Recommended Gardening hand tools for the new gardener
The GardenAdvice Guide to Essential Gardening Tools
Selecting the best gardening tools that are fit for purpose at the right price is no easy task. Many tools on the market are of poor quality and may only last a season or two—especially for professional gardeners who rely on their kit for heavy work. After price is not a guide to quality
The GardenAdvice team has pulled together a list of tried-and-tested tools we use daily. These recommendations are based on durability, quality, and value for money.
Knives
A budding knife is an essential part of any gardener’s kit. We recommend the Burgon & Ball Grafting and Budding Knife, which has proven to be excellent quality and long-lasting.
👉 Burgon & Ball Grafting and Budding Knife
Secateurs
A good pair of secateurs is vital. Our top recommendation is the Felco No. 2 Secateurs, a professional-grade tool that will last a lifetime with proper care.
👉 Felco Secateurs No. 2
For rougher pruning jobs, it’s worth carrying a cheaper backup pair. We use the GoodHome Durum Secateurs, which are cost-effective and reliable.
👉 GoodHome Durum Secateurs
Spades and Forks
Traditionally, the best spades and forks were made in the UK with Sheffield steel and English ash handles. Sadly, many modern options lack that durability, with shafts breaking or heads bending after only a season.
The GardenAdvice team currently uses the following tools, which have proven their strength and reliability:
- Tree and Shrub Planting (Trenching) Spade – ideal for digging deeper holes
👉 Bulldog Newcastle Drainer - Border Spade
👉 Stainless Steel Border Spade - Garden Spade
👉 Stainless Steel Digging Spade - Border Fork
👉 Stainless Steel Border Fork - Garden Fork
👉 Stainless Steel Digging Fork
Shovels
A good shovel should have some weight, which provides better follow-through when shovelling soil, gravel, or compost. Unlike spades and forks, we recommend a steel shaft for shovels. Bulldog remains our preferred brand.
Loppers
Loppers are essential for tackling heavy pruning jobs on overgrown shrubs or small trees. Instead of spending a fortune, go for a simple design with telescopic handles for maximum leverage.
Rakes and Brushes
- Yard Brush – No gardening job is complete without sweeping up at the end. A stiff yard brush is indispensable.
- Garden Rakes – Both standard and wire rakes are useful for clearing leaves, grass clippings, and prunings.
Watering Can
When it comes to watering cans, there’s really only one choice: Haws. Perfectly balanced, with a rose that delivers a gentle, even flow without disturbing seedlings.
👉 Haws Cradley Deluxe Watering Can
Clothing
You don’t need to spend a fortune, but good-quality clothing makes a huge difference. For durable and reasonably priced gear, we recommend Hoggs of Fife. They offer waterproof jackets, moleskin trousers, and quilted jackets.
👉 Hoggs of Fife
Footwear
Footwear is critical for comfort and safety:
- Steel-Toe Safety Boots – Ideal for digging and heavy work
👉 Stanley Impact Safety Boots - Hunter Wellingtons – Expensive, but unmatched in comfort and warmth for all-day wear
👉 Hunter Downpour Adjustable Boot
Wheelbarrow
Every year new designs appear, but none surpass the classic builder’s wheelbarrow. Reliable, strong, and easy to replace if needed.
👉 Easiload Galvanised Wheelbarrow
Tool Loan for MyGardenTeam Members
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