Yard work can be fun - as long as you have the right tools. It's important to know which tools work best for specific tasks.
Gardening has been my hobby and passion for decades. I always make it a point to catch up on the latest news, advice, and tools that can help me maintain a beautiful and healthy garden. During my recent visit to the farmers market, I picked up a couple of bulbs that I wanted to plant in my garden.
However, I realized that I didn't have the right tool for the job. Well, I didn't wait too long. I began researching the best garden trowels and finally, after a lot of research and testing, found the right one for my requirements.
Hi! I'm Stacy, and today, I will tell you about my top 5 recommendations of the best garden trowels to make fertilizing, planting, and removing weeds easy.
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Top 5 Garden Trowels
1. Fiskars 70736935J
One of the first garden trowels I chose for my yard work was this product from Fiskars. Its extra-large handle immediately caught my attention, so I decided to purchase it and test it on my lawn. Here are my findings after using it for a week.
Product Highlights
You will come across dozens of garden trowels on the market. However, finding the best one requires time and patience. When looking for a suitable product, ensure that the shovel is made of high-quality, durable material. Furthermore, its grip should be soft and comfortable, enabling you to use it for extended periods without injury or hand fatigue.
The Fiskars 70736935J garden trowel features all of these characteristics - and more. The extra-large Softgrip handle is exceptionally comfortable for prolonged use. Not just that, its easy-grip surface provides exceptional grip and comfort, so your hands don't slip or blister due to extended use.
Moving on, the extra-large cast-aluminum head features a polished finish that gives it superior durability. The sharp edges of the product can easily cut and dig through tough soil, making your yard work significantly more manageable.
What's There To Like About It?
Overall, this garden trowel from Fiskars was a pleasure to use, thanks to its comfortable and extra-large handle design. I also love that the manufacturer provides a full lifetime warranty on the product. This builds my trust in the product, brand, and quality.
Lastly, I love the hang-hole design that allows me to store the garden trowel conveniently from a hook in my shed. Space is always an issue at my house, so finding a product that is easy to store is extremely important.
What's There Not To Like About It?
My only concern with this product was over the fact that it had a Prop 65 warning. It may concern some users who are extra cautious about not using products that contain lead. However, I did not find much reason to think that the garden trowel was toxic or dangerous to use at home.
Pros and Cons of Fiskars 70736935J
Pros
Cons
- Ideal for digging when planting, taking up plants, turning earth and more
- Extra-large handle with Softgrip provides exceptional grip and comfort
- Extra-large polished cast-aluminum head with sharp edge moves more soil faster, resists rust and cuts through tough turf
2. Edward Tools Garden Trowel
Moving on to my next recommendation, I want to talk about the Edward Tools Garden Trowel. Those looking for a heavy-duty product featuring premium-quality construction and materials will appreciate this garden trowel. Read on to find out all about its features.
Product Highlights
Those looking for a robust product that won't rust, bend, or break easily will appreciate the heavy-duty construction of this product. Made of carbon steel, this garden trowel features an ergonomic rubber handle that is easy and comfortable to hold for prolonged use. Furthermore, its solid construction makes it the perfect tool to use for clay, gravel, and heavy soils.
Next up, the product features depth markers that facilitate easy measurement and help you plant or fertilize consistently and accurately. Its robust build enables you to dig into hard, rough soils without worrying about damaging the garden trowel. Moreover, the manufacturer offers a lifetime warranty on the product, so even if you damage it, it can be replaced free of charge.
Lastly, the product is priced very reasonably, which is another reason it is a top pick amongst customers. Those on a budget looking for a heavy-duty garden trowel can consider this as an option.
What's There To Like About It?
I found this garden trowel extremely comfortable to grip, thanks to its textured rubber handle. Furthermore, the product is pretty indestructible, thanks to its heavy-duty construction. Even after using it to dig up hard and clayey soil, it held up quite well and did not suffer much damage other than a minor chip.
Fortunately, the manufacturer offers a lifetime warranty in the case of any issues. I contacted the customer service helpline and got a replacement for my product within a week!
What's There Not To Like About It?
My only gripe with this product is its color. The dark green and black shades make the tool challenging to spot, especially amid several other gardening tools or if I accidentally leave it in the garden. The addition of a vibrant handle or streak of color could have made it easier to spot.
Pros and Cons of Edward Tools Garden Trowel
Pros
Cons
- Heavy Duty Carbon Steel is bend proof and break proof for confident digging in heavy clay or rocky soils
- Depth markers for easy measurement for more consistent planting or transplanting
- ErgoGrip with ergonomic rubber grip handle for comfortable use and better leverage in heavy / rocky soils
3. Wilcox All-Pro 202S
The next product I want to talk about is the Wilcox All-Pro 202S. This garden trowel features stainless steel construction and measures 14 inches long. As such, it works excellently for digging holes or planting bulbs deep into the soil.
Product Highlights
Some gardening work requires deep holes. While a shovel can help you achieve this, it is often large and cumbersome. Furthermore, it may create a larger hole than what you require for specific tasks - like fertilizing or planting bulbs.
