Spending time in the garden is such a great way to get outside and unwind, but wow – can it be tough on the body sometimes, right?
When I first started digging in (and yes, I mean really digging), I quickly learned that having the right tools changes everything.
You can either spend your weekend wrestling with stubborn roots and aching knees, or get outside and actually enjoy yourself with tools that do the heavy lifting for you.
The ones I’ve listed below are the kind of tools that if you borrow from a neighbor, you’ll want to return and then immediately order your own!
So here are the tried-and-true tools that keep my garden thriving – and my back a whole lot happier.
Disclosure: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I truly believe in and use myself (or would use!).
1. Multi-Purpose Shovel
- Durable Blade: High-strength steel for tough digging.
- Non-Slip Handle: Fiberglass with grip zones, even when wet.
- Efficient Design: Wide head and tread for better pressure.
- Comfortable Size: 56″ length reduces back strain.
- Heavy-Duty Use: Handles hard, sticky, or rocky soil.
How many times have you started digging, only to realize the job is harder than it should be? Yeah, been there.
That’s why I always recommend having a solid, all-purpose shovel in your gardening toolkit.
This shovel handles most of the heavy lifting in the garden. Breaking ground, digging holes, turning over soil, edging beds, scooping compost – you name it, this tool can probably do it.
It’s especially handy when planting trees or shrubs, prepping raised beds, or even mixing soil right in your wheelbarrow.
One tool that does all these jobs saves time and energy – and honestly, who doesn’t want that?
2. Fiskars Bypass Pruning Shears
- Heavy-Duty Cutting: Cuts branches up to 1″ with replaceable blade.
- Durable Build: Forged steel construction for lasting strength.
- Sharp & Smooth: Precision-ground blade with low-friction coating.
- Comfort Grip: Softgrip touchpoints for control and comfort.
- Reliable Brand: Designed for performance and ease of use.
Ever find yourself removing with wild branches or overgrown herbs and thinking, “There’s gotta be a better way”?
For me, that tool is pruning shears – but they’re way more useful than just trimming your plants.
You can use it for deadheading flowers, snipping herbs, shaping your little shrubs, and cutting those pesky small branches that love to crowd the walkways (because apparently, plants don’t understand personal space).
They even double as a handy little harvest tool when I’m picking rosemary or thyme without pulling up the whole plant.
Basically, they keep my garden neat, my plants healthy, and save me a bunch of time.
My go-to are Fiskars Bypass Pruning Shears. They’re sharp, reliable, and just fit right in my hand – I honestly don’t know how I garden without them.
3. Heavy-Duty Garden Fork
- Heavy-Duty Steel: Tough shaft and tines handle hard soil and roots.
- 4-Tine Design: Ideal for digging, turning, and aerating soil.
- 40-Inch Length: Provides leverage while reducing back strain.
- All-Metal Build: Durable construction for long-term use.
A heavy-duty garden fork is one of those tools that gets used way more than expected.
It’s not just for digging (though it does that really well). I also use it to turn the compost so it breaks down quicker, loosen up stubborn soil before planting, and gently lift root veggies like carrots and potatoes without turning them into mashed versions of themselves.
It’s also great for fluffing up garden beds, mixing in compost or straw, and spreading mulch without smashing all your plants in the process.
The strong tines hold up even in rocky or clay-heavy soil, so once you’ve got a good one, you’ll be using it for years.
4. Hand Steel Trowel
- Widened stainless steel blade for faster digging
- 3.7-inch wide for more soil capacity
- Hand-welded for durability
- Waterproof, non-slip handle
- Great for all gardeners
Is there any garden tool that gets more use than a good steel trowel? Mine’s either in my back pocket or just stuck in the dirt nearby (because who really has time to put tools away?).
It’s great for the usual tasks:
- digging small holes
- planting seedlings
- scooping compost or soil
You can also use it to pry up stubborn weeds, divide overgrown herbs, or chip away at dry, compacted dirt when the rain’s been holding out.
What makes it extra reliable is that it’s one solid piece of stainless steel, so there’s no weak point where a handle could break or loosen.
Once you’ve got a good one, reaching for it becomes second nature.
5. Strong Wheelbarrow
- 4-cubic-foot capacity for easy hauling
- Holds up to 600 lbs with a 36″ x 20″ bed
- Rust-resistant poly bed and steel frame
- Quick-release dump feature for fast unloading
- Built by Gorilla Carts for durable outdoor use
Dragging heavy bags of mulch across bumpy ground isn’t exactly anyone’s idea of fun.
That’s exactly why I never start a big garden job without a strong wheelbarrow.
Need to haul compost to the back beds? Wheelbarrow. Clearing weeds and prunings from the orchard path? Wheelbarrow. Moving transplants, soil, straw, firewood, seedlings, trellises – even the occasional toddler “ride”? You guessed it.
It handles rough terrain like a champ (mud, gravel, uneven grass), and saves your back when you're lugging heavy loads from one end of the yard to the other.
