Must-Have Tools for Easier Gardening and Successful Harvest

Gardening can be a pastime many people enjoy, and whether you garden to supplement food or to have a hobby you look forward to each spring, having tools to make gardening easier is good to look into.

How to start a backyard garden that is easier on your back, your knees, your hands, and easier on you.

Gardening is a great way to grow organic and delicious food to supplement your grocery budget and be more self-reliant on your homestead.

For some people, it can also be physically challenging when your back, arms, and legs are not as young as they used to be. I also struggle with a body that is aging more quickly than I like. And because I do not want to give up my backyard vegetable garden, tools are an investment I am willing to make.

There are many tools on the market that are made specifically to help minimize the strain while still allowing you to grow a garden that anyone would be envious of.

Easier gardening tips will not diminish the quality of your set up. Actually, they will help you to grow a bigger selection of fruits, veggies, and herbs.

Tools to Make Gardening Easier

One of the best ways to make gardening easier is by investing in the right tools so you can minimize strain on your body. Things like kneeling, bending over, or lifting can aggrivate already sore muscles.

This list of tools has been tried and tested, making them an excellent solution to consider.

hands with orange gloves shoveling new veggies into a garden

Tilling Tools

Tilling is hard, no matter how old you are, but it is also an important step when setting up a new garden bed or prepping for spring planting.

Be sure to grab your FREE Gardening Tools Checklist below!

What does tilling mean?

Tilling means turning over the top layer of soil, breaking it up, and aerating it so when planted seeds will germinate and roots will grow.

Tilling also includes adding organic matter to help improve the soil you have where you live.

Tilling is hard work, but there are tools that will help to make it easier. If you want our best shortcut for this step, read our article on No-Dig Gardening. It is a game-changer for any gardener who wants to have a new growing area filled with healthy, vibrant soil.

Garden fork – This tool is great for aerating and loosening the soil without turning it over, reducing strain on your back. The rounded handle makes it easier to grip as well.
Mini tiller – These small, lightweight tillers are perfect for tilling smaller areas and can be easily maneuvered between rows of plants. Ours is very light weight and even with my back issues, I am able to use it without much struggle.
Broadfork – Similar to a garden fork, this tool is designed specifically for deep tilling and is great for breaking up compacted soil. It also has two handles making it so much easier on your back.
Wheel hoe – This tool has a wheel on one end and a sharp blade on the other, making it easy to push through the soil to loosen and aerate. It can be tricky to get the hang of at first, but once you do it is a great tool for quick weeding.

Spear & Jackson Neverbend Professional Digging Fork Lightweight Mini Tiller Cultivator Gas Powered 2-Stroke Air-Cooled 52cc Engine,Hand-Push CobraHead® Broadfork – Grelinette – Great for Farm and Garden – Ergonomic U-Shaped Design – Tough Carbon Steel Tines Lift & Aerate Soil – Durable Ash Handles – Made in Wisconsin Hoss Single Wheel Hoe | Cultivate, Weed, Plow and Maintain Your Garden!

Man working in the spring garden with tiller machine.

Planting Tools

These tools make planting easier and ensure they have the best chance of thriving. Here are a few of our top picks:

Trowel – This handheld tool is perfect for digging small holes for seedlings or transplanting. Look for one with a comfortable grip to reduce strain on your hand.
Dibber – This tool is specifically designed for making holes to plant seeds and bulbs at the correct depth, ensuring optimal growth. This one also has measurements on the blade to ensure you get the seeds to the right depth.
Hand cultivator – Perfect for loosening soil in small areas, this tool has sharp tines that make breaking up clumps of soil easy and allows you to aerate small areas quickly.
Gardening gloves – Protect your hands from blisters and cuts with a good pair of gardening gloves. Look for ones with reinforced palms for added durability, like these thorn-proof gloves.

