To cultivate the perfect garden, simply having a pair of gardening gloves isn’t enough. The success of your green space relies heavily on tools that will help you plant, maintain, and nurture your plants. Whether you’re embarking on your gardening journey or you’re a seasoned green thumb, having the best gardening tools is crucial for achieving garden success.
Hand trowels, pruning shears, and a superior garden hose are among the essential items you’ll need in your arsenal. With so many choices online and in stores, it can be hard to find the best options. That’s why we have curated a list of the best gardening tools most often recommended by experts across 13 websites. Did we forget a tool that makes your garden the best on the block? Let us know in the comments below.
The List: Best Gardening Tools For Thriving Plants
1. Felco 2 Pruners
You will have the best-looking shrubs on the street when you purchase the Felco 2 pruners. They are considered the gold standard — according to Forbes, thanks to their comfy handles and sharp blades. They even have clippers designed for south-paws (lefties). Your hand won’t cramp because these pruners are lightweight and have a built-in shock absorber, just like a car! They are expensive but will last forever.
These pruners are so versatile you may even want to keep them in your car! Designer Weslie Etienne Pierre told House Beautiful he never goes anywhere without them. After all, you never know when you’ll need to snip something, even if it’s not a bush or a tree.
The F-2 model is perfect for larger hands. According to The Spruce, the brand’s other models like the F-6 and F-7 are designed for smaller hands and those with arthritis. The pruners also have a sap groove — so the blades don’t stick. If they ever break, send them back for a new pair, thanks to the lifetime warranty.
2. Nisaku Original Hori Hori Weeding Knife
Did you know the word hori in Japanese means to dig? Hori-Hori is essentially the name for a digging sound. The Nisaku brand works well against even the toughest weeds, according to The Spruce, thanks to its sharp 71/4″ stainless steel blade that has both a straight and serrated edge. The knife also makes a great planting tool if you love to plant tulip bulbs or other flowers.
This knife comes with a durable holster you can clip to your belt, making you feel like a real expert with a green thumb. No more guessing how deep you are digging thanks to the inch marking along the blade, writes Forbes. It’s also rust and scratch-proof.
Most gardeners don’t know about the Nisaku Hori-Hori, but according to Yardening Pulse, it will be a welcome addition to your tool kit. It’s perfect for digging and cutting. Because it’s so sharp you’ll want to keep it in the leather sheath it comes with, away from kids.
3. Flexzilla Hose
This is the last garden hose you will ever need to buy! You’ll love how light and flexible it is and won’t be shouting out expletives every time you have to lug it around the yard, according to USA Today. Testers even smacked the connectors against the concrete as hard as they could several times and they didn’t crack. It’s even safe to drink from if your kids are playing outside in the summer heat because the hose is lead-free.
No one has anything bad to say about this neon hose that you certainly won’t ever lose in a flower bed. It’s easy to coil and The Spruce guarantees you’ll never have to worry about water spraying all over the place when you connect it to your spigot. It’s the perfect addition to your home, and you can use it not only to water your yard but also to wash your car and your dog!
You can’t go wrong with a hose that received over 24,000 five-star reviews on Amazon. The hybrid polymer hose is completely safe to drink from and Lawnstarter loves that it holds up well in temps between – 40 degrees in the winter and 140 degrees in the summer.
4. Wilcox All-Pro Heavy-Duty Digging Trowel
This isn’t the most exciting-looking tool, but it gets the job done and that’s what The Spruce says is important. You can use it in place of a soil knife and it won’t rust or wear out. The trowel is pricier than others, but it’s backed by a lifetime warranty.
You’ll be able to break even the most “stubborn earth” with this heavy-duty trowel that is the Editor’s Choice at Backyard Style. It’s so light and durable that you can use it for several hours without getting a cramp in your hand. Many may also like it since it’s made in the U.S.
Even Oprah recommends this trowel. (We’re not sure she uses one, but it’s the top pick on the Oprah Daily website). It works well on hard-to-plow through clay soil and you won’t lose it, thanks to its bright red handle.
5. Bully Tools 14-Gauge Round Point Shovel
Why does this shovel stand out? It has an extended, reinforced handle and a lifetime warranty. While it may not be best for rocky soil, The Spruce agrees its steel blade is durable for a variety of lawn and gardening needs.
No garden kit is complete without a shovel you can use yourself, or lend out to the neighbors. Use it to plant trees or turn over the soil in your garden. This shovel has a D-grip that makes it easy to handle, according to The Pioneer Woman. While it’s pricier than others, you get what you pay for.
The Bully also gets high marks from Lifehacker, which points out how necessary a good quality shovel is to have as a gardener. With a wide pan, flared edges, and a soft point, a spade will easily slide into the earth with a lip you can stand on. This one also has a nice long handle, so you won’t hurt your back hunching over.
Sources:
- USA Today
- The Spruce
- Gardenary
- House Beautiful
- Backyard Style
- Forbes
- Better Homes & Gardens
- Oprah Daily
- Lifehacker
- The Pioneer Woman
- Business Insider
- Yardening Pulse
- Lawnstarter
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article may contain affiliate links in which we receive a commission if you make a purchase.