Basically, if there’s something bulky, messy, or just plain heavy to move, the wheelbarrow steps in and makes it easier.
Once you get comfortable using it, moving heavy stuff feels way less like a chore. Let’s make those heavy loads lighter!
6. Sturdy Garden Rake
- High carbon steel head with anti-rust coating for durability
- 14 sharp tines cut soil efficiently
- Strong 58-inch fiberglass handle with 2 non-slip grips
- Ergonomic length reduces waist strain during use
- Great for soil prep, mulching, composting, and cleanup
You wouldn’t think a sturdy garden rake could do much more than chase leaves – but it’s sneakily versatile.
We’ve used ours to smooth out freshly turned soil before planting, spread mulch so it looks neat (and doesn’t smother everything), and of course, tackle those endless piles of leaves, twigs, and mystery yard debris that show up every week.
But it doesn’t stop there. A good rake can break up crusty dirt after a dry spell, level out compost in raised beds, or even help gather straw after a windy day blows it all over your walkway.
When you’re out there raking, having a rake with sturdy tines and a comfortable handle really saves your hands and makes the work feel lighter.
7. Large Watering Can
- 1 Gallon metal watering can for indoor and outdoor use
- Removable spout for easy watering of small plants
- Made of sturdy, anti-rust galvanized steel, recyclable
- Antique style with embossed copper design
- Great gift for family or friends who love gardening
Who wants to hose down the whole garden just to water a few thirsty plants? I sure don’t.
That’s why a good watering can is my go-to for those spots that need a gentle, careful touch – like porch containers, hanging baskets, greenhouse shelves, or tucked-away beds.
The spout gives you better control, so you’re not blasting delicate seedlings or splashing soil everywhere.
You can also use it for mixing liquid fertilizer, compost tea, or natural pest sprays and applying them exactly where you want – without wasting product or making a mess.
When I’m filling containers on the porch or giving extra love to young plants, having a sturdy watering can makes the whole job easier and cleaner.
8. Breathable Gardening Gloves
- Breathable pigskin leather keeps hands cool and comfortable
- Durable and puncture resistant for protection against scratches
- Elbow-length gauntlet cuff shields hands and forearms
- Reinforced padded palms and fingertips for extra safety
- Soft, lightweight, perfect for pruning roses, bushes, and cacti
Ever tried pulling weeds or hauling mulch bare-handed? I have – and let’s just say, it only takes one splinter or a palm full of thistle to realize how handy a good pair of gardening gloves can be.
A breathable gardening gloves can make all the difference when you’re out there wrangling brambles, digging into rough soil, or just trying to save your hands from splinters and blisters.
I like to keep a few pairs handy (though they always seem to disappear when I need them…).
I’m a big fan of the breathable kind (keeps things cooler when it’s hot out), and gloves with rubber-coated palms make a big difference.
It also keeps your hands cooler on hot days, while rubber-coated palms give you a solid grip, even when things get slippery or muddy.
9. Garden Kneeler & Seat
- Dual use as a comfortable kneeler or a convenient seat
- Thick padding for superior comfort during gardening tasks
- Sturdy steel frame supports up to 220 lbs
- Lightweight, foldable, and easy to carry or store
- Great gift for garden enthusiasts
I didn’t think I needed a garden kneeler… until my knees strongly disagreed.
Now I keep one of those flip-up kneeler-and-seat combos near the garden beds, and honestly it's back (and knee) saver.
You’ve got a cushy spot to kneel when you’re digging or weeding, and then voila it flips into a little seat when you need a breather (or just want to sit and admire your hard work for a minute).
The side handles are a nice bonus too – they make standing up way easier after crouching for half the morning (you know the feeling).
It’s one of those little comforts that helps you stay out longer without feeling worn out.
10. Extendable Loppers
- Clean Cuts: Cuts up to 1¾” with compound action for triple cutting power.
- Sharp Blades: Hardened carbon steel, non-stick coated, stays sharp.
- Comfort & Reach: 30″ ergonomic handles with anti-shock grips.
- Compound Action: Multiple pivots multiply force for easier pruning.
- Reliable: Backed by TABOR TOOLS with support and replacement parts.
Loppers have quickly become one of my favorite garden tools – do you have a pair yet? If not, you’re definitely missing out!
The long handles give you real leverage, making it way easier to cut through thick branches without wearing yourself out.
You can use it for everything – from trimming fruit trees and shaping shrubs to clearing out dead branches that just won’t quit.
What I like most is how much less strain they put on your hands and arms compared to smaller pruners. With extendable handles, you can reach higher or farther without awkward bending or stretching.
They’re also surprisingly handy for other tasks – like clearing pathways or tidying up garden beds without crawling all over the place.
For anyone looking to save time and energy on a variety of garden tasks, extendable loppers really are a solid investment.
11. Soil Tester
- Reads test colors utilizing advanced LED digital technology
- Just push test button to get results in a few seconds
- Includes pH preferences for over 450 plants and how to adjust soil pH
- Booklet has fertilizer guidelines based on nitrogen, phosphorus and potash test results.
