Whether you’re a seasoned horticulturist or a novice gardener, the proper gardening tools help make maintaining your garden more enjoyable.
We’ve researched and tested dozens of gardening tools both in our lab and in our own backyard gardens, assessing how each performs for its intended purpose, as well as ease of use and overall value. All gardening tools are made with the specific purpose and activity in mind, however, we found what mattered in our purchasing decision for longevity, was the material and comfort of the tool. Home Improvement
Everything on this list, from trowels to weeding tools, is manufactured with either aluminium, steel, or high-quality plastic to resist direct sunlight and other weather. They also need to resist drops and impact. Aluminium and steel will withstand rust with time and feel heavier and more premium in hand, while plastic is lighter and more manoeuvrable, but potentially less weatherproof. Prince Princess Home
Seek tools with padded handles, ergonomic grips, shock absorption technology or other features that feel good in your hands over time. We love the options on this list because not only do they perform well, but they also don’t wear or tire out your hands while you’re gardening. That is, finding tools that function well, are made with solid materials, and feel good to use.
Best Pruners
Don’t be deterred by the price tag of the Felco F-2 Classic Manual Hand Pruners. Though definitely a hefty initial expense, these hand pruners come with a lifetime warranty and last very nearly forever. In testing, we found that these pruners worked great for cutting through branches and shrubbery up to an inch thick in diameter in a backyard garden. The sap groove is another great feature that prevents the blades from sticking.
Traditionally, this handle utilises hardened steel blades, a forged aluminium handle, and, importantly, an adjustable alignment. Its rubberised handle has shock-absorbing pads to ease the gardener’s grip. We did learn that the F-2 pruners are constructed for a larger hand, but Felco offers other models for smaller hands, such as the F-6. The rotating and ergonomic handles of the F-7 and F-8 pruners may be helpful to users who experience problems with their joints. Another nice touch is that they also sell a left-handed version for leftie gardeners, which means there’s a comfortable and effective pruning shear option for everyone.
Dimensions: 9.25 x 4 x 1 inches | Primary Use: Trimming branches | Material: Aluminum
Best Garden Knife
While you can get cheaper garden knives, the Nisaku Japanese Hori Hori Digging Tool is still a worthy bit of splurging thanks to its rugged, 7 1/4-inch long stainless steel blade that glides seamlessly through the soil. We found the Hori Hori incredibly effective at uprooting even the most stubborn of weeds, as it features a sharp edge designed to slice through roots with ease.
The blade has a straight and serrated edge, which makes it a great tool for medium-light planting, flower dividing, and transplants for small plants. The depth markings on the blade also make it a good planting tool when it’s time to plant spring and summer bulbs.
Overall we were impressed with this knife and understood why it was priced higher than many contenders on the market, but we were disappointed by its handle. It’s basically square, which makes holding on to it uncomfortable for extended periods and makes it precarious when you’re digging in really stubborn or rocky soil. The tool is worth making an investment if you would like to use a tool for weeding instead of removing it with your hands.
Dimensions: 13 x 2.8 x 1.5 inches | Best for: Roursing weeds | Material: Stainless steel and wood
Best Trowe
For its soil-slicing ability and long blade, we were impressed with the Wilcox All-Pro Heavy-Duty Digging Trowel. We believe that the lack of metal seams or brackets makes it less likely to rust or wear in the long run, even if its design might not excite a connoisseur. The maker also sells trowels that measure from 9 up to 18 in, though we tested the 14-in version. The design is supported by a lifetime warranty, which helps justify the eye-popping initial expense.
Durability aside, this trowel is super handy and can even be used instead of a soil knife while still nailing its skill to more digging-intensive tasks. We also loved the depth markings that go along the edge of the blade — a helpful feature for planting bulbs and seedlings.
We found that dirt can get stuck in the handle of this trowel because the blade of the trowel does not fill the entire circumference of the handle. It wouldn’t completely impede its function, but we think you would want to wipe away this nook with a dry cloth or paper towel instead of rinsing the blade, to avoid prolonged water exposure. Overall, we comfortably gripped this trowel and liked the length because it allows for better overall digging, as well, compared to trowels that are shorter.
