Garden Tools List – Gardening tools not to be without

Last Updated on 21/11/2022 by Barney

Our  list includes everything needed for successful gardening.

Whilst I may not have included every gadget and gizmo available we have put onto our  list the best selling bits and pieces you should not be without.

Nothing is more frustrating than putting a date in the diary for that big garden tidy only to find    it is interrupted with visits to dreaded DIY stores (and their weekend traffic)

So, to make it easy I have also linked each best selling product with a supplier for it.

 Garden tools list includes…..

1. Secateurs
2. Spades
3. Garden forks
4. Garden shears
5. Loppers
6. Plant ties
7. Lawn edging tool
8. Garden Hoes
9. Hand forks

Secateurs

Secateurs are the number one tool in your armoury. A decent set of secateurs should last you a lifetime and make pruning a joy. There are 2 types available, bypass and anvil together with many different options

Secateurs for small hands, left handed, large hands and secateurs that make pruning easier should you have weak hands or suffer from arthritis.

Garden Shears

There are all manner of garden shear. Hedge trimming shears for both topiary and hedges. Grass cutting shears and edging shears. Hand held, telescopic, battery and petrol.

A shear is just like secateurs. One sharp blade that passes another to make a clean cut. Quite simple, but invaluable in keeping your garden looking its best.

We have recently published our guide and reviews for garden shears here.

Loppers

Think  huge secateurs. That is exactly what loppers are

Loppers are an essential tool for stems and branches that are too large for your pruners.

Loppers come in many different forms. Small ones for work where larger ones would prove difficult such as selective branch removal from shrubs. Anvil loppers for cutting up dead wood. Telescopic versions to get to places that need a longer reach and telescopic tree pruners. These are especially handy to carrying out your own tree maintenance.

	Spear & Jackson Lightweight Digging Spade Why make life harder for yourself with a heavy digging spade? Lets face it digging is one of the least loved gardening jobs of all. The Spear & Jackson LightWork digging spade in 25% lighter than other spades in the range. It features an aluminium shaft and polished stainless steel spade end. For comfort it has an angled, soft feel handle. This spade has been made with no rustable elements and wooden handles that just rot and break.
	Secateurs Probably the most important tool to purchase for your garden shed. A good set of sharp, reliable & comfortable secateurs makes the biggest contribution to a enjoyable time gardening. I have written much about Felco secateurs. In my opinion (and most other professionals) these secateurs are the best available. There are approximately 12 models in the range to choose from to fit every hand size, left or right handed. or For those that suffer from hand problems such as arthritis Felco have an ergonomic range with unique rotating handle. This helps in spreading the load exerted on the hand whilst pruning with secateurs. Click here for the range and to choose the model thats right for you.
	Garden Shears Your only going to need shears if you have a hedge to look after, metres of box hedging or a rampant climbing plant such as honeysuckle. Should you need shears however a great set is imperative. When looking for a quality shear always go for branded. Wilkinson Sword & Spear and Jackson manufacture really great models. Try not to go for wooden handle shears. After not so long the wooden handles become rough and splinter , this feels comfortable and dries hands out super fast if your not wearing gloves.
	Border Fork Border forks are smaller than normal garden forks. Working with a smaller head on a garden fork is much easier than a full sized traditional garden fork allowing you to work easier between established planting.
	Garden Loppers If you have a garden with large shrubs, hedges and trees then you are likely to need a good set of loppers. When a branch is too big (normally anything over 1" in diameter) then you need to turn to something more hefty. Telescopic loppers are great at reaching up to low hanging tree branches. Also, if you do not want to bend down too much to further cut up branches ready for the fire or the dreaded car journey to the dump.
	Lawn Edging Tool Used to create a beautiful, neat edge to the lawn All your time spent in the garden will not amount to much if you have messy lawn edges. Edge your lawn with a really good lawn edging tool and the difference to the overall look of the garden is massive.
	Garden Hoes A good garden hoe will cut down time spent weeding dramatically. You use a hoe by simply pushing it over the top of the soil. This dislodges or cuts off the weed thus not giving it a chance to grow and get itself deep rooted. Just be careful when using around herbaceous plants, you don't want to accidentally cut their life short!
	Plant ties Whether you have clematis, climbing roses or honeysuckle you are going to need a good quality twine to tie up your plants. I am a convert to this stuff and will never pick up anything else. The problem with old fashioned twine is two fold. It does not cut very well with secateurs, this can be really frustrating especially when up a ladder. Also traditional twine rots very quickly and you'll find yourself tying back in the same plant sooner than necessary. The Bosmere plant tie I'm recommending cuts very easily with secateurs. It is super strong and stretches to accomodate plant growth. Perfect!
	Hand Fork A hand fork is essential for hand weeding around borders where a border fork would be too large. Comfort is a necessity as is stainless steel forks. I prefer not to use a wooden handled hand fork as I seem to only get one season out of them. I just loathe DIY and their rubbish selection of tools. Try this hand fork from for seasons of happy use.

Lawn Edging Tool

If your going to have a garden lawn then make it look its best.

A lush, perfectly mown lawn is all very well but is easily be let down by untidy edges.

Edging is part and parcel of owning a lawn and should be carried out when things start to look messy.

For that purpose I have put together a list of my favourite lawn edging tools here.

Why have I created this list?

This is not a definitive list of what you will end up needing but it is the perfect place to start. I have been professionally gardening for clients for 15 years and have been through a fair few tools, good and bad. With so many tools for gardening on offer it prompted me to start a garden tools list for all. Tools which I know will not let you down and last for many years of enjoyable use.