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These tools will help make gardening even more enjoyable.

The Gorilla Carts GOR4PS Poly Dump Cart is fulled with flowers

Credit:Better Homes & Gardens

Better Homes & Gardens

The right tools can make yourgardening choreseasierand maybe faster, too.

There are a variety of gardening tools that can help with digging, weeding, planting, and more.

And a hoe is an essential tool forvegetable gardens.

Bloem Easy Pour Watering Can

PHOTO: Walmart

The more individual pieces attached by bolts and collars, the more weak spots there are.

Its only available in one color.

Made withBPA-free plastic, its coated with a UV protectant to help prevent fading.

Person watering the flowers on garden through Bloem Easy Pour Watering Can

PHOTO: Better Homes & Gardens

Its only available in one color, but thankfully the black and orange design is fairly neutral.

These gloves are one-size-fits-most, so they may not fit everyones hands perfectly.

An adjustable hook and loop wrist strap allows you tocustomize the fitand make the gloves feel more secure.

Bloem Easy Pour Watering Can being used to water plants around trees

Theyremachine washable, so you’re able to just toss them in yourwashing machinewhen they get dirty.

Also, the gloves thumb features a terry cloth strip to help you wipe away sweat while youre working.

The gloves are currentlyonly available in one size, so they may not fit especially small or large hands.

Person watering the flowers on garden through Bloem Easy Pour Watering Can

After testing almost 40 garden hoses, theKotto expandable hosewas easily the top choice.

We also didnt experience another common garden hose issue: leaks.

Once the water is drained, its much easier and lighter to wind up.

Bloem Easy Pour Watering Can being used to water plants around trees

We found the highest power stream setting to be quite powerfulit easily removed mud from dirtyAdirondack chairs.

Even though it proved to be sturdy, we appreciate that it comes witha lifetime guarantee.

It took a little over an hour to assemble.

Firm Grip Large General Purpose Gloves displayed on white background

PHOTO: The Home Depot

You simply unlatch the bed from the frame and lift up on the bed to release the carts contents.

The tub isrustproofso you dont have to worry about leaving it outside in the elements.

Assembling the cart took just over an hour.

Walmart Kotto Expandable Garden Hose

PHOTO: Walmart

This soil knife is a multifunctional tool that may soon become your favorite tool in your collection.

The serrated edge works especially well for cutting through tough roots.

Themolded gripon the composite handle ensures its comfortable to hold for long periods of time.

A person screwing in the Kotto Expandable Garden Hose to the nozzle

PHOTO: Better Homes & Gardens

Luckily for us, the tool was rediscovered in 1999 and is now being produced and sold again.

The head was redesigned in 1999 to make it stronger, and thebamboo handleensures it will be long lasting.

If you want tocontrol weeds without using chemicals, this is a handy tool to have in your toolbox.

A person using the Kotto Expandable Garden Hose to spray water on bushes

These bypass pruners are pricier than many other pruners, so they probably wont be the bargain hunters pick.

With a1-inch cutting capacity, thesepruning shearsare great for trimmingrose bushesand woody perennials.

The Anvil blade features a sap groove to prevent sticking.

A hand holding the Kotto Expandable Garden Hose to the wall

The bolt and nut are easily adjustable so you could customize blade alignment if you wish.

Yet, itslightweight, so its comfortable to use for long periods of time.

This model is10 inches long, but a variety of lengths are available, from 9 to 22 inches.

The Kotto Expandable Garden Hose on concrete

The plastic handle includes ribbings and grooves to allow for a more comfortable positioning of the hand.

In addition to gardening, the trowel can also come in handy when camping, hiking, and hunting.

Sometimes it can be hard to decide whether tobuy a spadeora shovel.

The Kotto Expandable Garden Hose on the corner of a table next to a nozzle

TheSpear Head spade garden shovellets you have the best of both garden tools in one.

The blade on this Spear Head shovel is made of durablecarbon manganese steel.

This shovel/spade featuresa fiberglass handlethats both strong andlightweight.

A person screwing in the Kotto Expandable Garden Hose to the nozzle

Thecushioned D-shape gripadds comfort and has UV inhibitors so it will stand up to any kind of weather.

Its made ofheavy-duty carbon steelso it wont bend or break, plus the powder-coated finish helps toresist rust.

The handle is small in diameter, which might bother some users.

A person using the Kotto Expandable Garden Hose to spray water on bushes

A riveted socket helps prevent the head from separating from the handle.

Although the longer handle gives it a farther reach, some users may find that a hindrance at times.

Plus, its design allows you to use it with one hand or two as needed.

A hand holding the Kotto Expandable Garden Hose to the wall

Its made fromhardened boron steelthat has been heat-treated to add extra strength.

The handle is made from ash wood that is harvested fromenvironmentally responsibleFSC-certified forests.

This is just a kneeling pad rather than a kneeler that doubles as a seat.