Dimensions: 14 x 3 x 0.2 inches | Best For: Planting | Material: Stainless steel
Best Shovel
Best of all, the Bully Tools 82515 14-Gauge Round Point Shovel is more than just a durable and long-handled shovel; it’s useful for a wide variety of gardening and lawn-care tasks. We haven’t had a chance to test this shovel, but we like that the handle is reinforced with fibreglass, which is stronger than equivalent wooden and plastic options.
The steel blade is more rounded compared with other options, which may not make it ideal for puncturing into extremely rocky soil, but its long ferrule (the shaft that joins the handle and the blade) gives added durability for very tough jobs.
Dimensions: 60 by 9.5 by 1.5 inches | Primary use: Digging | Material: Steel and fibreglass
Best Rain Gauge
The Stratus RG202 Long-Term Professional Rain Gauge is designed to meet the standards established by the US Weather Bureau, making it an applicable instrument for home and professional use. Constructed of weather-resistant polycarbonate (plastic), it can handle cold and heat and won’t rust like other metal models.
This rain gauge has a 1 in. inner measuring tube and an overflow cylinder that can collect up to 11 in. of rain. You can even detach the collection funnel and tube to gauge snow, hail, or sleet. It includes a bracket for easy on- and off-post attachment, yet an in-ground installation option is a desirable addition.
We also find ourselves wondering how well the plastic would hold up if dropped on pavement, or hit with something hard, however, as we haven’t had the chance to put it through the wringer, this is speculation. Overall, with a few hesitancies here and there, we felt this rain gauge was a great easy-to-read option for avid gardeners looking to closely monitor the needs of their plants.
Dimensions: 14.6 x 5 x 4.9 inches | Primary Use: Measures rain | Material: UV-resistant plastic
Best Gardening Gloves
Although we tested for half an hour, we agreed that the Firm Grip General Purpose Gloves felt surprisingly comfortable while gardening. Not only are these gloves durable, but they also feature terry cloth thumbs for an easy light wipe of a damp forehead. Plus, the fingertips are touchscreen-compatible, so you can handle your phone easily, without removing your glove. Thanks to its ability to stretch, the synthetic leather is great for extending the wear time of these gardening gloves when gripping a shovel or trowel for hours on end without risk of blistering.
There’s additional padding on the thumbs, pointer fingers and palms, making it even easier to grip garden tools comfortably. These gloves also have an adjustable wrist strap to keep them snug on your hands. The thumb on this pair of gloves was a little long—about an inch when we were testing them—but the odd sizing didn’t impede our mobility much. These gloves come in larger sizes, but some retailers list all of the sizes separately.
For men ”’s-sized gloves, we recommend Medium and Large-sized Firm Grip General Purpose Gloves. In summary, we believe these gloves are a perfect choice for gardening fans seeking maximum dexterity and appropriate protection.
Weights: Not indicated | Main purpose: Hand protection | Fabric: Synthetic leather and mesh
Best Garden Hose
Per our experience, while the Zero-G Lightweight Ultra Flexible Garden Hose wasn’t a front-runner but won us over with its easy-to-maneuver design and crush-proof couplings. The couplings are crush-proof up to 900 pounds, so you don’t have to worry about running over this garden hose with a car. This hose also connected easily to a spigot, and we found it simple to manoeuvre when empty and full of water.
We were quite impressed with the actual design of the hose itself, which features an inner tube and heavy-duty outer jacket that resists snags from thorny bushes and rocky terrain. Since this hose is only rated for above 35 degrees, we do think it would be a great option to leave out year-round in milder climes, or you could certainly pack it up if you have colder winter temps. And, over extended long-term use, we’ve found that this watering tool still lives up to its lightweight and durable ratings from its first days of use.
Size: 100 feet long, 5/8-inch diameter | Main Use: Watering | Material: Not listed
Best Hose Nozzle
The Dramm 14506 Revolution 9-Pattern Spray Gun is powerful and easily rinsed mud off our target during lab testing. Unlike other nozzles with 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. It’s also available in six colourful options that make it easy to identify among flowering garden beds.
The nine different spray settings were also easy to switch among, and they were all well-labelled. Despite being thrown down a flight of stairs during our durability test, this nozzle showed no scratches and was still in perfect working condition. Overall, with a lifetime guarantee, you can’t go wrong considering this nozzle for your garden needs.
