Whether you're an experienced horticulturist or a beginner gardener, the right gardening tools make tending to your garden more enjoyable.
We've researched and tested dozens of gardening tools in our lab and our own backyard gardens, evaluating effectiveness, ease of use, and overall value. While all gardening tools serve a different purpose, we found that the material and comfort of the tool were most important in our purchasing decision.
Everything on this list, from trowels to weeding tools, is made from aluminum, steel, or high-quality plastic to withstand direct sunlight and other weather conditions. They should also be able to withstand drops and impact. Aluminum and steel will resist rust over time and feel heavier and higher quality in your hands, while plastic is more lightweight and easy to maneuver, but may be less weather-resistant.
Look for tools with padded handles, ergonomic grips, shock absorption technology, or other features that make them comfortable in your hands for long periods. We love the options on this list, not only for their performance but also because they feel comfortable and fatigue-free while gardening. It's important to find tools that combine effective performance, high-quality materials, and comfortability.
Our Top Picks
Best Pruners:
Best Trowel:
Best Gardening Gloves:
Best Garden Hose:
Best Hose Nozzle:
Best Hose Reel:
What We Like
Replaceable blades
Sap groove
Lifetime warranty
What We Don't Like
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. During testing, we found these pruners ideal for cutting through branches and shrubbery up to an inch thick in diameter in a backyard garden. We also found the sap groove an amazing feature to prevent the blades from sticking.
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 appreciate the rotating and ergonomic handles of the F-7 and F-8 pruners. They also sell a left-handed version for leftie gardeners, so there's a pruner option that's comfortable and effective for everyone.
Dimensions:9.25 x 4 x 1 inches |Primary Use:Trimming branches | Material: Aluminum
Best Garden Knife
Nisaku Hori-Hori Tomita Weeding Knife
What We Like
Two edge styles
Depth markers
Leather sheath
What We Don't Like
Uncomfortable handle
Though there are cheaper garden knives on the market, the Nisaku Japanese Hori Hori Digging Tool is worth the slight splurge because of its durable, 7 1/4-inch stainless steel blade that slices through the soil with ease. We found the Hori Hori extraordinarily effective at uprooting even the toughest weeds, thanks to its sharp edge that easily cuts through roots.
The blade's straight and serrated edge 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 and precarious if you're working in especially stubborn or rocky soil. However, this tool is a worthy investment if you prefer to use a tool for weeding rather than pulling them up with your hands.
Dimensions:13 x 2.8 x 1.5 inches |Primary Use:Removing weeds | Material: Stainless steel and wood
What We Like
Pointed edge
Depth markings
Lifetime warranty
What We Don't Like
Dirt gets stuck in the handle
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, the manufacturer also offers trowels ranging in size from 9 up to 18 inches long. The design is backed by a lifetime warranty, which helps justify the surprising initial cost.
Beyond being durable, this trowel is 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 noticed 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.
Dimensions:14 x 3 x 0.2 inches |Primary Use:Planting | Material: Stainless steel
What We Like
Extended handle
Reinforced handle
Lifetime warranty
What We Don't Like
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 various 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.
Dimensions:60 x 9.5 x 1.5 inches |Primary Use:Digging | Material: Steel and fiberglass
What We Like
Detachable funnel
Easy to read
Easy to install
What We Don't Like
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 and 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 wish there were 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 monitor their plants' needs closely.
Dimensions:14.6 x 5 x 4.9 inches |Primary Use:Measuring rain | Material: UV-resistant plastic
What We Like
Comfortable fabric
Padded palm grips
Adjustable wrist strap
What We Don't Like
Different sizes listed separately online
Thumb sizing is awkward
We found the Firm Grip General Purpose Gloves surprisingly comfortable while tending to a garden during our half-hour 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 touchscreen-compatible, so you can easily answer your phone without pulling off your glove. The synthetic leather, which is more stretchy compared to traditional leather, makes these gardening 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 these gloves stay snug on your hands. The thumb on this pair of gloves was about an inch too long when we were testing them, but this awkward sizing 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 who are looking for maximum dexterity and appropriate protection.
Dimensions:Not listed |Primary Use:Protecting hands | Material: Synthetic leather and mesh
What We Like
Crush-proof couplings
Inner tube and durable outer jacket
Easy to maneuver when empty and full
What We Don't Like
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 garden 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 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 experience colder temps during the winter. Plus, with extended long-term use, we've found that this watering tool still lives up to its initial lightweight and durable ratings.
Dimensions:100 feet in length, 5/8-inch diameter |Primary Use:Watering | Material: Not listed
What We Like
One-touch thumb throttle
Durable design
Easy to switch among nine sprays
What We Don't Like
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. 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 colorful 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-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. 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
What We Like
Thumb throttle
Padded handle
Eight spray patterns
What We Don't Like
Scuffs when dropped
No free-rotation adapter
The Relaxed Gardener Watering Wand stood out to us during testing, thanks to its eight-pattern spray and comfortable thumb throttle, which make 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 scratched 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 it is still ideal for urban gardens and smaller backyard gardens with hanging planters.