Garden Guru Super Strong Garden Trowel Hand Shovel – Titanium Coated Stainless Steel – Rust Resistant – Ergonomic Grip – Perfect Tool for Gardening, Weeding, Transplanting and Digging in Garden Beds Berry&Bird Seeding Widger,Stainless Steel Garden Bulb Shovel with Wooden Handle for Planting Indoor Seed Tool Bulb Planter Trowel Hand Transplanter Dibber Soil Digginng TOBEHIGHER Gardening Gloves – Gardening Gloves for Men and Women 6 Pair, Breathable Rubber Garden Gloves, Outdoor Protective Working Gloves for Raking, Weeding, Digging and Pruning Garden Guru Hand Rake Cultivator Claw Soil Tiller – Military Grade Steel – Rust Resistant – 5 Tine Japanese Ninja Claw – Comfortable Wood Handle – Perfect Pulverized and Aerated Soil

Raised Bed GArdening

One of the easiest and most efficient ways to make gardening easier is by using raised beds to grow your plants. Raised garden beds offer a variety of benefits, such as better drainage, improved soil quality, and reduced strain on your body. In this section, we will discuss different options for setting up raised beds in your backyard garden.

Wood Beds – Traditional wooden raised beds are the most common type of raised bed and can be easily constructed using wood planks or logs or you can purchase a kit.
Metal Beds – You can find so many different metal kits on the market now allowing you to purchase the size you need for the area you have in mind.
DIY with Recycled materials – Finally, you can DIY a raised bed using old concrete blocks, wood pallets, or bricks.

a midlife woman growing vegetables in a raised bed garden

Container Gardening

My favorite way to garden now is using containers. They allow me to tuck plants into my flower beds using our space more efficiently.

I can also grow loads of food on our back deck and patio, bringing our garden closer to the house. This really makes watering and harvesting so much easier.

Grow bags – These fabric containers are lightweight and easy to move around, making them perfect for small spaces or gardening on balconies.
Vertical gardens – These are perfect for those with limited space, as they utilize vertical space rather than horizontal. They are great for growing small veggies such as radishes or lettuce as well as herbs.
Large grow bags – If you want a bigger container to grow in, these large bags are great to use. I have not tried them myself, but they are on my wish list for next year.
Garden tables – These are my new favorite way to grow small garden patches nearer to our back door, in addition to raised beds. Be sure to get a table with wheels, as they are very heavy once planted.

a raised bed of herbs and vegetables growing on a raised garden table copy

Weeding Tools

Keeping weeds under control is a constant battle in any garden. But with the right tools, you can make this task much easier and more manageable. In this section, we will explore different types of weeding tools that can help keep your garden free from unwanted intruders. Some options include:

Handheld weeder – This tool has a sharp, curved blade that can easily slice through weeds and their roots. You can purchase a handheld one, but the long-handled options are much easier to use.
Hori-Hori knife – A multi-purpose gardening tool with a serrated edge for cutting through tough weeds and a pointed tip for digging out deep-rooted weeds.
Garden hoe – There are many types of hoes available, but the stirrup hoe and collinear hoe are particularly useful for cutting weeds at the root level.
Weed torch – This tool uses heat to kill weeds, making it an eco-friendly option compared to chemical herbicides.
Weed fabric – Use these to smother weeds and help to keep them more under control. This is hard to put in, but once it’s in place it will do a good job for a number of years before it needs to be replaced.

Handheld Weeder Tool Garden Tools, Dandelion Remover Tool Gardening Tools, Manual Weed Puller Fast and Labor-Saving Puller Weeding Tools for Garden Lawn Yard Kemaier Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Hori Hori Garden Knife – Ergonomic Design with Double-Edge Sharpness and Oxford Sheath. Ideal for Landscaping, Digging, Weeding, and Makes a Great Farmer Gift Singry Propane Torch Weed Burner,Connect 5-100Lb Propane Tank, Self Igniting,Flame Thrower Fire Gun,Blow torch,Roof Torch MEANCHEN 3x50ft Landscape Fabric, Weed Barrier Fabric, Heavy Duty Weed Block Fabric for Garden Ground Cover,Weed Control Mat

Irrigation Systems

Watering your garden can be a time-consuming and tedious task, but with the right irrigation system, you can save time and effort while ensuring that your plants receive the proper amount of water.

Drip Irrigation – A system that delivers water directly to the base of plants, reducing water waste and minimizing weed growth.
Sprinkler System – This system uses sprinkler heads to spray water over a large area, making it ideal for larger gardens.
Water timer—Timers are a bit pricey, but they can help put watering your garden on auto-pilot, making them a must-have for any “easier” gardening tool list.
Soaker Hose – A porous hose that releases water slowly and steadily along its length, making it perfect for watering rows of plants.
Rainwater Harvesting – Collecting and storing rainwater in barrels or tanks is not only eco-friendly, but also a cost-effective way to water your garden.
Automated Irrigation System – This system uses timers and sensors to deliver the right amount of water at specific times, taking the guesswork out of watering your garden.