Dimensions: 7 x 4 x 2.25 inches | Primary Use: Watering plants | Material: Metal
Best Hose Reel
If you want hose storage that you can also transport around your yard and garden, we like the Gorilla Aluminum Zero Rust Premium Mobile Hose Reel. We tested the capacity reel at 200 feet, and it was one of the most stable of the 26 models tested. Wide padded grips on the short legs make kicking up and rolling it to another location a breeze, and the moulded wheels roll over any terrain without a worry.
We had to put some extra effort into assembling some screws during the process but did not find the task too difficult. We will mention that when using this hose reel we felt the handle height was quite comfortable, although a taller user may need to stoop to pull this reel behind them, which could be a deal-breaker for some.
But coiling the hose around this reel was a breeze, thanks to an attached spigot and a loop on the outside that guided the hose. Made with a rust-resistant frame, and overall built of very durable materials, we think this reel is a fantastic option for all sizes of gardens.
Dimensions: 18.9 x 23.8 x 16.7 inches | Primary use: Hose storage | Material: Aluminum and rubber
Best Kneeling Pad
A kneeling pad is a reasonably priced accessory that helps make long days in the garden feel more comfortable. The thick foam on this pad meant you didn’t feel the ground when we tested it. And, being thick and wide, you have a lot of room for one or both knees. It comes in two sizes to fit anybody and garden.
It also features an ergonomic handle that conforms to your hand to make it easy to pick up and transport to and fro from your backyard. And it weighs less than a pound. It features a textured side so you don’t find yourself slipping around your garden. But we are concerned, albeit slightly, that its thin sides would take some damage with time. But at $25, this kneeling pad is crucial for keeping your knees comfortable after working outside for hours.
Size: 18 x 11 x 1.5, 24 x 14 x1. 5 inches | Type: Gardening | Material: Foam
Final Verdict
For a reliable pruner, we love the Felco F-2 Classic Manual Hand Pruner. That comes in multiple sizes for hand comfort, and we loved the sap grove while in tests to keep the shears from sticking together. If you are in need of a new pair of gardening gloves, we recommend the Firm Grip General Purpose Gloves, our best gardening gloves. The gloves, designed with touchscreen compatibility, feature extra padding for optimal comfort and an adjustable wrist strap to ensure your perfect fit.
How We Tested the Gardening Tools
This story was written using information from a range of tests we carried out to assess how well different kinds of gardening tools work. We put these gardening tools to the test in our Lab in Des Moines, Iowa, as well as our own homes and backyards, assessing each tool’s performance, comfort, quality and overall value.
Performance: We used all of these tools to what they were made for (in our lab or our own homes) and recognized how they were carried out. That included deploying all the settings on a nose nozzle, smooth and rough use of a knife in soil, coiling and uncoiling a garden hose in its reel, measuring the distance a watering wand sprayed and so on.
Comfort:We used these gardening tools in half-hour increments, recording how comfortable the handle is to use for a length of time, whether there’s extra padding or ergonomic elements, how the gloves felt on our hands, and more, to ensure that these tools work well for gardeners who work for 20 minutes or three hours.
Quality: Regardless of which tool we were testing, we noticed the quality of the product impression. Depending on the material, we took special note of whether they felt heavy and sturdy or lightweight and flimsy. For some things — a few watering wands and hose nozzles, to name a few — we tossed the product off the stairs and checked the impact damage.
Overall Value: After considering all these factors we compared the price to those on the product and determined whether the performance and quality of the product matched the price.
Based on these tests and our own research, we compiled this list of gardening tools for every purpose and every gardener.
What to Look for in a Gardening Tool
Quality
You want to buy garden tools that will last several seasons. We suggest considering not just the material that a tool is made of when you buy it, but the craft involved in the making as well. A garden tool, such as a shovel or hand trowel (we love a good trowel, like the Wilcox All-Pro 202S 14″ All-Pro Trowel; it’s nearly seamless) should have few seams since seams can rust over time and degrade and hold water.
And the right products often come with lifetime warranties (so, if you do encounter any manufacturer defects, then our best shovel, the Bully Tools 82515 14-Gauge Round Point Shovel, is a great option). But while it can be easy for you to be scared of investing in tools that may seem overpriced at the start you are going to save more in the long term from this investment since expensive tools will last longer instead of continuously replacing cheaper options.