In that case, consider the Wilcox All-Pro 202S. This 14-inch garden trowel is ideal for digging holes which don't run too thick or wide. Moreover, its heavy-duty 16 GA stainless steel construction gives it immense durability.
The ribbed, textured non-slip handle features a plastic coating that is relatively comfortable to use for extensive yard work. It also features a leather hand strap that makes it convenient to hang from a hook for easy storage or hang around your wrist for better grip.
Lastly, the sharp tip of the garden trowel is ideal for digging, planting, or breaking tough soil or clods in your yard.
What's There To Like About It?
The leather hand strap is an excellent addition that helps me hang the tool around my wrist during yard work. This is extremely convenient, as the lack of a hand strap often causes me to misplace my tools around the garden shed or yard.
What's There Not To Like About It?
There is just one minor flaw with this product - the hollow portion that goes into the handle. Dirt often gets embedded into this portion, and although it's not too challenging to clean, it can get annoying to do it frequently.
Pros and Cons of Wilcox All-Pro 202S
Pros
Cons
- Unbreakable, Durable Materials: Our small gardening tools won't bend or break due to high quality, ultralight, rugged heavy-duty 16 GA. stainless steel
- Dig, Plant, Shovel, And More: Great for deep bulb planting, breaking up stubborn clods, or digging up roots. Cuts through hard soil like a spade shovel or garden hoe
- No Slip Grip: Handle is coated in heavy duty plastic for a comfortable and tight grip when digging or transporting materials
4. Burpee 13" Stainless Steel Trowel
Are you looking for a garden trowel with depth indicators to help you with specific garden tasks that require precision? Check out the Burpee 13" Stainless Steel Trowel. This product has a contoured grip that makes it super comfortable for prolonged use.
Product Highlights
Certain garden tasks require precision and accurate measurements. Adding fertilizer or planting bulbs are just a few of them. Well, the Burpee 13" Stainless Steel Trowel features an integrated depth indicator that helps you dig or plant with precise measurements.
Furthermore, the durable and robust stainless steel head is built to last for decades with good use. Its rust-proof, corrosion-proof, heavy-duty construction is ideal for all kinds of yard work. You can use the tool to dig, plant, or break stubborn, hard soil without worrying about damage.
The best part is, the manufacturer offers a 10-year warranty, so rest assured about easy replacements. The contoured wood handle is not only aesthetic but super comfortable and easy to hold. It enables you to use the tool for extensive yard work without injuring or blistering your hands.
What's There To Like About It?
I love the ash wood handle that looks incredibly stylish and also offers an excellent ergonomic grip. Its contoured design makes it easy for my husband and I to use for different types of yard work. Furthermore, I love the integrated leather hand strap that ensures that I never accidentally lose my trowel in the garden again.
Lastly, I appreciate the depth measurements that make it super convenient for me to measure fertilizer for my vegetable garden accurately.
What's There Not To Like About It?
If I had to pick one flaw, I would talk about the size and flexibility of this garden trowel. Although it is relatively small, it might be ideal for some gardeners for specific tasks. However, I found it a little too small for most tasks. I also wish the material was slightly more rigid.
Pros and Cons of Burpee 13" Stainless Steel Trowel
Pros
Cons
- Durable stainless Steel head
- Depth measurements make planting easy
- Contoured ash wooden handle
5. Garden Guru Garden Trowel
Before moving on to the next section of my guide, I want to introduce you to another of my favorite products. Take a look at the Garden Guru Garden Trowel. The first thing that caught my eye was its vivid neon green handle. However, there is much more to the tool than its good looks.
Product Highlights
If you are an avid gardener, misplacing your tools in the garden or shed may be all-too-common. This is why it is good to purchase tools with brightly colored handles that are easy to spot.
Well, the Garden Guru Garden Trowel features a bright, neon green handle that makes it super easy to spot - even in low light conditions. Not just that, the large thumb-rest at the top of the handle and finger grooves give your fingers a comfortable resting place.
One of the best parts about this product is the manufacturer's lifetime warranty. As such, you can expect impeccable after-sales service from the brand after purchasing its products. Of course, the robust stainless steel blade is rust-proof and virtually indestructible, making it ideal for most yard work.
Lastly, its compact size and lightweight body make it extremely easy to store or carry around.
What's There To Like About It?
I love the contoured design with the finger grooves and thumb-rest. By and large, the tool is highly convenient for prolonged use. Furthermore, its strategic design prevents finger fatigue and blisters, which would happen all too often when I would use my old gardening tools.
I also spoke to the customer service representative and was extremely pleased with their quick response and impeccable service. As such, this garden trowel is ideal for almost all kinds of yard work.
What's There Not To Like About It?
The manufacturer provides detailed instructions on maintaining the tool, which includes using a spray oil-based lubricant on it before storing. This can be quite annoying and unnecessary for most gardeners, especially if you are looking for a low-maintenance tool that is easy to use regularly.
