10+ FAVORITE Gardening Tools for a better Experience.

10 Favorite Gardening Tools for a Better Experience will provide you with essential gardening tools that you should include in your toolkit. We will explore the most popular to how to use different tools to be more efficient and some tools to make gardening successful.

GARDENING TOOLS

Do you ever go around the garden and end up breaking off a branch from your favorite plant?

I did!

I broke a branch off my orange accordion tomato that had one stunning tomato.

All because I needed to get back for a meeting and didn’t have any tools with me.

I was going to just look and ended up making a not-so-good decision. Gardening tools are so important!

I have explored gardening to a deeper level, creating a great space to enjoy as well as to grow and harvest food and flowers.

I could not be happier that today, it is so easy to get what you need online.

Let’s look at what garden tools to get for a successful garden experience and how to maximize the garden space!

WHAT IS THE MOST POPULAR GARDENING TOOL?

The most popular gardening tool is a garden hose. Everyone needs a hose to keep their plants alive, and clean and provide water to the pollinators.

Even me who lives in the Pacific Northwest. Always consider your gardening zone when selecting tools.

I have to also mention a trowel, because with all the rain we get, I am always ready to plant or divide plants and make it as easier as possible. This gardening tool is one that goes with me every time I tend to the garden. I don’t think I could do without it.

This baby comes with me for my strolls in the garden or anything I am doing.

Select a hand trowel that is comfortable for you and is strong enough to last.

I use cute ones only on my potting bench when I am just potting plants on containers. But if I am working on a garden bed, I use a good quality one.

10 gardening tools

Uses of a Hand Trowel:

  • Prepare Soil; This is a great tool to get the soil ready and loosen it up.
  • Dividing Plants; When I am dividing my perennials, such as lilies, this is such a great tool to have. It makes the job so much easier.
  • Seed Sowing; I use my hand trowel to create a line where I am going to sow my seeds. So handy!
  • Weeding; You can find me digging out the weeds with a trowel.

What are the best gardening tools will vary according to your needs of the space you have.

WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT TOOL EVERY GARDENER SHOULD HAVE?

I am going to tell you right now, I have so many of them!

Pruners have to be the most important tool you will have.

Every pruner type will serve different uses, therefore, you will find different types depending on the design for what it is used for.

Types of Pruners:

  • Bypass Pruners: They are best used for being precise. They work mostly like scissors do and are best used for a clean cut without crushing the stem. You can use them for deadheading and shaping plants.
  • Anvil Pruners: This is a single blade that will close onto a flat surface. This pruner type will crush the plant, so mainly use it for woody stems when removing deadwood.
  • Ratchet Pruners: The mechanism on this pruner makes it possible to cut in stages. Use the Ratchet pruner for thicker branches.
  • Loppers Pruners: These are great for when you need a longer handle to reach something. I use it for pruning my trees in the Spring.
  • Pole Pruners: This pruner is when you need to get a very high branch. I hate using ladders and this is so handy to have when getting to the upper part of the trees.
  • Electric or Cordless Pruners: The cordless ones are amazing! I don’t have a lot of strength on my hands and sometimes need some extra help in pruning. Get the job done so quickly!

One is not better than the other one.

Each pruner has a job that is ideal for when doing your gardening tasks.

Choose the right pruner for your style of maintenance and make your gardening experience way easier.

GARDENING TOOL SET

Why Are Pruners Essential?

Pruners are what helps you keep the garden healthy and thriving, but pruning is also a type of meditation.

The action of pruning can be so relaxing and it provides a moment of being alone in the garden and in the moment.

But let’s explore why you cannot do without them:

  1. TRIMMING: You need pruners to help you shape a plant, especially if you are gardening in a small space.
  2. DEADHEADING: The more you deadhead your plants, the more they will flower. Deadheading will prevent the plant from going to seeds. This is for repeat bloomer plants in your garden.
  3. DISEASES: I am a believer in going out every morning to check the garden and prune any diseased leaves or branches, This prevents the disease from spreading to the entire plant and other plants. This is a gardening 101 tip to always keep in mind.
  4. SHAPING: I am all into the look of my garden, it is soothing for me. Pruning allows you to beautifully shape your plant and get your gardening aesthetic and gardening design established.

MAXIMIZING A GARDEN SPACE BY USING THE BEST GARDENING TOOLS

Before I outline my favorite gardening tools and accessories, let’s talk about maximizing your garden space.