- Performs 25 tests: 10 for pH and 5 each for Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potash
Want to know what’s really going on with your soil? A good soil tester makes it easy to check things like pH and nutrients so you can give your plants exactly what they need to grow strong.
You can use it to check moisture and important stuff like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium – basics that help your garden thrive.
It works everywhere – in garden beds, pots, even your compost pile. When you know what your soil needs, you don’t waste water or fertilizer, which saves you time, money, and hassle.
Here’s a pro-tip: test in different spots and at different times of the year. That way, your garden stays healthy all year long.
If you don’t have one yet, it’s definitely worth adding to your garden tools.
12. Garden Stirrup Hoe
- 2-in-1 Hoe & Rake: Sharp blades for weeding and soil loosening.
- Adjustable Handle: Up to 72” with non-slip grip.
- Heavy-Duty Steel: Durable and comfortable.
- Efficient Blades: Double-ended for easy tilling.
- Support: 999-day return via Amazon.
Pulling weeds by hand gets old fast – especially when your back starts to hurt before the garden's even halfway done.
I would recommend a stirrup hoe that saves you time and effort by slicing weeds just below the surface – no bending, no yanking, no sore back.
You can use it all over the place: between rows in the veggie garden, around fruit trees, along the paths. It’s quick, efficient, and honestly kind of addictive once you get going.
It works on both the push and pull, which makes it great for covering more ground fast.
If you’re looking for a tool that helps you stay ahead of the weeds without spending hours hunched over, this one’s a keeper.
13. Multi-functional Garden Scissors
- Perfect for flower pruning, arrangements, and garden art
- Sharp blades for precise cutting
- Ideal for potted plants and various gardening tasks
Have you ever tried snipping herbs or deadheading flowers with regular scissors? Yeah, I did… and let’s just say it’s not really a good idea.
Now I use a multi-functional garden scissors for all the small, everyday jobs – snipping herbs, deadheading flowers, trimming back leafy greens, or harvesting just a bit of parsley without taking the whole plant with it.
They're lightweight, easy to control, and way more precise than big pruners for those delicate tasks.
If you’ve ever tried to harvest lettuce with kitchen scissors (guilty), you’ll immediately notice the difference.
These are made for the garden – and your hands will thank you for not fumbling around with tools that just aren’t quite right.
14. A Good Garden Sprayer
- 2-gallon translucent poly tank with splash-reducing funnel
- Made in USA; 1-year warranty and US support
- Anti-clog filter reduces downtime
- Includes extension wand, hose, and adjustable nozzle
- Ergonomic pump handle for easy use
Ever tried pouring fertilizer by hand and ended up with more on you than your plants? A good garden sprayer makes that mess disappear.
It spreads fertilizer evenly and lets you switch from a gentle mist for your delicate seedlings to a stronger spray for the bigger plants. No guesswork, no drips – just smooth, easy feeding every time.
Pro tip: Rinse it out after every use, or you’ll end up with a clogged sprayer and a cranky gardener.
If you want to save time, keep your hands clean, and give your plants a real boost, a sprayer is one of those small tools that totally earns its place in your garden gear.
15. Cordless Electric Lawn Mower
- G-MAX 40V 2Ah Li-Ion Battery powers multiple yard tools; includes 4Ah battery and charger
- Single lever 5-position height adjustment from 1-1/4″ to 3-3/8″
- High-performance battery with fade-free power and no memory loss
- Variable speed up to 150 mph for effective debris and leaf cleaning
You know how quickly grass can turn into a tangled mess if you let it slide for just a week or two?
I’ve been there – staring down a yard that’s more wild than welcoming. That’s when a cordless electric mower really comes in handy.
It’s not some miracle worker that makes mowing fun (let’s be honest, mowing never really is), but it makes the job way easier.
No dragging cords around, no smelly gas, and it’s way lighter than the old mower I used to wrestle with. I can get around trees and flower beds without tripping or getting tangled up.
It’s not glamorous, but it gets the job done without wearing me out, and that’s enough for me. If you want something practical that saves time and hassle, this one should definitely be on your list.
Bonus Tools for the Experienced (or Curious) Homesteader
If you’ve already got the basics covered and want to level up, here are a few more tools I love having on the homestead:
- Power cultivator: Breaks up new garden beds in a fraction of the time.
- Broadfork: A deep soil loosener for no-till gardeners.
- Stand-up weeder: Yank out weeds without kneeling or bending. Great for the lawn.
- Hori Hori knife: A Japanese-style digger/weeder/slicer you’ll end up using for everything.
- Drip irrigation kit: Save hours of watering time – your plants (and back) will thank you.
Let’s make gardening easier (and a whole lot more fun).
The right gardening tools don’t just make life easier – they make gardening more enjoyable.
Whether you're tending a few raised beds or managing a full-scale homestead, these tools have earned their place in my shed.
Have a favorite tool I didn’t mention?
Let me know in the comment section below!