The Kotto Expandable Garden Hose on concrete

Its easier to move around but not as versatile.

This 1.5-inch kneeling padis extra thick to provide maximum comfort while youre kneeling to weed or plant.

Its made of durablehigh-density foamthat will contour to your knees and wont break down or compress over time.

The Kotto Expandable Garden Hose on the corner of a table next to a nozzle

Abuilt-in handlemakes it easy to carry it around the yard as you work.

Its only available in one color: forest green.

To help hold all your tools as you work through your garden, we love theCase4Life garden tool pouch.

Dramm Revolution 9-Pattern Spray Gun

PHOTO: Amazon

At just 5.3 ounces, itslightweightand wont feel too heavy once you add your tools.

Its durably constructed to last for years, and it even comes with a three-year warranty.

At the time of publishing, its only available in a forest green hue.

Person’s hand using Dramm Revolution 9-Pattern Spray Gun to water flowers displayed on an iron frame set on bricks

This hose nozzle has nine different settings, including a shower setting to water flowers.PHOTO: Better Homes & Gardens

It doesnt have as many pockets for gardening tools as some other garden aprons on the market.

Available in purple and blue, this apron is made ofcotton canvaswith awater-resistantlining.

We like the fact that the apron is designed withshoulder strapsrather than hanging around your neck.

Person using the Dramm Revolution 9-Pattern Spray Gun to spray water on an Adirondack chair displayed on a grass lawn

Wood handles and steel blades are always a good way to go, Hughes says.

Wood handles maintain a moderate temperature in heat and cold, making them more comfortable in your hands.

Miller recommends staying away from tools with plastic handles.

Person’s hand using Dramm Revolution 9-Pattern Spray Gun to water flowers displayed on an iron frame set on bricks

Size

The best tools for someone tall may be different than those for someone shorter in stature.

ensure you consider handle length to ensure the tool will work for your height.

Apair of loppers, for example, allow you to reach higher to trim thick branches.

Person using the Dramm Revolution 9-Pattern Spray Gun to spray water on an Adirondack chair displayed on a grass lawn

If you only have a small garden or container garden, short-handled tools may be all you need.

But for larger gardens, youll likely need both short-handled and long-handled tools.

Weight

Consider your physical abilities and limitations when choosing between tools of different weights.

Amazon Gorilla Carts GOR4PS Poly Garden Dump Cart displayed on a white background

PHOTO: Amazon

Remember, the best option for you might be different than whats best for someone else.

Your Questions, Answered

How do you clean gardening tools?

First, blast them with a garden hose to pressure wash the dirt off, Miller says.

Person with their hand on the handle of the Gorilla Carts GOR4PS Poly Dump Cart

The single-handle design may cause more strain, especially if pulling heavy objects.PHOTO: Better Homes & Gardens

(you’re able to also use a putty knife to scrape off any stuck-on mud.)

Next, its a good idea to disinfect your tools to prevent spreadingbacteria and fungi.

How do you sharpen gardening tools?

Person with their hand on the golden handle of the Gorilla Carts GOR4PS Poly Dump Cart displayed on grass

What is the best way to store gardening tools?

Store tools in a dry area and ideally in an area with moderate temperatures, Hughes says.

Who We Are

Renee Freemon Mulvihillis a writer, specializing in home and garden topics.

Person with their hand on the handle of the Gorilla Carts GOR4PS Poly Dump Cart

Brandi Fullerhas been a shopping editor forBetter Homes & Gardenssince September 2022.

She specializes in outdoor, pest control, gardening, and wildlife products.

She analyzed results and feedback from our outdoor products and garden tools testings to recommend the best gardening tools.

Person with their hand on the golden handle of the Gorilla Carts GOR4PS Poly Dump Cart displayed on grass

A.M. Leonard Leonard Deluxe Stainless Steel Soil Knife displayed on a white background

PHOTO: A.M. Leonard

Grampa’s Weeder The Original Stand Up Weed Puller displayed on a white background

PHOTO: Amazon

Felco F-2 One-Hand Pruning Shear

PHOTO: Amazon

Wilcox 10" All-Pro Fine Point Trowel

PHOTO: Amazon

Spear Head Spade Gardening Shovel displayed on white background

PHOTO: Amazon

Edward Tools Carbon Steel Hand Hoe displayed on a white background

PHOTO: Amazon

Ashman Bow Rake displayed on a white background

PHOTO: Amazon

DeWit 5-Tine Cultivator with P-Grip Handle displayed on a white background

PHOTO: Amazon

Gorilla Grip Original Premium Kneeling Pad displayed on a white background

PHOTO: Amazon

Amazon Case4Life Garden Tool Pouch

PHOTO: Amazon

Person wearing the Grace & August Gardening Apron in front of a white background

PHOTO: Amazon

A person spraying water on bushes with the Kotto Expandable Garden Hose

Credit:Better Homes & Gardens