Material
Every single tool in this roundup is made from durable materials, resistant to wet, cold, or hot conditions. Most hose nozzles and watering wands will be scratched with some plastic parts, but they’re still tough enough to survive an unexpected tumble onto concrete or an afternoon spent in the rain. Our top hose nozzle pick, the Dramm One Touch Revolution 9 Pattern Spray Gun, showed zero damage when we threw it down the stairs during testing, so we know it’s durable.
Look for stainless steel, aluminium and any sealed metal when shopping for shovels, trowels, weed knives or hose reels, such as our go-to hose reel, the Gorilla 200’ Aluminum Zero-Rust Upright Hose Reel. When properly cared for, such metals will resist rust and last for many seasons.
Comfortability
You mean a tool that feels comfortable to manoeuvre. If a tool is not comfortable, then it will not be long in use. Some are padded to provide cushioning for comfort and protect your hands from blistering, but we recommend investing in a pair of our favourite gardening gloves, the Firm Grip General Purpose Gloves. In the long run, gloves will save your hands from blisters and sun damage.
For added gardening tools and comfort, seek out ones with padded handles, like our best watering wand pick, The Relaxed Gardener Watering Wand. Our favourite pruner, the Felco F-2 Classic Manual Hand Pruner, also features a rubberized handle with shock absorption to reduce hand fatigue while you garden.
Care and Maintenance
To help preserve their life, you must put away your gardening tools when not in use. Garden tools don’t need to be stored in temperature-controlled environments, and should be fine stored in a deck box or tool shed, away from inclement weather. Make sure to wipe off shovels and any tools that have been exposed to dirt because minerals in dirt can cause rust build-up over time.
What to Look for in a Gardening Tool
I’ve dedicated years to testing and reviewing home improvement products,
especially holiday lighting solutions.My experience and commitment to providing accurate,
unbiased information sets The Prince Princess apart from other review platforms.
FAQ
Which is the most popular gardening tool ?
All out of weed wipe, when should you replace your gardening tools ?
What should you keep in mind when using tools in the garden?
Whether you’re a seasoned horticulturist or a novice gardener, the proper gardening tools help make maintaining your garden more enjoyable.
We’ve researched and tested dozens of gardening tools both in our lab and in our own backyard gardens, assessing how each performs for its intended purpose, as well as ease of use and overall value. All gardening tools are made with the specific purpose and activity in mind, however, we found what mattered in our purchasing decision for longevity, was the material and comfort of the tool. Home Improvement
Everything on this list, from trowels to weeding tools, is manufactured with either aluminium, steel, or high-quality plastic to resist direct sunlight and other weather. They also need to resist drops and impact. Aluminium and steel will withstand rust with time and feel heavier and more premium in hand, while plastic is lighter and more manoeuvrable, but potentially less weatherproof. Prince Princess Home
Seek tools with padded handles, ergonomic grips, shock absorption technology or other features that feel good in your hands over time. We love the options on this list because not only do they perform well, but they also don’t wear or tire out your hands while you’re gardening. That is, finding tools that function well, are made with solid materials, and feel good to use.
Best Pruners
Don’t be deterred by the price tag of the Felco F-2 Classic Manual Hand Pruners. Though definitely a hefty initial expense, these hand pruners come with a lifetime warranty and last very nearly forever. In testing, we found that these pruners worked great for cutting through branches and shrubbery up to an inch thick in diameter in a backyard garden. The sap groove is another great feature that prevents the blades from sticking.
Traditionally, this handle utilises hardened steel blades, a forged aluminium handle, and, importantly, an adjustable alignment. Its rubberised handle has shock-absorbing pads to ease the gardener’s grip. We did learn that the F-2 pruners are constructed for a larger hand, but Felco offers other models for smaller hands, such as the F-6. The rotating and ergonomic handles of the F-7 and F-8 pruners may be helpful to users who experience problems with their joints. Another nice touch is that they also sell a left-handed version for leftie gardeners, which means there’s a comfortable and effective pruning shear option for everyone.
