The 8 Best Garden Hoes of 2023

Best Overall

Corona GT 3244 Extended Reach Hoe and Cultivator

4.8

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The Corona GT 3244 Hoe Cultivator earned our Best Overall spot because of its comfortable metal handle with gel grip, ease of use, versatile two-in-one blade, and rust-resistant fork. The hoe cultivator is designed for working in raised garden beds and accessing tight locations. Its anti-blister comfort gel grip leaves your hands feeling good after a long day in the yard.

This garden hoe is made of durable steel with an unconventional blade. One side is traditionally hoe-like: flat, for deep digging, tilling, and breaking through hard-to-get-at soil. The other end has three tines, for cultivating.

This garden hoe reaches up to 36 inches, which is ideal for gardeners who may find long-handled tools hard to work with. However, if you are specifically seeking a long garden tool, you may find other, better choices available. (The manufacturer also makes this in an adjustable-handle model.) If not, this tool should continue to provide you with lasting performance each season.

Price at time of publish: $18

_{Dimensions: 40.16 x 9.65 x 5.51 inches︱Weight: 2.14 pounds︱Material: Steel blade}

Best Budget

Edward Tools Carbon Steel Hand Hoe

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At an affordable price, the Edward Tools Carbon Steel Hand Hoe is made of heavy-duty carbon steel and does not disappoint. Its rubber ergo-grip handle is easy to use and comfortable on the wrists. The rounded edges should be sufficient for most gardening projects where you need to weed and move dirt, but may not be sharp enough to dig through really firm soil.

The carbon-steel blade has been finished with a powder coat to resist rust, and the manufacturer offers a lifetime warranty on the tool. Although budget-friendly, the handle is shorter and may not be the best option if you are looking for something with a longer reach and easier on the back.

Price at time of publish: $9

_{Dimensions: 15.67 x 4.65 x 2.6 inches︱Weight: 8.8 ounces︱Material: Carbon steel}

Best for Weeding

Grampa's Weeder The Original Stand Up Weed Puller

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You can find a lot of weeders on the market, but this family-owned manufacturer conceived Grampa's Weeder over 100 years ago, and it continues to be a top choice among gardeners. If you are looking for a tool to remove persistent weeds that is easy on your back and knees, it's your best option. Its long bamboo handle and steelhead claw allow you to remove weeds while standing up. The powder-coated metal construction is durable and reliable, and makes removing weeds more manageable.

A chemical-free way of removing weeds, this tool works on all soil types and functions best after a good rain or watering. It is important to note that this tool still requires a bit of bending, but is much better than crawling or being on your knees.

Price at time of publish: $40

_{Dimensions: 46 x 8 x 1.5 inches︱Weight: 3 pounds︱Material: Bamboo handle and steel blade}

Best Handheld

Ames Hoe/Cultivator Combo with Wood Handle

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For a lightweight handheld option, you can’t go wrong with the combo hoe/cultivator made by Ames. This tool is ideal for cultivating soil as well as planting seeds, annuals, perennials, and bulbs. On the other end of the head is the hoe, which is designed for digging narrow trenches for planting seeds and bulbs.

This 2-in-1-designed tool has a wooden handle, with a strong steel head, and the company offers a limited lifetime warranty on the product. There is not much this tool can’t do, but it may not be the best choice if you are planning on using it for long periods. That's because of its short handle, which means you need to be bending over or working on your knees.

Price at time of publish: $13

_{Dimensions: 14.25 x 9.5 x 4 inches︱Weight: 1 pound︱Material: Wooden handle and steel blade}

Best "Dutch"

Skidger Xtreme Steel Weeder

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The Skidger Xtreme 60 Steel Weeder puts a distinctive spin on the design of a true Dutch hoe, which traditionally has a two-pronged hoe, with a two-edged cross-blade. It still employs the Dutch hoe's push-pull movement to remove weeds, however, rather than a chopping motion. This weeder has a distinctive open design that works in soil, gravel, bark, and other loose material. It’s easy to maneuver around tough-to-reach spots, where weeds may be growing under fences and gates.

It is labeled as a weeder, but you can also use this to loosen dirt to plant seeds or channel water. It has a comfortable silicone grip, with a strong fiberglass handle that is long enough to remove weeds while standing. It is on the expensive side when it comes to weeders but is easy to use and should be reliable for seasons to come.

Price at time of publish: $50

_{Dimensions: 60 x 6 x 3.8 inches︱Weight: 1.8 pounds︱Material: Steel blade and fiberglass handle}

Best Onion

Truper 33571 Tru Pro Forged Onion Hoe

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An onion hoe is best used for weeding in narrow spaces, and the Truper 33571 is your best choice. This is a tough hoe that is used as a finesse tool for clearing weeds, and is great to get between vegetables in a garden. Also, it may be easier and faster to use than a shovel if you don't need to dig too deep. With a strong 7-inch blade and a handle made of ash wood, it provides a good ratio of resistance and flexibility.

Truper is a premium brand trusted by professionals and contractors, has been in business for over 40 years, and offers a lifetime warranty. The manufacturer seems to have strengthened the blade after negative comments about earlier versions breaking too easily. Be aware that this is not a tool to use to break hard-packed, rocky ground.

Price at time of publish: $40

_{Dimensions: 52.7 x 7 x 3.5 inches︱Weight: 2.07 pounds︱Material: Steel blade, wood handle}

Best Scuffle

CRAFTSMAN 54-in Wood-Handle Action Hoe

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A scuffle hoe is the pushmi-pullyu of these types of garden tools: Its blade is sharp on both ends and can be pushed forward or drawn back. The Craftsman Wood Handle Action Hoe is designed to remove weeds by a push-pull motion that cuts just below the soil surface. The hoe is made of a hardwood handle and looped steel blade. Since the tool measures 54 inches long, you can stand while removing weeds. It also has a cushioned handle for increased comfort.

Unlike other hoes, the Craftsman has a bolted-blade connection, making it sturdy and durable for all seasons. The looped blade makes removing weeds effortless, with minimal force required. The company offers a 15-year limited warranty.

Price at time of publish: $28

_{Dimensions: 58.5 x 5.92 inches︱Weight: 2.6 pounds︱Material: Steel blade, wood handle}