Pros and Cons of Garden Guru Garden Trowel
Pros
Cons
- THE ULTIMATE GARDEN TROWEL - Planting, transplanting, removing stubborn weeds, mixing soil and compost or scooping fertilizer, the Hand-E Garden Trowel is the Gardeners Go To Tool.
- POLISHED STAINLESS STEEL - Rust Resistant Blade is Thick for Strength and Durability, Wide and Concave for Scooping, Properly Designed for Professional Grade Applications.
- COMFORTABLE ERGONOMIC HANDLE - Large and Thick with Thumb Rest on top and Finger Grooves on bottom. Well Designed for those in search of an Agreeable Grip that Minimizes Hand Stress and Fatigue.
Buyers Guide
Now that you know about some of the best garden trowels on the market, it's time to move on to the next section of my guide. In this section, I will be telling you about some of the most crucial factors to consider when looking for the right product for your requirements.
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1. The Blade Shape
One of the first things you need to consider when looking for garden trowels is its blade shape. You will find several varieties on the market - from flat blades to pointed, sharp ones. The varying blade shapes can be useful for different purposes depending on the task at hand.
Since I was looking for a garden trowel primarily to add fertilizer and plant bulbs, I knew that I required one with a sharp, pointed mouth. Furthermore, I love the addition of an integrated measurement indicator that enables accuracy and precision for specific garden work.
Of course, a garden trowel has various applications outside of adding fertilizer and using it to plant bulbs. I recommend considering the purpose of your purchase before choosing the best product. Garden trowels with sharp, pointed ends can be great for digging, while flat ends can help you break soil or clay more easily.
2. Handle Length And Design
The next thing that I considered was the handle length and design of the tool. While some tools came with a short 4 to 5-inch handle, others were relatively longer and thicker. The right choice would depend primarily on the task at hand.
For example, certain gardening tasks require strength and pressure, which is easier to apply with shorter, thicker handles. However, for tasks such as digging deep holes or placing fertilizer into the soil (instead of sprinkling it on the surface), a longer handle may be a better option.
More importantly, take a look at the design of the handle and how comfortable it would be for prolonged use. I have often injured my hands and fingers while using cheaply made garden trowels and other yard tools. To prevent this, I recommend looking for one that has a comfortable rubber design or features contoured or textured handles.
Also, make it a point to go through customer reviews and feedback to get a better idea of the product and its uses.
3. Hand Strap
A lot of users may not consider the addition of a hand strap essential. However, in my opinion, an integrated hand strap can make a lot of difference in a user's experience with a yard tool.
I can be quite careless at times, and I often misplace my tools around the yard or shed. Fortunately, the addition of a hand strap makes it more convenient to hang the tools from hooks when they aren't in use. Plus, I can easily hang it from my wrist or belt while working so I don't continuously misplace it in the garden.
Frequently Asked Questions
The primary difference between the two tools would be its sizes. As such, shovels are much larger and are generally used for digging or removing portions of soil, dirt, grain, or snow. On the other hand, a trowel is an excellent tool for digging smaller portions of soil to plant bulbs, add fertilizer, or break hard soil.
There is no wrong or right length when it comes to choosing a garden trowel. As such, it depends on the purpose of your purchase. So, if you need one for planting seeds and bulbs or adding fertilizer, opting for a smaller size handle may be adequate. However, digging deep holes or breaking hard soil may require a slightly larger handle.
The best material for a garden trowel blade would be stainless steel since it is entirely rust-proof and can withstand massive amounts of pressure. Furthermore, the material is easy to clean and maintain for decades.
Stainless steel is also relatively lightweight but extremely robust. It makes an excellent tool for digging into both soft and hard soils without going through any damage.
That being said, stainless steel garden trowels can be slightly expensive. If you are looking for a hardy but affordable option, you may want to consider aluminum trowels instead.
A garden trowel has a multitude of applications, and you can purchase one based on your purpose of use. This small spade or shovel is excellent for digging small holes for planting seeds and bulbs. However, its other applications include mixing fertilizer, additives, breaking up earth, planting, and weeding.
As with any other gardening tool, trowels come in a variety of sizes and shapes - each for a different application. You can find curved, flat, long, and thin blades with rounded sides, ladle blades, transplanting blades, and more.
However, the traditional garden trowel features a curved, large blade that is designed for digging, planting flowers and bulbs, and breaking up hard soil.
My Final Recommendation
It’s time to wrap up my comprehensive guide. I hope you enjoyed reading it, and it helps you find the best product to use for yard work.Â
Before I sign off, I would love to reiterate some of my favorite products. Overall, the Fiskars 70736935J was one of my favorite garden trowels to use because of its lightweight and compact form, along with the robust construction.Â
However, if you are concerned about the Prop 65 warning, you can consider the Edward Tools Garden Trowel instead. Finally, I also liked the Burpee 13' Stainless Steel Trowel for smaller jobs around the yard.Â
Let me know if you agree with my verdict and which garden trowel you liked best. Leave a comment below, and be sure to keep checking for more such reviews and guides.
With that, it’s a wrap. Take care!