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The Spruce / Chloe Jeong
Whether you're an experienced horticulturist or you just want to make the most of your green thumb, the right gardening tools make tending to your garden a more enjoyable task.
We've researched and tested dozens of gardening tools in our lab and in real-life situations, evaluating effectiveness, ease of use, and overall value. Here are the best tools to keep your garden looking great.
Best Pruners
FELCO F-2 One-Hand Pruning Shear
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Amazon
Replaceable blades
Sap groove
Lifetime warranty
Designed for larger hands
Don't let the price tag on the Felco F-2 Classic Manual Hand Pruners scare you away. While they were certainly a large upfront investment, these hand pruners are backed by a lifetime warranty and last just about as long. We found these pruners were ideal for cutting through branches and shrubbery up an inch thick in diameter while testing in a backyard garden.
The Felco F-2 has hardened steel blades, a forged aluminum handle, and an adjustable alignment. The rubberized handle has shock-absorbing pads to keep gardeners comfortable. We did find that the F-2 pruners are designed for larger hands, but other Felco models are available for smaller hands, like the F-6. Users with joint problems may also appreciate the rotating and ergonomic handles of the F-7 and F-8 pruners. We also found the sap groove an amazing feature to prevent the blades from sticking.
Price at time of publish: $74
Dimensions: 9.25 x 4 x 1 inches | Primary Use: Trimming branches | Material: Aluminum
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The Spruce / Sarah Vanbuskirk
Best Garden Knife
Nisaku Hori-Hori Stainless Steel Tomita Weeding Knife
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Amazon
Two edge styles
Depth markers
Leather sheath
Uncomfortable handle
Expensive
Though there are cheaper garden knives on the market, the Nisaku Japanese Hori Hori Digging Tool is worth the slight splurge because of a durable, 7 1/4-inch stainless steel blade that slices through the soil with ease. We found the Hori Hori to be extraordinarily effective at uprooting even the toughest weeds thanks to its sharp edge which easily cuts through roots.
The blade with both a straight and serrated edge also makes it useful for light planting, dividing flowers, and transferring small plants. The depth markings on the blade also make it an effective planting tool when it's time to plant spring and summer bulbs. While overall we were impressed with this knife and understand why it's priced higher than other options on the market, we were disappointed by its handle. It's essentially square, making gripping it uncomfortable for long periods of time and precarious if you're working in especially stubborn or rocky soil. However, this tool is definitely a worthy investment, if you prefer to use a tool for weeding, rather than pulling them up with your hands.
Price at time of publish: $26
Dimensions: 13 x 2.8 x 1.5 inches | Primary Use: Removing weeds | Material: Stainless steel and wood
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The Spruce / Sarah Vanbuskirk
Best Trowel
Wilcox All-Pro Heavy-Duty Digging Trowel
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Amazon
Pointed edge
Depth markings
Lifetime warranty
Expensive
The Wilcox All-Pro Heavy-Duty Digging Trowel impressed us with its soil-slicing ability and long blade. While its design could be less than exciting to some, we think the lack of metal seams or brackets makes it less likely to rust or wear in the long run. Although we tested the 14-inch version, they also offer trowels ranging in size from 9 up to 18 inches long. The design is backed by a lifetime warranty, which does help justify the surprising initial cost.
But beyond being durable, this trowel is also very effective and can even be used in place of a soil knife, while retaining its skill at more digging-intensive jobs. We also really enjoyed the depth markings located on the edge of the blade, which can be a useful feature for planting bulbs and seedlings. We did notice that dirt can become lodged in the handle of this trowel since the blade does not fill the entire circumference of the handle. While not a total hindrance to its performance, we recommend clearing out this nook with a dry cloth or paper towel, rather than rinsing the blade to prevent extensive exposure to water. All in all, we found this trowel comfortable to grip and appreciated its length, which enhances its overall digging capability compared to shorter trowels.
Price at time of publish: $23
Dimensions: 14 x 3 x 0.2 inches | Primary Use: Planting | Material: Stainless steel
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The Spruce / Sarah Vanbuskirk
Best Shovel
Bully Tools 82515 14-Gauge Round Point Shovel
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Amazon
Extended ferrule
Reinforced handle
Lifetime warranty
May not be best for rocky soil
On top of being a durable and long-handled shovel, the Bully Tools 82515 14-Gauge Round Point Shovel is great for a variety of gardening and lawn-care needs. We have not had the opportunity to test this shovel, but we appreciate that the handle is reinforced with fiberglass, making it stronger than wooden and plastic options.
The steel blade is more rounded than other options, which might not make it best for piercing through incredibly rocky soil, but its extended ferrule (the shaft that connects the handle and the blade) offers additional durability for especially difficult tasks. We recognize this shovel is slightly more expensive than other options on the market, but with a lifetime warranty, you can feel good about purchasing this shovel.
