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13 Best Gardening Tools That Everyone Should Own

What you need for planting, pruning, and weeding.

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best gardening tools
Walmart

Every item on this page was chosen by an editor from The Pioneer Woman. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

Before you head out into the garden, there are some essential tools you need to get the job done. Ree Drummond has grown her own herbs and flowers for years, and one thing she keeps handy is a pair of gardening gloves. "As for tools, it's fun to keep lightweight decorative ones in a basket for easy tasks like filling planters, but I buy the heaviest gauge spades, cultivators, and weeders I can find for more serious jobs," she recommends. "Make sure they have comfortable rubber grips to help with leverage."

The best gardening tools can make it easier to finish backyard chores. You'll need a sturdy pair of pruners for trimming shrubs and small tree branches, a digging shovel for planting perennials and trees, and a hand trowel for up-close work such as planting annuals or dividing perennials. If you're just starting out, we've included a set that has all three, too! Get rid of weeds, edge your sidewalks, and more. Plus, every gardener needs a pretty watering can and a fun tote to carry everything right? (A few sets of reliable gardening shoes can't hurt either!)

Read on to see what top gardening tools and equipment you need to stock up on to get planting right away. You'll have those spring flowers looking gorgeous in no time! (And PS: Any of these products would make a great gift for gardeners, regardless of their level and expertise.)

1
Best Pruners

Steel Bypass Pruners

Steel Bypass Pruners
Now 33% Off
Credit: Amazon

Look for pruners that have precision steel blades which will stay sharp longer. This option can cut through stems up to 5/8-inch diameter. They're a sturdy choice with a non-slip grip handle that will last for years at an affordable price.

2
Best Cultivator

Fiskars Ergo Scratch Tool Garden Cultivator

Fiskars Ergo Scratch Tool Garden Cultivator
Credit: Walmart

There's nothing like a cultivator if you need remove weeds and turn the soil. If you have a large space, you might want to invest in a tiller to speed things up. But having a handheld cultivator like this on hand will work wonders for the small jobs. It has an ergonomic handle to reduce fatigue and an aluminum head that won't rust or break.

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3
Best Trowel

Stainless Steel Trowel

Stainless Steel Trowel
Now 26% Off
Credit: Amazon

This sturdy trowel is designed to cut through clods and dig deep to plant bulbs or perennials. It's also made from stainless steel so it should last for years and years. It comes in four sizes from 9-inches to 14-inches.

4
Best Starter Set

Garden Hand Tool Set

Garden Hand Tool Set
Now 19% Off
Credit: Amazon

This set includes a hand trowel, cultivator (hand rake), and transplanter for a great price. It's made from cast aluminum and has rubber ergonomic grips. It's a good choice for beginners who don't want to invest too much right off the bat.

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5
Best Gardening Gloves

The Pioneer Woman Breezy Blossoms Goatskin Leather Gloves

The Pioneer Woman Breezy Blossoms Goatskin Leather Gloves
Credit: Walmart

These floral garden gloves were designed with comfort and style in mind. The buttery soft goatskin leather will protect your hands and give you ample dexterity for every gardening task you need to tackle. They come in three sizes so you can choose the best fit for you.

6
Best Gardening Fork

Wiker Pitchfork with Fiberglass Handle

Wiker Pitchfork with Fiberglass Handle
Credit: Amazon

Whether you're turning compost or adding mulch to your planting beds, a digging fork is invaluable. This pick has a fiberglass handle that won't and a Y-grip with a 45 degree elevation angle, which means it helps provide better grip strength.

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7
Best Weeder

Fiskars Stand Up Weeder

Fiskars Stand Up Weeder
Now 22% Off
Credit: Amazon

While a cultivator can help with the smaller, occasional weed problems, a stand up weeder will be much more effective for larger jobs. Plus, it saves you a lot of back pain! You can stand straight and still pull up all those invasive plants with ease.

8
Best Edging Tool

Radius Garden Root Slayer Edger

Radius Garden Root Slayer Edger
Now 15% Off
Credit: Amazon

When you're cutting through sod, a simple spade isn't the best choice. This edger will help you make clean cuts and slice through roots to lay out new beds. You also can use it to edge alongside driveways and walkways. Plus, it has a lifetime warranty!

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9
Best Multi-Purpose Tool

Garden Knife

Garden Knife
Now 24% Off
Credit: Amazon

This garden knife, traditionally called a hori hori, is a multi-purpose master in the garden. Use it to cut through dirt clods, divide perennials, or plant bulbs. It's a budget-friendly option with a stainless steel blade, wooden handle, and faux leather storage sheath.

10
Best Shovel

Bully Tools 14-Gauge Round Point Shovel

Bully Tools 14-Gauge Round Point Shovel
Credit: Amazon

Everyone, no matter what you do, needs a shovel. Plant trees or turn over your garden with a reliable one like this. This round point shovel has a D-grip so it's easier to control. It also has a sturdy fiberglass handle for all that digging you need to do.

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11
Best Watering Can

The Pioneer Woman Folk Geo Metal Watering Can

The Pioneer Woman Folk Geo Metal Watering Can
Credit: Walmart

Every gardener needs a watering can, so you might as well make it pretty! We promise this one is super useful, too. Made of durable steel, it has a long spout with a sprinkler head that provides a gentle steady shower of water. The half-gallon reservoir is eay to fill, too!

12
Best Garden Kneeler

Ohuhu Garden Kneeler and Seat

Ohuhu Garden Kneeler and Seat
Credit: Amazon

Save yourself from back pain while bending over with this garden kneeler. It's dual purpose and can be used as a seat or kneeling pad, so it's ideal for anyone who doesn't want to crouch and end up sore the next day!

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13
Best Tote

Garden Tool Bag

Garden Tool Bag
Credit: Amazon

With plenty of pockets to keep everything neat and organized, this garden tote will become your new best friend. You can lug around all your garden hand tools, seed packets, and other gardening odds and ends.

Headshot of Arricca Elin SanSone
Arricca Elin SanSone
Contributing Writer

Arricca Elin SanSone is a writer, editor, and content creator who specializes in lifestyle and gardening. With a background in health reporting, she applies these same research skills when writing about the science of growing things. She trials new plants in her expansive garden, and her houseplant collection consists of 60+ varieties. Arricca has written thousands of articles for publications such as Country Living, House Beautiful, Good Housekeeping, Prevention, VERANDA, Southern Living, and more. She’s happiest when digging in the dirt, baking, or spending time with the people and dogs she loves.

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