Dimensions: 9.25 x 4 x 1 inches | Primary Use: Trimming branches | Material: Aluminum
Best Garden Knife
While you can get cheaper garden knives, the Nisaku Japanese Hori Hori Digging Tool is still a worthy bit of splurging thanks to its rugged, 7 1/4-inch long stainless steel blade that glides seamlessly through the soil. We found the Hori Hori incredibly effective at uprooting even the most stubborn of weeds, as it features a sharp edge designed to slice through roots with ease.
The blade has a straight and serrated edge, which makes it a great tool for medium-light planting, flower dividing, and transplants for small plants. The depth markings on the blade also make it a good planting tool when it’s time to plant spring and summer bulbs.
Overall we were impressed with this knife and understood why it was priced higher than many contenders on the market, but we were disappointed by its handle. It’s basically square, which makes holding on to it uncomfortable for extended periods and makes it precarious when you’re digging in really stubborn or rocky soil. The tool is worth making an investment if you would like to use a tool for weeding instead of removing it with your hands.
Dimensions: 13 x 2.8 x 1.5 inches | Best for: Roursing weeds | Material: Stainless steel and wood
Best Trowe
For its soil-slicing ability and long blade, we were impressed with the Wilcox All-Pro Heavy-Duty Digging Trowel. We believe that the lack of metal seams or brackets makes it less likely to rust or wear in the long run, even if its design might not excite a connoisseur. The maker also sells trowels that measure from 9 up to 18 in, though we tested the 14-in version. The design is supported by a lifetime warranty, which helps justify the eye-popping initial expense.
Durability aside, this trowel is super handy and can even be used instead of a soil knife while still nailing its skill to more digging-intensive tasks. We also loved the depth markings that go along the edge of the blade — a helpful feature for planting bulbs and seedlings.
We found that dirt can get stuck in the handle of this trowel because the blade of the trowel does not fill the entire circumference of the handle. It wouldn’t completely impede its function, but we think you would want to wipe away this nook with a dry cloth or paper towel instead of rinsing the blade, to avoid prolonged water exposure. Overall, we comfortably gripped this trowel and liked the length because it allows for better overall digging, as well, compared to trowels that are shorter.
Dimensions: 14 x 3 x 0.2 inches | Best For: Planting | Material: Stainless steel
Best Shovel
Best of all, the Bully Tools 82515 14-Gauge Round Point Shovel is more than just a durable and long-handled shovel; it’s useful for a wide variety of gardening and lawn-care tasks. We haven’t had a chance to test this shovel, but we like that the handle is reinforced with fibreglass, which is stronger than equivalent wooden and plastic options.
The steel blade is more rounded compared with other options, which may not make it ideal for puncturing into extremely rocky soil, but its long ferrule (the shaft that joins the handle and the blade) gives added durability for very tough jobs.
Dimensions: 60 by 9.5 by 1.5 inches | Primary use: Digging | Material: Steel and fibreglass
Best Rain Gauge
The Stratus RG202 Long-Term Professional Rain Gauge is designed to meet the standards established by the US Weather Bureau, making it an applicable instrument for home and professional use. Constructed of weather-resistant polycarbonate (plastic), it can handle cold and heat and won’t rust like other metal models.
This rain gauge has a 1 in. inner measuring tube and an overflow cylinder that can collect up to 11 in. of rain. You can even detach the collection funnel and tube to gauge snow, hail, or sleet. It includes a bracket for easy on- and off-post attachment, yet an in-ground installation option is a desirable addition.
We also find ourselves wondering how well the plastic would hold up if dropped on pavement, or hit with something hard, however, as we haven’t had the chance to put it through the wringer, this is speculation. Overall, with a few hesitancies here and there, we felt this rain gauge was a great easy-to-read option for avid gardeners looking to closely monitor the needs of their plants.
Dimensions: 14.6 x 5 x 4.9 inches | Primary Use: Measures rain | Material: UV-resistant plastic
Best Gardening Gloves
Although we tested for half an hour, we agreed that the Firm Grip General Purpose Gloves felt surprisingly comfortable while gardening. Not only are these gloves durable, but they also feature terry cloth thumbs for an easy light wipe of a damp forehead. Plus, the fingertips are touchscreen-compatible, so you can handle your phone easily, without removing your glove. Thanks to its ability to stretch, the synthetic leather is great for extending the wear time of these gardening gloves when gripping a shovel or trowel for hours on end without risk of blistering.