Price at time of publish: $54
Dimensions: 60 x 9.5 x 1.5 inches | Primary Use: Digging | Material: Steel and fiberglass
Best Rain Gauge
Stratus Precision Rain Gauge with Mounting Bracket
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Detachable funnel
Easy to read
Easy to install
May crack if dropped or hit
Must be installed on a post
The Stratus RG202 Long-Term Professional Rain Gauge is built to standards specified by the US Weather Bureau and is a reliable instrument for both home and professional use. Made from weather-resistant polycarbonate (plastic), it can withstand cold and heat, plus it won't rust like other metal models.
This gauge has a 1-inch inner measuring tube and an overflow cylinder that allows the collection of up to 11 inches of rain. You can also remove the collection funnel and tube to measure snow, hail, or sleet. It comes with a bracket that allows easy attachment and removal on a post, but we do wish there was an alternative in-ground installation option. We also wonder whether the plastic would crack if dropped on pavement or hit with a hard object, but this is just speculation as we have not had the opportunity to test it. Despite a few hesitancies, we think this rain gauge is a great, easy-to-read option for avid gardeners who want to closely monitor their plants' needs.
Price at time of publish: $50
Dimensions: 14.6 x 5 x 4.9 inches | Primary Use: Measuring rain | Material: UV-resistant plastic
Best Gardening Gloves
Firm Grip General Purpose Gloves
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The Home Depot
Comfortable fabric
Padded palm grips
Adjustable wrist strap
Different sizes listed separately online
Thumb sizing is awkward
We found the Firm Grip General Purpose Gloves to be surprisingly comfortable to wear for half-hour periods to tend to a garden during our testing period. These gloves are not only durable but also thoughtfully designed with terry cloth thumbs to easily wipe a damp forehead. Plus, the fingertips are also touchscreen compatible, so you can easily answer your phone without having to pull of your glove. The synthetic leather, which is more stretchy compared to traditional leather, makes these gloves great for holding shovels or trowels for longer periods without developing blisters.
The thumbs, pointer fingers, and palms also have extra padding to make gripping garden tools even more comfortable. An adjustable wrist strap also ensures that these gloves stay snug on your hands. We will note that the thumb on this pair of gloves was about an inch too long when we were testing them, but this awkward sizing thankfully didn't impact our mobility too much. These gloves are available in larger sizes, but all of the sizes are listed separately on some retailers' websites. If you're looking for men's-sized gloves, we recommend checking out the Firm Grip General Purpose Gloves in Large. Overall, we think these gloves are a great option for gardening enthusiasts looking for maximum dexterity and appropriate protection.
Price at time of publish: $13
Dimensions: Not listed | Primary Use: Protecting hands | Material: Synthetic leather and mesh
Best Garden Hose
Zero-G Lightweight Ultra Flexible Durable Kink-Free Garden Hose
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Amazon
Crush-proof couplings
Inner tube and durable outer jacket
Easy to maneuver when empty and full
Only rated for use above 35 degrees Fahrenheit
Although not initially a front-runner, the Zero-G Lightweight Ultra Flexible Garden Hose won us over with its easy-to-maneuver design and crush-proof couplings. No need to worry about accidentally rolling over this hose with a car since the couplings are crush-proof up to 900 pounds. This hose connected very easily to a spigot and we found it easy to maneuver both when empty and when full of water.
We were really impressed by the actual hose design, which includes an inner tube and a durable outer jacket that resists snags from thorny bushes and rocky terrain. While this hose is only rated for use above 35 degrees, we still think it's a great option to leave out year-round in milder climates, or you could pack it away if you do experience colder temps during the winter. Plus, with extended long-term use, we've found this watering tool still lives up to its initial lightweight and durable ratings.
Price at time of publish: $70
Dimensions: 100 feet in length, 5/8-inch diameter | Primary Use: Watering | Material: Not listed
Best Hose Nozzle
Dramm 14506 Revolution 9-Pattern Spray Gun
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Amazon
One-touch thumb throttle
Durable design
Easy to switch between 9 sprays
Colored paint may chip over time
The Dramm 14506 Revolution 9-Pattern Spray Gun is a powerful nozzle that easily rinsed mud off our target Adirondack chair during lab testing. It's available in six colorful options that make it easy to identify among flowering garden beds. Unlike other nozzles that feature a squeeze throttle that must be continuously depressed, this nozzle has a one-touch thumb throttle. We found this not only much more comfortable to use compared to other designs but it was also easy to operate and adjust the water pressure to what we needed.
The 9 different spray settings were also easy to switch between and they were all well-labeled. Despite being thrown down a flight of stairs during our durability test, this nozzle showed no scratches and was still in perfect working condition. We do wonder whether the colored exterior may chip over time, but we have no physical evidence of that suspicion at this time. Overall, with a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong considering this nozzle for your garden needs.