Bonviee Drip Irrigation Kit, 100FT/30M Garden Watering System, 1/4 inch Automatic Patio Misting System for Garden with Distribution Tubing Hose & Adjustable Nozzle Emitters Sprinkler Barbed Fittings [Upgraded] Winisok 100FT Flat Garden Soaker Hose, Heavy Duty Double Layer Drip Hose, Save 80% Water Flexible Kink Free Leakproof Watering Hose for Lawn, Garden Beds SQUEEZE master 50 Gallon Rainwater Collection Barrel-BPA Free Home Rain Catcher with Water Diverter, Outlet Hose-Flatback Designed Water Storage Collection Barrel for Gardens and Plants GEJRIO Garden Above Ground Sprinkler System Kit

Composting

Composting is a natural process that involves breaking down organic materials into nutrient-rich soil. It’s an essential practice in gardening as it not only helps improve soil quality but also reduces waste and supports sustainable gardening practices.

Compost Bin – A container specifically designed for composting that keeps organic materials contained and helps speed up the decomposition process.
Pitchfork or Compost Turner – These tools help mix and turn your compost, allowing for proper air circulation and faster decomposition.
Shredder/Chipper – This tool breaks down larger yard waste into smaller pieces, making it easier to compost.
Worm Composter – Also known as a vermicomposter, this system uses worms to break down organic materials into nutrient-rich soil.
Bokashi Bin – A Japanese method of composting that involves fermenting food waste in an airtight container with the help of beneficial bacteria. I have never done this type of composting, but it looks like a future project for sure!

FCMP Outdoor IM4000 Dual Chamber Tumbling Composter Canadian-Made, 100% Recycled Resin – Outdoor Rotating Compost Tumbler Bin for Garden, Kitchen, and Yard Waste, Black (37 Gallon)VNIMTI Pitch Fork for Gardening, 5 Tine Pitch Fork Heavy Duty with Fiberglass Handle, 58 Inches GreatCircleUSA Mini Wood Chipper Shredder Mulcher Ultra Duty 7 HP Gas Powered 3 FCMP Outdoor – The Essential Living Composter, 4-Tray Worm Composter, Plum

a collection of grow bags filled with plants in a garden.

Supports for Vining Crops

Vining crops, such as beans, sweet peas, and cucumbers, require support to grow vertically and produce healthy fruits. This list also have help for heavy producers such as peppers and tomatoes.

Trellis – A tall and sturdy structure, usually made of wood or metal, that supports vining plants to grow and climb.
Tomato Cage – While traditionally used for tomato plants, these wire cages can also work with pepper plants and even cucumbers if you have small spaces to grow in.
Stakes – A simple and cost-effective support option for smaller vining plants. This is actually what I use in our garden and I prefer them over the cages. They are much more customizable and work great when I use straw bales for gardening or grow bags.
Tensioned Wire System – This system involves running wires between two posts to create a trellis-like structure for vining crops to grow on. This setup also works great with a wall and is durable enough to last for many years.

4 Pack Tomato Cage Plant Support Cages for Garden, 18 inches Trellis for Climbing Plants, Upgrade Garden Plant Stakes with Adjustable Ring, Tomato Rings for Support, with Twist Tie AGTEK 34 YHmall Trellis Netting for Climbing Plants, 2 Pack 5×15 Ft Heavy Duty Garden Trellis Netting with 50 Pcs Garden Ties, Square Mesh Outdoor Indoor Grow Net for Support Vine Vegetable Fruits and Flower FEED GARDEN Garden Stakes 36 Inch 3ft 25 Pack, Sturdy Plant Metal Sticks Support, Plastic Coated Plant Stakes, Tomato Stakes, Beans, Trees

Pest Control

Pest control is such an important part of gardening. I have found, over the years, that the more proactive I am with pests in the spring, the fewer issues I have during the summer.