There’s additional padding on the thumbs, pointer fingers and palms, making it even easier to grip garden tools comfortably. These gloves also have an adjustable wrist strap to keep them snug on your hands. The thumb on this pair of gloves was a little long—about an inch when we were testing them—but the odd sizing didn’t impede our mobility much. These gloves come in larger sizes, but some retailers list all of the sizes separately.
For men ”’s-sized gloves, we recommend Medium and Large-sized Firm Grip General Purpose Gloves. In summary, we believe these gloves are a perfect choice for gardening fans seeking maximum dexterity and appropriate protection.
Weights: Not indicated | Main purpose: Hand protection | Fabric: Synthetic leather and mesh
Best Garden Hose
Per our experience, while the Zero-G Lightweight Ultra Flexible Garden Hose wasn’t a front-runner but won us over with its easy-to-maneuver design and crush-proof couplings. The couplings are crush-proof up to 900 pounds, so you don’t have to worry about running over this garden hose with a car. This hose also connected easily to a spigot, and we found it simple to manoeuvre when empty and full of water.
We were quite impressed with the actual design of the hose itself, which features an inner tube and heavy-duty outer jacket that resists snags from thorny bushes and rocky terrain. Since this hose is only rated for above 35 degrees, we do think it would be a great option to leave out year-round in milder climes, or you could certainly pack it up if you have colder winter temps. And, over extended long-term use, we’ve found that this watering tool still lives up to its lightweight and durable ratings from its first days of use.
Size: 100 feet long, 5/8-inch diameter | Main Use: Watering | Material: Not listed
Best Hose Nozzle
The Dramm 14506 Revolution 9-Pattern Spray Gun is powerful and easily rinsed mud off our target during lab testing. Unlike other nozzles with 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. It’s also available in six colourful options that make it easy to identify among flowering garden beds.
The nine different spray settings were also easy to switch among, and they were all well-labelled. Despite being thrown down a flight of stairs during our durability test, this nozzle showed no scratches and was still in perfect working condition. Overall, with a lifetime guarantee, you can’t go wrong considering this nozzle for your garden needs.
Dimensions: 7 x 4 x 2.25 inches | Primary Use: Watering plants | Material: Metal
Best Hose Reel
If you want hose storage that you can also transport around your yard and garden, we like the Gorilla Aluminum Zero Rust Premium Mobile Hose Reel. We tested the capacity reel at 200 feet, and it was one of the most stable of the 26 models tested. Wide padded grips on the short legs make kicking up and rolling it to another location a breeze, and the moulded wheels roll over any terrain without a worry.
We had to put some extra effort into assembling some screws during the process but did not find the task too difficult. We will mention that when using this hose reel we felt the handle height was quite comfortable, although a taller user may need to stoop to pull this reel behind them, which could be a deal-breaker for some.
But coiling the hose around this reel was a breeze, thanks to an attached spigot and a loop on the outside that guided the hose. Made with a rust-resistant frame, and overall built of very durable materials, we think this reel is a fantastic option for all sizes of gardens.
Dimensions: 18.9 x 23.8 x 16.7 inches | Primary use: Hose storage | Material: Aluminum and rubber
Best Kneeling Pad
A kneeling pad is a reasonably priced accessory that helps make long days in the garden feel more comfortable. The thick foam on this pad meant you didn’t feel the ground when we tested it. And, being thick and wide, you have a lot of room for one or both knees. It comes in two sizes to fit anybody and garden.
It also features an ergonomic handle that conforms to your hand to make it easy to pick up and transport to and fro from your backyard. And it weighs less than a pound. It features a textured side so you don’t find yourself slipping around your garden. But we are concerned, albeit slightly, that its thin sides would take some damage with time. But at $25, this kneeling pad is crucial for keeping your knees comfortable after working outside for hours.