The garden is one of those spaces that provide so much, not only you can grow all sorts of flowers and veggies, but you can also relax, meditate, share time with your loved ones, read, the list keeps going!

I have a small urban garden in which the goal has been to maximize food production, but at the same time create different zones to enjoy growing flowers.

In a small garden space, I have been able to add a pond to bring the pollinators so they do their part of the work in the garden. Even the bees need water!

On DIY Garden Ideas For Small Spaces | 5 GARDENING LESSONS!, I detail my top 5 DIY’s that will help you along as the garden takes shape.

The Garden is for yourself, but remember the pollinators!

SHOVEL GARDENING

TRANSFORM YOUR GARDEN WHILE ENJOYING IT

Don’t be in a rush! Enjoy the Journey!

Change is good. I mean that! It really is the best thing.

Don’t be in a hurry to change everything in a season, the greatest of things take time. The one thing you want to accomplish is to create a sketch that determines a direction. Just be aware and understand that this will change over time, as you experience the space and discover what every corner is best used for.

I began with a floor plan that outlines the essential areas and some of my goals.

As I have developed my garden through the years, it has become very clear what 10 favorite gardening tools and accessories have change my gardening experience and continue to do so today.

Take a look at how much it evolved every year!

The details are so important, but those come with time as things settle. It is the most exciting part of developing a garden, when you get to play with detailed interests.

GARDENING SHEARS

WHAT ARE THE BEST RATED GARDEN TOOLS?

First of all, can you believe the amount of stuff in the market now?

My head spins thinking about it! So let me help you identify some items that I can’t do without.

Best Rated Gardening Tools:

TOOLFUNCTION
Hori Hori KnifeJapanese garden knife for weeding or digging.
Garden GlovesProtect your hands. You can get many different kinds depending on what you are using them for.
Watering CanHydrating plants efficiently.
Garden HoeMake weeding and planting so much easier.
WheelbarrowUse for transporting many things; plants, hardscaping materials, soil, etc.
Garden ShearsAllow for trimming of shrubs and grasses. Great for shaping the plants.
Garden ForkAids with turning over soil or compost. Also helps with breaking roots and removing them.
Soil pH MeterpH Meter provides you with a soil pH level for the health of the plant, and also some will provide a moisture level.
Kneeling PadYou need one! I have three of them and I use them all the time to protect my knees.
PrunersSelect the right type of pruner to shape, deadhead, or remove disease from your plant.
Hand TrowelAids in gardening to move soil, plant and divide plants.

This one gardening tool deserves to be mentioned, it is the one I enjoy the most, a potting bench. If you organize it and style it the right way, it will change the way to garden. I know it has changed it for me.

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WHAT TOOLS MAKE GARDENING EASIER?

Some gardening tools make for easy gardening and I am all for this.

A dream garden is all about a space that does not bring stress and instead provides you with time for enjoyment.

Consider these tools in your small garden:

  • Garden Cart: Hands down, your best gardening tool. It is so handy to move heavy items like soil.
  • Dibber: I use this one a lot and it takes the guesswork out. It helps you achieve a uniform depth for your seeds.
  • Garden Apron: I like not having to go back and forth and use an apron to keep my gardening tools handy.
  • Garden Seat: This is so handy to be able to sit down or kneel while gardening. I have had mine for years, super handy!

SEEDS TO GROW WHEN STARTING UP WITH GARDENING

Now that you have your tools and want to get started, let’s talk about a few seeds you can use to begin your backyard garden.

If you are new to gardening purchase a package that has an assortment of seeds to learn what you love to grow.

In my first year, I grew, tomato, cucumber, and sweet pepper on my window sill. And I mean, I grew one of each, I was too scared.

Take the plunge and try different seeds! It’s fun!

Here is a great way for you to start!

The most critical thing is to remember, that the seeds that grow on a cell will need to be moved to larger pots as they grow, space is critical. The biggest mistake is to get so excited that you end up with seedlings with nowhere to place while they grow. Once they grow they can be shared, I do and it is great fun to see my friend’s face light up!

I have divided the items into two categories; Things to help with gardening and planting and I could not leave out a few of my favorite ‘Cozy’ decor pieces.

Let the fun begin!

FAVORITE SEED TYPES TO GET AS A BEGINNER GARDENER?

1. Herb Seeds

One of my favorite plants to grow, they are easy to grow and get so much use.

Another amazing thing about this favorite gardening tool is how much you can do with herbs!

  • Dry them to make teas
  • Use them fresh or dry for seasoning or on salads.
  • Make Flavored Vinegars.
  • Use them in Flavored oils.

