Buzz
Every garden is unique, so the tools you require may vary depending on your yard. For example, if your yard is heavily paved, a weed burner could be extremely useful, or if you're passionate about planting bulbs, an auger might be just what you need. However, for most gardeners, a set of basic tools will suffice. These are the tools I keep multiple versions of, as I tend to leave them scattered all over my yard. Any of these items would make an excellent gift for a gardener, as they’re always in need of another well-made version.
A Premium Spade Shovel
Shovels come in various shapes, like the flat-edge type, which is great for scraping surfaces, and scoop shovels designed for handling mulch or compost. However, a traditional spade, with its triangular blade, is ideal for digging into any soil, whether it’s soft or compact. A quality spade lets you apply full body weight, even offering a bit of leverage to stand on. Personally, I’m not fond of wooden handles as they tend to crack and are uncomfortable on my hands. I prefer the ergonomic short shovels from the Radius line, which lighten the load compared to a regular shovel, making it easier to maneuver in the garden. If you’re into traditional long-handled spades, go for a strong steel one.
A Hand Trowel
A hand trowel is essentially a smaller version of the traditional garden trowel, designed for getting up close to the soil and digging just enough to plant your starter plants. They're also handy for transferring small amounts of potting soil or fertilizer. The hand trowel can dig into the ground while holding one or two cups of dirt. A solid handle is a must for this tool—rubber can break down under the sun, and many hand trowels feature weak metal that can snap. This is why investing in a quality tool is worth it. Personally, I own around 20 of them, often scattering them around my garden so much that I end up spinning in the middle of it, looking for one. Of all the ones I’ve had, none beats the Burpee wooden hand trowel, which I would have never chosen myself but turned out to be my ultimate favorite.
A Hori Hori
The hori hori is like a multi-tool for the garden, resembling a jackknife but with a long, straight design and a serrated edge. It doesn’t hold soil but can cut through almost anything. Use it overhand to break into tough soil that a trowel can’t handle, and the serrated edge is perfect for slicing through roots or iris tubers. I find it especially useful in the fall when I’m planting bulbs, as its narrow blade allows me to remove soil without disturbing nearby plants.
A Pair of Pruners
Before heading out to the garden each day, the last thing I grab is a trusty pair of pruners. Like all my essential tools, I keep several scattered around the garden. Pruners are essential for cutting flowers, deadheading, trimming berry branches, pruning tomatoes, or even cutting twine. Felco makes the best pruners, offering a range of models, and it's a good idea to visit a garden supply store to try them out. I particularly enjoy pruners with a swiveling handle to reduce hand strain. No matter the model, these top-tier garden tools are well worth the investment. For a simpler option, I always have a few pairs of Fiskars on hand as well.
A Few Buckets
I can’t imagine a garden without several buckets, especially the versatile five-gallon plastic ones from big box stores. They serve countless purposes. I carry them around for weeding and stash them in corners to collect weeds. You can use them to move soil, water plants, mix fertilizer, or wash items. They’re perfect for collecting berries or hauling rocks. While they’re not the most durable and you’ll need to replace them over time, I love that whenever a random garden task requires a container, a bucket is almost always the solution.