Price at time of publish: $22
Dimensions: 7 x 4 x 2.25 inches | Primary Use: Watering plants | Material: Metal
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The Spruce / Dera Burreson
Best Watering Wand
The Relaxed Gardener Watering Wand
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Amazon
Thumb throttle
Padded handle
8 spray patterns
Scuffs when dropped
No free-rotation adapter
The Relaxed Gardener Watering Wand stood out to us during testing thanks to its 8-pattern spray and comfortable thumb throttle, making watering high-hanging baskets less of a hassle. We were surprised by the impressive distance this wand had on its high setting with a spray out to 27 feet. While maneuvering with this wand wasn't particularly challenging, we think the addition of a free-rotation adapter would make weaving between flower beds and around furniture even easier.
The padded handle also felt comfortable to grip during our testing period. This wand did scratch when dropped on the pavement, but that is a common failure of plastic watering wands and nozzles. Overall, the drop did not impact the wand's functions. While this may not be the longest watering wand at just under 16 inches long, we think this wand is still ideal for urban gardens and smaller backyard gardens with hanging planters.
Price at time of publish: $26
Dimensions: Not listed | Primary Use: Watering plants | Material: Aluminum and plastic
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The Spruce / Dera Burreson
Best Hose Reel
Gorilla Mobile Hose Reel
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Amazon
Includes spigot for easy winding
Rubber grips on handle and crank
Stable, wide base
Non-adjustable handle
Screws require extra effort during assembly
If you're looking for a hose reel that can not only store your hose but transport it around your yard and garden, we recommend Gorilla Aluminum Zero Rust Premium Mobile Hose Reel. We tested the 200-foot capacity reel in The Lab and found it to be one of the most stable options of the 26 models tested. The shorter legs with wide padded grips make it easy to kick up and roll to a new location, and the molded wheels easily roll over any terrain.
While we did have to put in some extra effort while adding the screws during assembly, we didn't find the process overly difficult. We will note our testing team member using this reel found the handle height quite comfortable, but she is 5 foot 2 inches. A taller user may have to stoop down to pull this reel behind them, which may be a drawback for some. However, winding the hose around this reel was a breeze thanks to the attached spigot and a loop on the side that guided the hose. With a rust-resistant frame and overall impressively durable materials, we think this reel is a great option for any size garden.
Price at time of publish: $149
Dimensions: 18.9 x 23.8 x 16.7 inches | Primary Use: Storing hose | Material: Aluminum and rubber
What to Look for in a Gardening Tool
Quality
You should purchase gardening tools that will last more than one season. We recommend paying close attention to not only the material of a tool before purchasing but also the craftsmanship. A garden tool like a shovel or hand trowel should have few seams to limit the potential for rust and water damage. Additionally, it's best to look for products that are backed by lifetime warranties in case you experience any manufacturer defects. While it may be intimidating to invest in expensive tools upfront, they will last longer and save you money in the long run compared to regularly replacing cheaper options.
Material
All of the tools in this roundup are made from durable materials that can withstand exposure to wet, cold, or hot conditions. Most hose nozzles and watering wands will consist of some plastic parts, but they are still durable enough to withstand sudden drops on concrete or an afternoon in the rain. Stainless steel, aluminum, and any sealed metal are great materials to look for when shopping for shovels, trowels, weed knives, or hose reels. Such metals will be resistant to rust and will last for multiple seasons, when cared for properly.
Comfortability
You want to purchase a tool that's comfortable to hold. If a tool isn’t comfortable, then you won’t be using it for long. While some handles are cushioned to provide more comfort and minimize blistering, we recommend investing in a pair of gardening gloves. Gloves will ultimately save your hands from blistering and protect them from the sun.
Care and Maintenance
You should store your gardening tools when not in use to maximize their lifespan. Garden tools don't need to be stored in temperature-controlled environments and they should be fine stored in a deck box or tool shed away from inclement weather. Be sure to also wipe off shovels and any tools exposed to dirt, as the minerals in dirt can contribute to rust over time.
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What is the most used gardening tool?
Hand trowels, or a hand hoe, also called a cultivator, are among the most popular tools for gardening and will likely be your most used tool. Both of these tools help to break up dirt and can do everything from planting seeds and bulbs to removing weeds.
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How often should you replace your gardening tools?
If you purchase high-quality gardening tools, you should not have to replace them. However, it is best to sharpen your tools about once a year, or right before you complete the majority of your planting and garden maintenance.
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What are things to consider when using tools in the garden?
Be sure to keep track of your tools, as you won't want to misplace a tool and leave it outside for a long period of time. It's also important to note that you don't need a garden shed full of tools to have a successful garden. Rely on the tools that you're most familiar with and absolutely need, like a hand trowel.
Safety should also always be a priority, as you won't want to trip on a misplaced tool. While not necessary, you may want to rinse your gardening gloves after each use, but we recommend keeping them away from your washing machine.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Emma Phelps is an Updates Writer for The Spruce specializing in all things related to home organization, improvement, and cleaning. For this roundup, she compiled testing data from a variety of gardening tools to offer a fused roundup with the best tools for any beginner or experienced gardener. Phelps has been covering lifestyle topics for over five years and previously wrote for SouthernLiving.com.