Garden tools are a backyard grower’s best friend, helping to prepare and plant your garden more easily and efficiently, and resulting in more successful harvests. But which tools do you really need, and which gadgets can you leave on the shelf?

9 Essential Garden Tools According to Experts

Gloves
A good pair of gardening gloves can make all the difference in your gardening experience. They provide protection for your fingers from scratches, scrapes, and dirt, while also giving you dexterity to handle your tools with ease. Recommended brands include the Showa Atlas 360 Garden Gloves and the Bellingham WG338 Rubber Gloves.

• A good pair of gloves will be lightweight, yet provide protection for your fingers
• They should be easy to put on and take off, and comfortable to wear
• Look for gloves with grip and traction to prevent slipping and falling

Pruners
Pruners are a versatile tool that can be used for pruning fruit trees, thinning melon vines, or harvesting peppers. A good set of pruners should be long-lasting, have a sharp blade, be easy to maintain, and feel comfortable in your hands. Recommended brands include Felco.

Trowel
A trowel or small handheld shovel is essential for tasks such as planting seedlings, repotting container plants, or digging shallow holes. Recommended brands include King of Spades. Look for a trowel that is made from a single piece of steel, as it will be more durable and less prone to breakage.

7 Garden Tools You Probably Don’t Need

Handheld fork
A handheld fork is not a necessary tool for gardening, as full-size garden forks are sufficient for most tasks. Recommended brands include Fiskars.

• A handheld fork is not as versatile as a full-size garden fork
• It can be bulky and difficult to store
• It’s often not as effective at loosening soil or digging up potatoes

Dandelion weeder
A dandelion weeder is not a necessary tool for gardening, as a soil knife or hori hori knife can be used to remove weeds.

• A dandelion weeder is not as versatile as a soil knife or hori hori knife
• It can be bulky and difficult to store
• It’s often not as effective at removing weeds

Store-bought soil tests
Store-bought soil tests are not a reliable way to determine the fertility of your soil. Recommended brands include Penn State University.

• Store-bought soil tests are not as accurate as laboratory tests
• They may not detect all contaminants in the soil
• They can be expensive and unnecessary

Self-watering pots
Self-watering pots are not a necessary tool for gardening, as it’s better to check the soil moisture in potted plants regularly. Recommended brands include Burpee.

• Self-watering pots can be bulky and difficult to store
• They may not be effective at delivering water to the roots of the plant
• They can be expensive and unnecessary

Moisture meters
Moisture meters are not a necessary tool for gardening, as it’s better to check the soil moisture by digging your fingers into the soil.

• Moisture meters can be expensive and unnecessary
• They may not be accurate or reliable
• They can be bulky and difficult to store

Power tools
Power tools, such as leaf blowers, chainsaws, and lawnmowers, are not necessary for most gardening tasks. Recommended brands include Black+Decker.

• Power tools can be expensive and unnecessary
• They can be noisy and polluting
• They may not be effective at performing gardening tasks

Irrigation system
Irrigation systems are not necessary for most gardening tasks, and can be more expensive than other options. Recommended brands include Rain Bird.

• Irrigation systems can be expensive and unnecessary
• They may not be effective at delivering water to the roots of the plant
• They can be bulky and difficult to install

By following the advice of experts and choosing the right garden tools, you can create a thriving and productive garden. Remember to prioritize durability, comfort, and effectiveness when selecting tools, and avoid unnecessary gadgets and gizmos. With the right tools, you’ll be well on your way to growing a successful and rewarding garden.