Essential tools every gardener should own
For millions of people, gardening offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
It’s a way to connect directly with nature, no matter if you’re knee-deep in your back garden or repotting plants from the comfort of your inner-city flat. But as with any hobby, owning the tools of the trade is the only way to maximise your experience.
Proper tools make gardening easier and more enjoyable: from planting to pruning, repotting to raking, the right gardening tools mean you can nurture your flora more efficiently. So, to learn exactly what equipment you’ll need, stay with Whitakers!
Hand tools
Hand tools are exactly what they sound like. Powered by the gardener's hand, these items are the backbone of your toolkit.
They’re essential for many of gardening’s most essential tasks, like planting seeds and removing weeds. As they’re easy to use (once you know what they’re for), they’re indispensable for both beginners and seasoned gardeners.
1. Trowel
A trowel is a must-have tool for planting, digging, and transferring soil.
Its pointed blade is perfect for digging small holes, transplanting seedlings, and removing weeds. The trowel's compact size allows for precise work, which makes it ideal for use in flower beds, pots, and tight garden spaces.
We recommend: the KS CS Hand Trowel for just £6.99!
2. Hand fork
The hand fork is excellent for aerating soil and removing weeds. Its pronged design helps break up compacted soil and allows water and nutrients to reach plant roots more easily.
It’s also effective at pulling up weeds by the roots. The hand fork is particularly useful in vegetable gardens and flower beds where soil compaction can be an issue.
We recommend: the KS CS Hand Fork for £6.99
3. Pruners/Secateurs
Pruners, also known as secateurs, are essential for trimming and shaping plants.
They are perfect for cutting back overgrown branches, deadheading flowers, and maintaining the health of your plants.
High-quality pruners make clean cuts, which promote faster healing and reduce the risk of disease. They are especially useful for roses and other shrubs that require regular maintenance.
We recommend: the KS Surecut All Purpose Lite Bypass Secateurs for £19.99
4. Weed puller
A weeder is designed specifically for removing weeds from the roots. Weed pullers are particularly effective at getting into tight spaces where larger tools can’t reach.
By targeting weeds at the root level, they help maintain your garden’s health by preventing unwanted plants from stealing nutrients from your cultivated plant.
We recommend: the Weed Puller for £34.99
Digging and planting tools
For larger garden tasks, digging and planting tools will be indispensable. They can be used for preparing the soil for new plants, digging holes for trees, or maintaining your garden beds.
1. Spade
One of the most versatile gardening tools around, a spade is mainly used for digging, edging, and planting.
Its flat, rectangular blade is perfect for cutting through soil and roots. Spades are equally suited for digging planting holes and trenches, as well as for transplanting shrubs and small trees.
We recommend: the Kent and Stowe Stainless Steel Digging Spade for £37.99
2. Shovel
While often confused with spades, shovels have a broader, curved blade that is perfect for moving loose materials like soil, compost, and mulch.
The curved blade allows for easy scooping and transferring of materials. Shovels are particularly useful for tasks that involve moving large volumes of soil or compost, such as filling raised beds or distributing mulch around plants.
We recommend: the Kent & Stowe Carbon Steel Round Nosed Shovel for £26.99
3. Fork
A garden fork is essential for turning soil and compost. Its sturdy tines can break up compacted soil for improved aeration and drainage. Garden forks are also excellent for mixing in compost or other soil amendments.
We recommend: the KS CS Hand Fork for £6.99
4. Hoe
A hoe is mainly used for weeding and cultivating soil. Its sharp blade can cut through weeds just below the soil surface, which prevents them from taking over your garden.
Hoes are also great for loosening and aerating the soil. They’re particularly suited for preparing seedbeds and for general soil maintenance throughout the growing season.
We recommend: the Kent and Stowe Stainless Steel Long Handled Dutch Hoe for £29.99
Pruning and cutting tools
Pruning and cutting tools make it easier to shape plants, remove dead or diseased branches, and keep your garden looking tidy and well-maintained.
1. Loppers
Loppers are ideal for cutting thicker branches that are too large for pruners but too small for a saw. Their long handles provide the leverage needed to make clean cuts through branches up to 2 inches in diameter.
Loppers are perfect for pruning trees, large shrubs, and hedges. Their extended reach also allows you to trim higher branches without needing a ladder.
We recommend: the Kent and Stowe Garden Life Bypass Loppers for £24.99
2. Shears
Hedge shears are designed for maintaining hedges and shrubs.
Their long, straight blades make uniform cuts, which allow gardeners to shape and trim hedges. Hedge shears can cut back perennials and ornamental grasses at the end of the growing season.
We recommend: the Kent and Stowe Garden Life Box Hedge Shears for £24.99
Shop for gardening tools with Whitakers Garden Centre!
Now that you’re up-to-date with the most essential gardening tools, it’s time to assess your current collection. Do you have all the basics covered? Are any of your tools worn out or ineffective?
If so, consider upgrading or purchasing your new equipment with Whitakers Garden Centre. Our comprehensive gardening tool collection is designed to make your tasks even more gratifying.
- James Beesley
