Skip to main content

HappySprout may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

These are the only 5 items you need to start an amazing garden

Successful gardening requires an assortment of equipment. Tools may be the most difficult area to pin down because there are so many different tasks to be done. What does a gardener do to ensure they get the right products and avoid the gimmicks? Avoid the clutter trap as you plan your garden installation.

Each garden is unique, from the soil conditions to the types of plants, to the gardener’s physical ability and personal preferences. But every in-ground garden requires the same basic multi-task tools: A garden knife, spade, rake, hoe, and garden hose. Use these few tools to start any kind of garden, and then add specialized tools later on if the need arises.

overhead view of woman sitting on grass with garden tools
NinaMalyna/Shutterstock

Garden knife

https://www.amazon.com/Garden-Diamond-Sharpening-Thickest-Leather/dp/B016BBM6FI/ref=sr_1_7?dchild=1&keywords=garden+knife&qid=1609889826&sr=8-7 

This is one of those tools you may not think about until you need it. A good knife makes gardening much easier when it’s time to open a bag of soil, remove plant labels, and other everyday tasks. A pocket knife would work, but a hori hori is better. Not only is it an excellent cutting tool, but the unique shape and graduated measuring marks make it an excellent trowel, transplanter, cultivating tool, harvest tool, and more. 

The Truly Garden Hori Hori Garden Knife comes with a leather sheath and a diamond sharpening tool to keep the blade well tuned. The thick, full-tang, 7-inch blade is made of 420 stainless-steel for tough digging and efficient cutting. It features a curved blade profile and soil depth gauge, and two cutting edges, a sharp flat edge and a serrated edge. The durable 5-inch hardwood handle is attached by steel pins and includes a protective handguard. 

Spade

https://www.amazon.com/Fiskars-Steel-D-handle-Square-Garden/dp/B000BX4SLS/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=garden+spade&qid=1609889183&sr=8-3 

In the garden, a spade may be the best digging tool. The spade works well in tight spaces, is capable of precise digging, and has a thick neck that withstands leverage quite well, making it an excellent choice for breaking new ground and transplanting perennials. The flat, square edge is great for creating crisp bed edges, removing lawn grass, trenching for drainage or irrigation, and general digging.

The Fiskars 46 inch D-handle Garden Spade features a welded, 14-gauge hardened steel blade, and 18-gauge steel shaft that provide ample strength and durability for heavy-duty tasks. A powder-coated finish resists rust and makes cleanup easy. The sharpened blade easily penetrates heavy soil and cleanly slices through roots. An extra large D-handle design offers enough space for two-handed operation. 

Rake

https://www.amazon.com/Bully-Tools-92309-12-Gauge-Fiberglass/dp/B002Z8N7SM/ref=sr_1_9?dchild=1&keywords=garden+garden+rake&qid=1609948083&sr=8-9 

A steel bow rake is the ideal tool for smoothing out garden soil. After turning the soil with a spade this tool levels the surface, picks out rocks and debris, and breaks up small clumps. It also helps to sculpt clean natural edges on raised beds and tree rings.

The Bully Tools 16-Tine Bow Rake is made with a durable 58 inch high-strength fiberglass handle. An ergonomic cushioned grip increases user comfort and reduces hand fatigue. The welded steel tines are built with strong 10-gauge steel to break up and level hard, compacted soil or mulch.

Hoe

https://www.amazon.com/Truper-30002-Welded-Warren-54-Inch/dp/B0046VDYIE/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=lightweight+warren+hoe&qid=1609889589&sr=8-2 

Many garden hoe styles are either too heavy or only do a single job. The warren hoe’s triangular head gives it a favorable strength to weight balance, and makes it useful for numerous tasks. It is an excellent weeding and cultivating tool. The unique head shape works well in tight spaces around garden plants. It can be used for deep or shallow cultivation. It also makes perfect long furrows for planting.