Handpicking – The most natural and environmentally friendly method of pest control, handpicking involves physically removing pests from plants.
Insecticidal Soap – A mild insecticide that can be sprayed on plants to kill soft-bodied insects without harming the plant.
Neem Oil – An organic alternative to chemical insecticides, neem oil is derived from the neem tree and is effective against a wide range of pests.
Row Covers – These lightweight fabric covers can be placed over plants to protect them from pests while still allowing sunlight and water to reach the plants. Just be sure if you chose this option, to remove the covers allowing pollinators access to your flowering plants.
Companion Planting – Certain plants have natural pest-repelling properties, making them great companions for vulnerable crops. For example, planting marigolds next to tomatoes can help deter pests such as hornworms.
Predator bugs – This method involves introducing natural predators of pests, such as ladybugs or praying mantises, to the garden to help control pest populations.
Fences and Netting – Physical barriers such as fences or netting can prevent rabbits and deer from getting to your plants.

Safer Brand Insecticidal Soap & Pyrethrin Concentrate, 32-Ounce Harris Neem Oil Cold Pressed Water Soluble Concentrate, Makes 12 Gallons, 8oz Cookmaster Plant Covers Freeze Protection, 10x33FT Frost Cloth Plant Freeze Protection, Garden Floating Row Covers for Raised Beds/Vegetables Insect/Winter Frost Evoio 4 Pack Fruit Protection Bags with Drawstring, Garden Netting Plant Covers, 3.5 Ft x 2.3 Ft Perfect for Tomato Netting Cover Garden Plant Barrier Netting Bags for Vegetables Fruits Flower

Harvesting Tools

Harvesting is the fun part of gardening that can also take a toll on us physically. Having tools that make this job easier is a great investment to make.

Pruners – Used for cutting branches or stems, pruners come in different sizes and styles depending on the type of plants being harvested. These are specifically for arthritic hands, but I have not tried them myself.
Garden Scissors – These small scissors are perfect for harvesting delicate herbs and flowers. My best advice when choosing garden scissors is to be sure they are sharp and meant to stay that way. Using dull scissors is not only ineffective but also aggravating.
Harvesting Knife – Similar to a pocket knife, but with a curved blade, this tool is ideal for cutting fruits and vegetables from their stems or vines. If scissors are painful to use, this is a great solution.
Garden Shears – These larger shears are useful for trimming larger branches or harvesting a large number of plants at once.
Harvesting Basket – Having a designated basket for collecting produce is such a helpful tool to have. I suggest having two and keeping one near to your garden just in case you forget to bring it with you.
Wheelbarrow – For larger harvests, a wheelbarrow can be used to transport heavier fruits and vegetables from the garden to the storage area. Although this option is plastic and not the best material, it is a great solution if you need something that is lighter weight.
Tarp – Placing a tarp under plants while harvesting can make clean up easier and prevent any dropped produce from getting dirty or damaged.
Garden Gloves – Protecting your hands while harvesting is important, especially when dealing with prickly plants or thorns. These gloves are long cuffs protecting your forearms as well.
Harvesting Apron – For smaller gardens or container gardens, a harvesting apron with multiple pockets can be a convenient way to carry small amounts of produce while keeping your hands free. I do not have one myself, but it is on my wish list!

VIVOSUN 6.5 Linsen-outdoor Pruning Knife,Grafting Knife, Stainless Steel Garden Budding Knife, Folding Pocket Knife for Grafting Multi Cutting Tool, Weed Bushes Branches Mushroom Diggig Knife 4 Pcs Plastic Mesh Garden Harvest Basket Storage Mesh Basket with Wooden Handle Multi Functional Mesh Basket for Kitchen Cabinet Picnic Fruit Vegetable Gathering Organizer (Black, Large)Goplus Dual Wheel Wheelbarrow, Heavy Duty Garden Cart, 330 lbs Capacity Utility Cart with Two 13 inches Pneumatic Tires for Outdoor Lawn Yard Farm Ranch Osznmmg Gardening Apron with Pockets,Gardening Apron for Harvesting Gardening Weeding,Home Cleaning,Waterproof and Adjustable,for Mother’s Day Gift

Having the right tools can make gardening a much easier and more enjoyable experience for anyone. From planting seeds in the spring to tending throughout the summer and harvesting in August, having the right tools can make the growing season more enjoyable.

So whether you’re tending to a small herb garden or harvesting from a large vegetable plot, keep this list of tools to make gardening easier nearby.

tools to make gardening easier