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Cleaning debris from the garden just got easier. This lightweight rake is made from long-lasting aluminum alloy and has an easy-grip, rubberized handle to reduce hand and wrist fatigue while working. Plus, the easy-to-adjust head and handle allow gardeners to clean debris from any size of space.

Price at time of publish: $36

SoilKit

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Before you start a garden, it’s important to find out the composition of your soil so you know the best items to plant. “SoilKit provides the supplies needed for a quick and easy soil collection, and delivers recommendations on the soil treatment products and quantities needed to keep your lawn and garden healthy,” Stefanie Moody, Sr. Associate of Brand Communications for Lowe’s tells The Spruce. All you have to do is send a sample of your soil to their pre-approved lab, and within days you’ll know the levels of PH, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, organic matter, and micro-nutrients that you’re working with.

Price at time of publish: $30

Best Gardening Subscription Boxes

4.6

Amazon

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The Ohuhu’s foldable kneeling pad and stool keeps gardeners comfortable while they tend to their work. Made from a steel frame and EVA for added toughness, the foam-based elevated kneeling pad takes pressure off the limbs while tending to low-to-the-ground plants. Flip it over, and you have a comfortable chair that allows you to tend to long-stemmed plants and bigger shrubs. And, as an added bonus, the two tool pouches keep everything by your side to reduce bending over.

Price at time of publish: $55

4.8

Amazon

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The price may be intimidating, but the F2 model is considered the industry standard for pruners, making it well worth the money. The blades are made of high-quality hardened steel that can cut through anything, while the revolving, rubber-cushioned handle provides extra comfort. And if the gardener in your life is left-handed, Felco has lefty pruners available too.

Price at time of publish: $74

Etsy

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This stake highlights the pride he takes in his gardening. Reviewers rave about the completely customizable stake, which they say is beautiful and of the best quality. And they aren’t wrong—it’s made of 14 gauge steel for durability and powder coated for weather resistance, meaning it’ll last for years of pruning, weeding, and more.

Price at time of publish: $55 for 17x14 1/2 inches

4.8

FCMP Outdoor Dual Chamber Tumbling Composter

Amazon

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Every gardener should have a compost bin to conveniently get rid of clippings, while also putting nutrients back into the garden’s soil. This compost tumbler allows anyone—even beginners—to easily start a compost pile. Gardeners typically have to get out a shovel and turn materials for decomposition. With this gift, they just need to turn the tumbler five to six times every two to three days. Two different chambers allow one side to hold finished compost while the other stays open to fresh scraps.

Price at time of publish: $100

How to Compost in 7 Easy Steps

Masterclass

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Gardening books are a great gift, but nothing can beat classes with an expert. Led by Ron Finley, the self-proclaimed Gangsta Gardener who has revolutionized urban gardening, this video series will teach your gardener how to keep plants alive in any environment and create a beautiful garden in any size space. Finley also focuses on growing your own produce, which can give back to the environment and community.

Price at time of publish: $15 monthly

AeroGarden Harvest with Gourmet Herb Seed Pod Kit - Hydroponic Indoor Garden, White

Amazon

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AeroGarden’s innovative planter takes the guesswork out of growing and harvesting herbs, vegetables, or flowers. First, there’s the lighting. The hood provides 20 watts of white, red, and blue LED lights that give your plants the full spectrum of sunlight needed to grow, while the automatic timer ensures plants get just the right amount of light. And when it comes to nourishing your plants, a light-up reminder tells you when it's time to refill the water and plant food.

Price at time of publish: $165

Amazon

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Take the heavy lifting out of your gardener’s day with this compact, collapsible yard cart. The vinyl-coated denier nylon canvas keeps it lightweight. At the same time, the UV-resistant, industrial-strength seams make it durable enough to support up to 150 pounds of leaves, manure, rocks, or whatever you can imagine. Plus, storing is as simple as removing a pin and folding it up.

Price at time of publish: $153

GoPlus

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Sleeker than your average garden bed, this piece from Goplus actually makes plant care easier. The height and slope of each shelf can be easily adjusted, ensuring plants get the best light and have enough room to grow. Additionally, holes in the bottom of each shelf allow excess water to flow down and be repurposed. Plus, it’s built to last. The bed is made of solid fir, which is durable enough to bear a lot of weight and withstand the elements of nature.

Price at time of publish: $156

4.9

Dramm 14506 Revolution 9-Pattern Spray Gun

Amazon

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A great hose nozzle makes watering your garden quick and easy. We love the revolution spray gun from Dramm for its nine clearly labeled water settings, one-touch thumb throttle, and lifetime warranty. Unlike other models, Dramm uses a single piece of molded metal, so it can withstand dropping over and over again. Plus, it comes in six bright and attractive colors.

Price at time of publish: $22

4.2

L. L. Bean

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When spending hours in the garden, switching between standing, crouching, and kneeling, you need a durable, waterproof shoe that keeps you comfortable and clean. We love the Wellie sport shoes for male gardeners for their large size range, foolproof slip-on style, and attractive design. The shoes bend easily and keep moisture and dirt out with ease.