How good is that??!!!

Don’t worry about seeds being non GMO, since all seeds in the USA have to be non GMO. Also don’t worry all the time about Organic seeds, unless you need your harvest to be certified organic. I grow the seeds as much organically after I plant them by using organic soil and no chemicals. For this reason the main spray I use for pest is Neem oil.

For DIY project, take a look at ‘Top Five Diy Projects from 2021’

2. Salad Greens

One other great thing to do when you start growing is to get a blend of lettuces, they are versatile. For example, you can grow the seeds with more space in between to get a head of lettuce or close together to get micro greens. Look for a package that brings your favorites and start experimenting!

BEST GARDENING TOOLS
The Best Moment is when you Harvest your Greens!

FAVORITE GARDEN TOOL FOR GROWING SEEDS INDOORS

Many plant seed trays are out in the market, but this is my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE GARDENING TOOLS! for beginner gardeners.

  1. SEED TRAYS: I germinated all of my seeds on these trays and love them because they are clear, which allows you to check on the root and see that it is healthy and not overgrown, each step of the growth can be seen.

How cool is that!?

Such an amazing kit; a 12 cell per tray with a total of 10-pack Seed Trays Seedling Starter, Dome with vent.

Another great advantage is that if you want to try to grow on peat pellets, the bottom tray is designed for this. Just make sure you label your seeds! The worst thing is when you have no idea what the seedlings are, they all look the same at the beginning.

This plant seed trays are GENIUS!!! I am a fan!

pruning shears garden tools
The Clear Bottom allows you to monitor the root growth.

2. Favorite Hydroponic Grow System

Another favorite gardening tool that is a way you can experiment is the hydroponic grow system.

This system is beyond fun and super useful!

Yes, you can grow plants in water.

I love this Herb Indoor Garden Kit, the LED light is really good and allows the plants to grow. It can also be used to place other plants as they grow and the light is adjustable to angle as needed.

This is really good if a plant gets sick and you need to isolate it but still need the grow light. I placed my sweet peppers when they got aphids under this system until it was completely cleared.

The system brings so many essential things that are included; tweezers, sponge cubes, rubber caps (hats), and nutrients for growing.

This hydroponic system is BEYOND AMAZING!

The best thing on this system is that the LED lighting has an automatic timer.

Favorite gardening Tools 11. Close up of plants on my favorite hydroponic system.
Hydroponics is a really fun way to grow herbs!

FAVORITE CONTAINER PLANTING IDEAS

1. Grow Bags

This essential tool is definitely another of my favorite gardening tools!

The main reasons are that they allow me to experiment with different plants and grow food I have not tried yet, they are easy to move around if you discover you have too much or too little sun and the price is great compared to a traditional pot.

Easy Way to Select the Best Grow Bag

So many grow bags available!

They come in many different sizes, depending what you are growing.

You can grow small potatoes, strawberries, peppers, tomatoes, snap peas, sweet peas, the list can go on! Make sure the fabric you are using breaths so it will allow good draining. But the best thing is that if you have hard clay or not very good soil, you can prepare great soil in your grow bag.

Good soil develops great roots, which will equal an amazing harvest!

So do not skip preparing your good soil.

Find a lot more tips for your dahlias on ‘Help! My Dahlias are not blooming | MY FAVORITES!’

plant cutter scissors

2. Favorite Garden Space Saver; Grow Vertically!

Growing vertically is one of the most essential and favorite garden tools.

The sky is the limit!!!

Did I tell you that you can grow so many plants in this one container?

The tiered planter is one of the best and favorite gardening tools when you lack space, but it can also be a great focal piece in your patio or garden. I want to get a whole garden made of these when we find our micro farm.

They are such fun. Just so much you can grow!

From herbs, to lettuces, kale, spinach and strawberries! Herbs get so much use in my home.

For a delicious use of the herbs, check out my ‘Easy – Delicious Red Onion Pickled with Lemon and Dill Recipe’.

BEST GARDENING TOOLS
Dramatic waterfall of Beautiful Nasturtiums spilling down the Vertical Garden.

CONSIDER THIS AS A BONUS!

You ever battle removing grass that grows into your beds?

Or maybe those weeds that seem to take over so quickly!

This gardening tool, the garden hand hoe/plow is one of the best discoveries that keeps getting used constantly in my garden. It is light and comfortable to hold. The tool is sharp enough to go through almost any type soil. And even use it to make my holes to plant.