Dimensions:Not listed |Primary Use:Watering plants | Material: Aluminum and plastic
What We Like
Includes spigot for easy winding
Rubber grips on handle and crank
Stable, wide base
What We Don't Like
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 also transport it around your yard and garden, we recommend Gorilla Aluminum Zero Rust Premium Mobile Hose Reel. We tested the 200-foot capacity reel 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 had to put in some extra effort while adding the screws during assembly, we didn't find the process overly difficult. We will note that while using this hose reel, we found the handle height quite comfortable, but 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.
Dimensions:18.9 x 23.8 x 16.7 inches |Primary Use:Storing hose | Material: Aluminum and rubber
What We Like
Thick and oversized
Ergonomic carrying handle
Textured to avoid slipping
What We Don't Like
Thin sides
A kneeling pad is an affordable tool to make long days in the garden more comfortable. During testing, we loved that you couldn't feel the ground when using this pad, thanks to the thick foam. It's thick and large, so there's plenty of room for one or both knees. It's available in two sizes to accommodate any garden and body.
There's also an ergonomic handle that molds to your hand for easy transporting to and from your backyard. Plus, it weighs less than a pound. This kneeling pad has a textured side so you don't slide around your garden. But we're a bit worried about the thin sides becoming damaged over time. Still, for $25, this kneeling pad is essential for feeling comfortable after hours in the garden.
Dimensions:18 x 11 x 1.5, 24 x 14 x1.5 inches |Primary Use:Gardening | Material: Foam
Final Verdict
For a tried and true pruner, we love the Felco F-2 Classic Manual Hand Pruner. It comes in a variety of sizes to fit comfortably in your hand and we loved the sap grove while testing that preventing the shears from sticking together. If you need a new pair of gardening gloves, opt for the Firm Grip General Purpose Gloves, our best gardening gloves. The touchscreen-compatible gloves have extra padding for ideal comfort and an adjustable wrist strap for the perfect fit.
How We Tested the Gardening Tools
This article was compiled using insight from a variety of tests we conducted to evaluate the efficiency of different types of gardening tools. We tested these gardening tools in our Lab in Des Moines, Iowa, and in our own homes and backyards, evaluating the performance, comfort, quality, and overall value of each.
- Performance: We used all of the tools for their intended purpose in our lab or our own homes and noticed how they performed. This included using all of the settings on a nose nozzle, using a knife in smooth and rocky soil, coiling and uncoiling a garden hose in its reel, measuring how far a watering wand sprayed, and so on.
- Comfort: We used these gardening tools in half-hour intervals, noting how comfortable the handle is to use for a long period, if there is extra padding or ergonomic elements, how the gloves felt on our hands, etc., to ensure that these tools work well for gardeners who work for 20 minutes or three hours.
- Quality: No matter what tool we were testing, we noticed how the quality of the product felt. We noted if they felt heavy and sturdy or lightweight and flimsy, depending on the material. In some cases, including for watering wands and hose nozzles, we threw the product down the stairs to inspect the damage upon impact.
- Overall Value: Based on all of these factors, we compared the price to others on the product and determined if the performance and quality of the product justified the price.
Using these tests and our own research, we compiled this list of gardening tools for any purpose and any gardener.
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 (like our favorite trowel, the Wilcox All-Pro 202S 14" All-Pro Trowel) should have few seams to limit the potential for rust and water damage.
Additionally, it's best to look for products backed by lifetime warranties (like our best shovel, the Bully Tools 82515 14-Gauge Round Point Shovel) 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. Our favorite hose nozzle, the Dramm One Touch Revolution 9 Pattern Spray Gun, withstood zero damage when thrown down the stairs in our testing, proving its durability.
Stainless steel, aluminum, and any sealed metal are great materials to look for when shopping for shovels, trowels, weed knives, or hose reels, like our top hose reel, the Gorilla 200’ Aluminum Zero-Rust Upright Hose Reel. 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 our favorite gardening gloves, the Firm Grip General Purpose Gloves. Gloves will ultimately save your hands from blistering and protect them from the sun.
Adding to the comfort of gardening tools, look for ones with padded handles, like our best watering wand option, The Relaxed Gardener Watering Wand. Our favorite pruner, the Felco F-2 Classic Manual Hand Pruner, also has a rubberized handle with shock-absorption to limit hand fatigue while you garden.
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 wipe off shovels and any tools exposed to dirt, as the minerals in dirt can contribute to rust over time.
FAQ
What is the most used gardening tool?
Hand trowels, or hand hoes, also called "cultivators," are among the most popular tools for gardening and will likely be your most used tool. These tools help to break up dirt and can do everything from planting seeds and bulbs to removing weeds.
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.
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 one 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 associate editor at The Spruce who has been covering gardening content since 2022. Phelps always adored her grandparents' home garden and aspires to have a garden of her own one day. She consulted expert gardeners among our team of editors to learn what tools they can't live without. As a beginner gardener, she also considered what tools she'd need to start working on a garden.
Our Expert:
- Julia Fields, associate editor at The Spruce