Price at time of publish: $89

The Best Gardening Shoes to Keep Your Feet Dry and Protected

Plants.com

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A gorgeous garden that attracts beautiful butterflies is a win-win that comes from this gardening kit. Filled with everything you need to grow butterfly-attracting flowers in a small space, the has extremely easy-to-follow instructions. The best part: it can be used by even the youngest of green thumbs in training.

Better Organization

The gardener in your life might already have everything he needs, but there is no harm in giving him something that helps him get better organized, whether it’s for permanent tool storage or to carry tools around in a belt or a toolbox, a gardening or planting calendar to keep track of the gardening year, labels for plants or seedlings, or a seed keeping and storage system.

If they have limited outdoor space—or none at all—Stefanie Moody, Sr. Associate of Brand Communications for Lowe’s suggests gifting them an indoor plant stand and house plants to start their indoor garden.

More Comfort

Just because a gardener has a hoe or a weeder that he uses all the time does not mean it’s a good one to use because gardening can be hard on the body. Tools with better, more ergonomic designs are introduced on the market every year. Besides tools, there are also kneelers and other gifts that make gardening chores more comfortable and easier on the joints.

Personal Protection

Gardening is a hobby that does a lot for one’s well-being and health, but it is not without danger. “Depending on your project, you should always be sure to have the right work gloves, eye protection, and hearing protection to keep you safe,” Moody tells The Spruce. And since protective gear such as gloves wear out fast, often within one season, gardeners appreciate backups even if they won’t use them immediately.

And protective gear doesn’t have to be limited to attire. Things like sunscreen and bug spray will keep your gardener safe from the many elements of being outdoors. Additionally, Moody says comfortable clothes that adequately cover the skin without providing too much heat are another option.

Seeds

For a gardener who likes to explore new things, you cannot go wrong with a seed kit or a collection of unusual seeds, both edibles such as vegetable or herb seeds, or ornamentals such as wildflower seeds. Just make you know the zone where your gardener is located in order to pick suitable seeds for the climate.

Education

Passionate gardeners are often keen to learn more so they can become better gardeners. Check out if there is a new highly acclaimed gardening book he might be interested in. Give him a magazine subscription or a gift voucher for a hands-on gardening workshop or class nearby.

Increasing Sustainability and Biodiversity

Gardeners mindful of green gardening benefit from gifts for composting (bin, tumbler, turner, thermometer), water-wise gardening, water-saving, and water recycling (rainwater barrel and peripheral equipment). To help a yard become a haven for pollinators, consider giving him an insect hotel kit or plants that attract beneficial native insects.

FAQ

What are some essential tools that every gardener needs?

In addition to the basic tools that gardeners need to work the soil and handle plants—from seeding, planting, and harvesting to pruning and pest and disease control—Moody says gardeners need protective gear for themselves, such as gardening gloves, glasses, and ear plugs. Additionally, more hazardous tasks require more equipment. While you might be able to deadhead flowers in regular clothing, tasks with power tools like chain-sawing require a whole set of protective gear, including special safety pans and safety goggles.
What tools should a gardener have?

The gardening tools every gardener should have include a shovel, hand trowel, gloves, bypass and anvil pruners, loppers, a watering can and/or garden hose, garden rake and lawn rake, cultivator, and a wheelbarrow or a garden cart. Which tools are essential depends on the size of the yard and the type of plants grown (trees, shrubs, flowers, or vegetables).
What should a gardener wear?

First and foremost, Moody says gardeners need “comfortable clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty with soil, mud, mulch, etc.” From there, you want to look for breathable natural fabrics that are comfortable to move around in and machine-washable because they will need to be washed a lot. Protection is also important to consider. Long pants and sleeves keep gardeners safe from insects, scratches, poison ivy, and other skin irritants.

Accessories are as important as the clothes. Gardening clogs, shoes, or boots should be sturdy, comfortable, and waterproof. Another indispensable piece of gardening wear, especially in hot and sunny weather, is a gardening hat.
What are some gardening gifts for someone who is just starting?

You can’t go wrong with the essentials, such as a hand tool kit set, garden rake, gloves, and a pruner. But one must-have that most people make not think about is a soil tester. “Before you start a garden, it’s important to find out the composition of your soil,” Moody tells The Spruce, adding that the results will help you determine what to plant as well as what you need to do to keep your garden healthy.
What are some gardening gifts for someone who lacks outdoor space?

You don’t need sprawling outdoor space to become a gardener. “Houseplants always make a great gift,” Moody says. “Or if they have some outdoor space, they can start their own patio garden with a raised garden bed.”

For this article, Leah Rocketto, a writer who has spent years covering home care for various publications, performed hours of research on products and consulted Stefanie Moody, Sr. Associate of Brand Communications for Lowe’s. In her role, Moody has become an expert in gardening equipment and care.