Yes, this tool goes everywhere with me.

I also like that is a bit larger, because I constantly leave it around the garden along with my coffee cup. Easy to spot!

pruner for gardening

GARDENING IDEAS FOR THE SMALL GARDEN

I can’t begin to tell you how much I searched for “The” Perfect Gardening Tool! My Green Cabinet!

Not all of us have the space for a Greenhouse. I would love that so much!

So the best next thing has been this amazing Greenhouse Cabinet.

Acclimating my seedlings was so much easier, the process was seamless thanks to this favorite gardening tool. When you start getting into growing with seeds and realize how much cheaper and fun it is, you will understand how critical it is to have the right greenhouse to help with the process.

I am so grateful for whoever invented this cabinet. I ended up ordering two of them!

Not only does the front doors open but the top also opens to allow for air to ventilate when it is too hot outside. the top also is great for the taller seedlings like snap peas or sweet peas, even tomatoes if they get larger like mine. I planted too early, I could not help myself!

best gardening tools sets

DREAM GARDEN ON THE WAY!

I am so excited to be able to share my favorite gardening tools. These are the ones that I could not do without! So much out in the market but after using each of these.

I hope you explore what works for you and allow the gardening experiences to change your life.

Sharing with nature is nurturing ourselves. Go get your hands dirty and enjoy!

Your Cocoon Awaits You,

Stay Creative!

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Landscaping and planting a garden from scratch

How To Start An Outdoor Herb Garden

Painting Terracotta Pots… Aged Weathered Look

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38 Comments

    1. They are so much fun, I enjoy seeing the roots grow. Thank you so much for the kind words!

    1. Carol, thank you so much! My husband was kind enough to build my sketch. I just love having the different compartments and that they are high up and easy to access.

  1. Your garden is so beautiful! It shows that you love the process. I have never heard of the greenhouse cabinet! Great shares.

    1. Thank you Marie! Those cabinet have gotten so much use. I wish I could have a greenhouse, but these work perfectly for my tiny garden. My seedlings were very happy!

  2. Such great tips! I absolutely love your potting table. It’s in my DIY project list to make one by our shed. Enjoyed this post so much!

    1. Thank you Tammy! I think the potting table is my favorite little area. Looking forward to one day doing a custom one. Can’t wait to see yours when is completed!

  3. This gardener really enjoyed this post. I loved seeing your garden spaces, your plants, and all of the tools that you find so helpful. Enjoy your 2021 garden!!

  4. I’m not a great gardener but this post is lovely and filled with super tips. I’ve been contemplating growing lettuce, I just may try it now. I also love the roses around the pond. I think I may add some around ours. Thanks for the inspiration.

    1. Thank you so much Kim! I am so happy this has brought inspiration to you. I love roses around the pond, they bring so much color and softness.

  5. This is an awesome post with so much inspiration! I love your potting bench and thanks so much for al of the planting info too…I’m still learning:)

    1. Thanks Maria! So happy you found inspiration, that makes me really want to keep doing what I do. I hope your try some of the tips! Let me know how they work out!

    1. Thank you Jennifer! I have discovered them recently and I think I have become addicted! They are just so great!

    1. Thank you Jayne! I have had to learn to grow vertically since I have a small garden and it is working so well and I may keep doing this even when we get the farm. It jus looks so beautiful!

  6. This is an amazing post, Melba! I really enjoyed reading it. You have amazing things in your garden! I am truly inspired to get out there. Also, thank you so much for including my link!

    1. An honor my friend! You have an amazing blog and style! Thank you so much for the amazing support, so happy you enjoyed the post. Now, go enjoy the garden!!!

  7. Melba, what a great list of supplies and tools!! But I gotta say, I could never hold worms in my hands!! You are a brave soul!

    1. LOl! I love worms, I catch them and pet them. They are like my garden puppies. I know I am weird.

    1. Thank you Donna! My gardening tools are an extension of my gardening aesthetic and what I love to make my gardening life easier.

  8. So smart to do a blog post on gardening tools. A good tool goes a long way to get me to do what needs to be done in the never ending maintenance of our garden. Plus it makes it so much more fun.

    1. Thank you, Maria! For a dream garden, you need the right gardening tools, and it will make it easy to garden. I baby my tools and they last for so long. You are so right, the right toll will make gardening such a better experience.

    1. You are so right, a garden is not only plants and flowers, it is the amazing feeling you can make of the design. Thank you so much for your support Rosemary!

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