Size: 18 x 11 x 1.5, 24 x 14 x1. 5 inches | Type: Gardening | Material: Foam
Final Verdict
For a reliable pruner, we love the Felco F-2 Classic Manual Hand Pruner. That comes in multiple sizes for hand comfort, and we loved the sap grove while in tests to keep the shears from sticking together. If you are in need of a new pair of gardening gloves, we recommend the Firm Grip General Purpose Gloves, our best gardening gloves. The gloves, designed with touchscreen compatibility, feature extra padding for optimal comfort and an adjustable wrist strap to ensure your perfect fit.
How We Tested the Gardening Tools
This story was written using information from a range of tests we carried out to assess how well different kinds of gardening tools work. We put these gardening tools to the test in our Lab in Des Moines, Iowa, as well as our own homes and backyards, assessing each tool’s performance, comfort, quality and overall value.
Performance: We used all of these tools to what they were made for (in our lab or our own homes) and recognized how they were carried out. That included deploying all the settings on a nose nozzle, smooth and rough use of a knife in soil, coiling and uncoiling a garden hose in its reel, measuring the distance a watering wand sprayed and so on.
Comfort:We used these gardening tools in half-hour increments, recording how comfortable the handle is to use for a length of time, whether there’s extra padding or ergonomic elements, how the gloves felt on our hands, and more, to ensure that these tools work well for gardeners who work for 20 minutes or three hours.
Quality: Regardless of which tool we were testing, we noticed the quality of the product impression. Depending on the material, we took special note of whether they felt heavy and sturdy or lightweight and flimsy. For some things — a few watering wands and hose nozzles, to name a few — we tossed the product off the stairs and checked the impact damage.
Overall Value: After considering all these factors we compared the price to those on the product and determined whether the performance and quality of the product matched the price.
Based on these tests and our own research, we compiled this list of gardening tools for every purpose and every gardener.
What to Look for in a Gardening Tool
Quality
You want to buy garden tools that will last several seasons. We suggest considering not just the material that a tool is made of when you buy it, but the craft involved in the making as well. A garden tool, such as a shovel or hand trowel (we love a good trowel, like the Wilcox All-Pro 202S 14″ All-Pro Trowel; it’s nearly seamless) should have few seams since seams can rust over time and degrade and hold water.
And the right products often come with lifetime warranties (so, if you do encounter any manufacturer defects, then our best shovel, the Bully Tools 82515 14-Gauge Round Point Shovel, is a great option). But while it can be easy for you to be scared of investing in tools that may seem overpriced at the start you are going to save more in the long term from this investment since expensive tools will last longer instead of continuously replacing cheaper options.
Material
Every single tool in this roundup is made from durable materials, resistant to wet, cold, or hot conditions. Most hose nozzles and watering wands will be scratched with some plastic parts, but they’re still tough enough to survive an unexpected tumble onto concrete or an afternoon spent in the rain. Our top hose nozzle pick, the Dramm One Touch Revolution 9 Pattern Spray Gun, showed zero damage when we threw it down the stairs during testing, so we know it’s durable.
Look for stainless steel, aluminium and any sealed metal when shopping for shovels, trowels, weed knives or hose reels, such as our go-to hose reel, the Gorilla 200’ Aluminum Zero-Rust Upright Hose Reel. When properly cared for, such metals will resist rust and last for many seasons.
Comfortability
You mean a tool that feels comfortable to manoeuvre. If a tool is not comfortable, then it will not be long in use. Some are padded to provide cushioning for comfort and protect your hands from blistering, but we recommend investing in a pair of our favourite gardening gloves, the Firm Grip General Purpose Gloves. In the long run, gloves will save your hands from blisters and sun damage.
For added gardening tools and comfort, seek out ones with padded handles, like our best watering wand pick, The Relaxed Gardener Watering Wand. Our favourite pruner, the Felco F-2 Classic Manual Hand Pruner, also features a rubberized handle with shock absorption to reduce hand fatigue while you garden.
Care and Maintenance
To help preserve their life, you must put away your gardening tools when not in use. Garden tools don’t need to be stored in temperature-controlled environments, and should be fine stored in a deck box or tool shed, away from inclement weather. Make sure to wipe off shovels and any tools that have been exposed to dirt because minerals in dirt can cause rust build-up over time.
What to Look for in a Gardening Tool
I’ve dedicated years to testing and reviewing home improvement products,
especially holiday lighting solutions.My experience and commitment to providing accurate,
unbiased information sets The Prince Princess apart from other review platforms.
