Gardening Supply Guide: 10 Must-Buy Gardening Supplies (with Amazon links)

There are a lot of choices when it comes to gardening tools. Which ones do you really need? How do you choose the right style or size? Where can I save and where should I splurge?

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We’ve got you covered with an essential garden tools list. When it comes down to it, most gardeners really only have a few tools they use on a regular basis. These are the top 10 tools that you will likely be using on a daily basis as you tend to your home garden. The ones every gardener should keep on hand and well-maintained. Let’s dive in.

1. Trowel

A trowel is very effective tool for your garden, it can be used in place of a soil knife, while helping with more digging-intensive jobs. We like to look for models that feature depth markings located on the edge of the blade, this can be useful for planting bulbs and seedlings. This particular towel has a lack of metal seams or brackets which makes it less likely to rust or wear in the long run. The design is backed by a lifetime warranty, which helps justify the surprising initial cost.

2. Hand pruning shears

You can use hand pruning shears to deadhead flowers, cut back grasses, trim twigs or harvest that perfect pepper. Look for sturdy shears with sharp blades, and try out various models to find a pair that is comfortable for your hands. To maintain them, take them to a neighborhood hardware store for sharpening once a year.

3. Shovel

A shovel is a no brainer when it comes to your home garden. Used for moving soil, plants, and other loose debris…you will be thankful to have this tool when it comes to prepping and maintaining your backyard oasis. Get a model that is durable, ergonomic, and built to dig in tough soil.

4. Hand rake

Instead of using a huge leaf rake or a blower that could destroy delicate plants, try a small hand rake. This tool makes it easy to rake precisely in small planters, flowerbeds and other hard-to-reach areas. Look for a design made with durable, stainless steel to resist rust and flexible tines for precision and control.‍

5. Gardening Gloves

Gardening gloves are great for holding shovels or trowels for longer periods without developing blisters. Look for designs where the thumbs, pointer fingers, and palms have extra padding to make gripping garden tools even more comfortable. You want to find a balance between dexterity and protection when it comes to your gardening gloves.

6. Garden Cart or Wagon

Whether you’re hauling mulch, saplings, big bags of soil, or planters, you’ll need something to help you move heavy things. You can opt for the traditional single-wheel wheelbarrow, but there are all sizes and models of carts designed for garden work. If possible, test-drive any cart you are considering to see if you like how it steers.

7. Garden Hose

The easier it is to move water from one place to another, the better your chances of keeping plants alive. We also suggest attaching a watering wand (it looks like a large shower head) to your hose to reduce the water pressure, so you can gently drench plants. Have a watering can handy for hard-to-reach spots.

8. Watering Can

There are 2 basic types of watering cans, plastic or metal. There are hundreds of styles, colors, sizes and nozzle options. Plastic cans can be lighter than metal, but won’t last as long. Metal cans should be galvanized to resist rusting. You will also want to consider the size of the can relative to your strength, a gallon of water weighs just over 8 pounds.‍

9. Weeder

At some point, pulling weeds by hand gets old. That’s where a sturdy weeder comes in. The genius in the design lies in the fulcrum, you can use it as leverage to yank weeds with long taproots. Together with the forked tip, it’s perfect for prying up weeds that like to hide in ground covers and removing roots from deep in the soil.‍

10. Garden Twine

It’s amazing how many uses a simple piece of string has in a garden. Keep a roll of twine on hand for training small branches, tying tall plants to stakes, and making trellises for vining plants to climb. Twine is also handy for tying herb stems together to hang and dry, sectioning off a raised bed, or marking a garden to keep your rows straight.

We can’t wait to see your garden thrive. By investing in these essential gardening tools, you are one step closer to a beautiful and growing garden!