1. Gardening Gloves

Don’t even attempt to start gardening without a pair of the best gardening gloves. Matt Moniz, landscaping expert and gardener at Maverick Landscaping, says, “Gardening gloves may not be the most glamorous tool, but they are totally necessary, especially when you’re out there tinkering with thorny plants such as roses, rough soil, and perhaps a few bugs and worms.”
When choosing a pair, he recommends a glove with breathable yet puncture-resistant fabric, and adds that nitrile-coated gloves are great for keeping your hands dry, yet provide an excellent grip. Some tips to keep in mind when choosing gardening gloves:
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• Breathable yet puncture-resistant fabric is ideal for protecting your hands from the elements and thorns.
• Nitrile-coated gloves are great for keeping your hands dry, yet provide an excellent grip.
• Leather-palmed gloves are a nice upgrade for heavier work, providing additional protection against splinters and blisters.

My go-to pair of gardening gloves aren’t coated in nitrile, but I’ve been using a pair of Woheer Women’s gardening gloves, $9 at Amazon, for over a year. I particularly like how they can take me from one task to the next, offering protection and dexterity at the same time. Pruning Shears

More times than not, you’ll find me in the garden holding a pair of the best pruning shears. Whether I’m deadheading, pruning back a shrub or taking a cutting. However, knowing what to choose can be confusing as there are different types of pruning shears, the main ones being bypass and anvil pruners. For new gardeners, Moniz recommends investing in a good pair of bypass pruners, and I would give the same advice, as they great all-arounders. “The design features two curved blades that pass each other in a clean motion, ideal for live plant materials such as stems, soft branches, and flowers,” he says. “Their precision is what makes them so important — the blades will easily go about shaping your plant, deadheading flowers to encourage blooms, or clipping herbs for your cooking without harming your plant.”
Some key features to look for in pruning shears:
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1. Bypass pruners are the best for new gardeners, offering all-around functionality.
2. Non-stick coating on the blades ensures a clean cut.
3. A comfortable, ergonomic grip makes it easy to use for extended periods.

Kaustubh Deo, owner and CEO at Blooma Tree Experts, also recommends Felco pruning shears, particularly the Felco F2 pruners, $66 at Amazon, for cuts under 1 inch. “These are well-built to last, are trusted by professionals, and ensure you make clean cuts on your plants.”

3. Trowel

Next up is a trowel. Moniz refers to them as a “small digging buddy.” They can be used to dig holes to plant seedlings, herbs, and other small plants. I also use mine to loosen soil to pull up weeds. Some tips to keep in mind when buying a trowel:
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• Look for a trowel with measurement markings on the blade for accurate digging.
• A rust-resistant blade will extend the lifetime of your trowel.
• A sturdy connection between the blade and handle is essential for a comfortable grip.

Top tip: Look for brightly colored handles on tools — it’s surprisingly easy to lose ‘natural’ colored garden tools in your flower beds, as they become camouflaged.

4. Weeder

You really can’t avoid weeds in a garden, whether they are in your beds, caught between pathing on your patio, or standing proudly in your lawn. Removing them by hand isn’t as effective as using a tool — sometimes, it’s too tricky to pull out the complete root. Some options to consider:
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1. The CobraHead Weeder and Cultivator, $34 at Amazon, is a great option for removing weeds from soil.
2. The Spear & Jackson Mini Patio Knife, $20 at Amazon, is perfect for removing unwanted weeds between patio slabs.

Moniz recommends the CobraHead Weeder and Cultivator, saying, “It penetrates deep into the soil to entirely remove roots, thus preventing regrowth and sparing your knees and back the misery down the road.”

5. Watering Can

At this stage of gardening, and if you’ve only got a small patch, you might not want to invest in a hose. However, watering your garden is essential to stop your new plants from drying out and dying before you get a chance to enjoy them. Some key features to look for in a watering can:
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• A minimum capacity of 2 gallons ensures you can water your entire garden without needing to refill.
• A removable nozzle makes it easy to target specific plants.
• Metal watering cans will last longer, while plastic ones are a lightweight option for beginners.

I have both options, but my plastic watering can is my favorite as it is lighter. So when buying a watering can, remember it will be heavy once filled to the top! Top tip: Consider what you need to water. If you’ve got hanging baskets, you may need to look for a watering can with a longer spout.

6. Garden Fork

If you’re debating between buying a shovel or a garden fork (also known as a pitchfork), opt for a fork. “A garden fork, specifically a digging fork with four square, sturdy tines, is very useful for loosening compact soil, mixing compost into beds, and, even, harvesting root vegetables like potatoes or carrots,” says Moniz. Some tips to keep in mind when choosing a garden fork:
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• A digging fork with four square, sturdy tines is ideal for loosening compact soil.
• A forged steel tine will provide a durable and long-lasting tool.
• A hardwood or fiberglass handle is essential for a comfortable grip.

Moniz recommends looking for a pitchfork with forged steel tines and a hardwood or fiberglass handle, which is durable and user-friendly. Top tip: A good option is the Spear & Jackson Neverbend Professional Digging Fork, $58 at Amazon.

7. Hori Hori Knife

To complete your gardener’s toolkit, you can’t go far wrong with this multi-purpose tool with a Japanese design: the hori hori knife. I’ll be reviewing one later this year, and I can’t wait to share how useful I find it. Some key features to look for in a hori hori knife:
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• A serrated edge and sharp blade make it ideal for digging, weeding, and cutting.
• Inch markings on the blade ensure you can measure the depth of your cuts.
• A stainless steel construction will provide durability and rust resistance.

Moniz also recommends looking for a hori hori knife in stainless steel, which comes with a sturdy leather sheath — protecting both the blade and your fingers when you’re not using it. Top tip: Look for a hori hori knife with a comfortable grip and a durable handle for long-term use. By investing in these 7 essential gardening tools, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a confident and capable gardener. Remember to choose tools that meet your specific needs and preferences, and don’t be afraid to ask for advice from gardening experts and online communities. Happy gardening!