The Truper Tru Tough Warren Hoe is made with a 54-inch ash wood handle for strength and durability. The gray steel head is finished with a silicone clear coat for easy cleanup. 

watering plants with a garden hose
gornostay/Shutterstock

Garden hose and nozzle

https://www.amazon.com/Briggs-Stratton-8BS50-50-Foot-Heavy-Duty/dp/B007R0UHDQ/ref=sr_1_14?dchild=1&keywords=garden+hose&qid=1609889985&refinements=p_72%3A2661618011&rnid=2661617011&sr=8-14 

Watering plants, mixing fertilizers, and cleaning tools require water. A good garden hose and nozzle will make these tasks much easier. Quality hoses resist kinking, don’t stiffen too much in cold weather, and have strong connectors. Good hose nozzles are made of durable material and have sturdy moving parts.

The Briggs and Stratton Premium Heavy Duty Garden Hose is available in 25-, 50-, 75-, and 100-foot lengths. It features crush-proof, nickel-plated brass couplings with a rubber washer for secure connections. The hose interior is reinforced for high burst strength, and the natural rubber exterior remains pliable in cold temperatures. 

Take care of your tools

Quality tools are built to last, and they’ll last longest when they receive proper care. Remove dirt and debris after working in the garden. Store them out of the weather when not in use. Coat metal surfaces with a thin layer of oil to prevent rust in storage. Sand and oil wooden handles to eliminate splinters. Turn off the water supply and disconnect hoses when they are not in use. Drain standing water from hoses when freezing temperatures are imminent. With good care, these few simple tools should last for decades.

Editors' Recommendations

Mark Wolfe
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Mark Wolfe is a freelance writer who specializes in garden, landscaping, and home improvement. After two decades in the…
Zone 10a planting guide: Here’s what you need to know about what you can plant
Zone 10a plants and their growing schedules
Woman reading book by plants

Consisting of the southernmost parts of the U.S., zone 10a is a rich region for a wide range of plants. While you might need to keep an eye out for your tender herbs and cold-hardy plants, many flowers, succulents, and plants can thrive in zone 10a's warm temperature outdoors. Below, we've put together a zone 10a planting guide to break down all that you need to know about this welcoming environment for nourishing foliage life.

What is a climate zone? 
With the Plant Hardiness Zone Map, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has divided the country into 13 different climate zones based on average annual minimum temperature ranges. Zone 1 has the coolest temperatures, while Zone 13 has the warmest ones.

Read more
These are the 13 best gardening shows to stream right now
No matter your streaming service, there's a gardening show just for you
Netflix logo on TV in red lit room

Whether you're an expert or novice gardener, you might find yourself in need of inspiration to get your green thumb into shape come next gardening season. As it turns out, sometimes the best way to get your gardening mojo back is to watch TV shows that showcase extraordinary gardening.

Maybe they'll give you new ideas for new color combinations or plant combinations you never thought of before, or maybe they'll inspire your next ambitious landscaping project. Luckily, there are plenty of gardening shows out there on all your favorite streaming platforms, such as Netflix, HBO Max, Apple TV, and Amazon Prime. You may not even be aware these shows exist and could be missing out on amazing ideas for your garden!

Read more
Zone 9b planting guide: Everything you need to know about nourishing a garden in this warm climate
The best plants to grow in zone 9b and when to grow them
A happy gardener with gloves

From show-stopping roses to hardy agave, zone 9b is home to plants of all stripes, thanks to its warm, sunny conditions. It’s also an ideal environment for a wide range of fruits and veggies, whether you’re partial to hot peppers or sweet cherries. Its hot summers can be challenging, but it’s generally a productive and lush area for thriving plant life. Here’s your zone 9b planting guide so you can nourish a fruitful and beautiful garden in one of the country's warmest areas.
What is a climate zone?
With climate zones on the Plant Hardiness Zone Map, the United States Department of Agriculture divides the country into 13 regions based on average annual minimum temperature ranges. The temperature ranges go from coldest to hottest as we move from zone 1 to 13. Zone 9b, as you may have already guessed, falls on the warmer parts of the map.

Whenever you buy a plant from a store, look for the label that indicates the "plant hardiness zone." If your zone is within that range, the plant is a perennial in your area, meaning it’ll last more than one growing season there. If not, you’ll have an annual on your hands, which means it probably won't survive more than one growing season in your region.

Read more