A hand trowel is one of the essential tools for both beginners and seasoned gardeners. This reliable tool can dig planting holes, transfer plants, remove weeds, mix compost, and more. Therefore, it’s recommended to get a high-quality piece to make your gardening tasks much easier. However, with the plethora of different materials and shape options, selecting the best hand trowel for gardening can overwhelm even the most dedicated gardener.
Would you prefer a long or short-handled trowel? Will you be working with rocky soil, compacted soil, or containers? Whatever your preferences are, my top three picks, ESOW Garden Tool Set, Edward Tools, and Wilcox All-Pro, are some of the notable hand trowels suitable for most gardening tasks.
This guide will help you find the best garden trowels for your gardening needs. Dive in!
Best Hand Garden Trowels
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1. ESOW Garden Tool Set
- [3 PIECE GARDENING SET]: Traditional Set Built To Last. Ideal for a variety of tasks including pruning, digging,...
- [COMFORTABLE HANDLES]: Ergonomical and soft-grip handle, which made of High Quality TPR material that reduces the...
- [QUALITY HEADS]: Heavy duty Cast-aluminum high hardness, durable, not easy to rust and broken. Polished...
- [GREAT GIFT with GIFT BOX PACKAGING]: Environmentally-friendly paper material packaging boxes can be recycled to...
- [1 Year Warranty with Confidence]: ESOW is devoted to providing reliable & efficient products. Customer...
Last update on 2024-08-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This trio of cast aluminum gardening tools, including a hand rake, trowel, and transplanter, is perfect for handling various gardening tasks. The hand rake is one of the best tools to loosen and aerate compost and soil, and I also used it in some planting tasks and light weeding. The transplanting trowel features depth markers for easy measuring, and it is ideal for relocating smaller plants and flowers. The set’s oversized hand trowel lets you move larger amounts of soil faster.
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Because of the heavy-duty cast aluminum, these tools are sturdy and rustproof. They all feature ergonomic soft grip handles, reducing fatigue and stress while working. Also, you don't have to put on gardening gloves to prevent blisters while working with this tool, thanks to its soft grip handles. An additional convenient feature is a hole at the top of their handles, making storage easy.
Not only is ESOW garden tool set effective and efficient, but it also comes in a nicely packaged box, making it a great gift for my gardening enthusiast friends. It comes in three color choices, cactus print, grass green, and cherry red.
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2. Edward Tools Garden Trowel
- 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
- Rust proof, Bend Proof and Break proof indestructible design
- Lifetime Warranty - If for any reason this garden hand shovel doesn’t hold up the way you expect we will replace...
Last update on 2024-08-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Edward Tools garden trowel is thoughtfully designed for anyone who loves planting seeds or digging holes. It is made from heavy-duty stainless and carbon steel, meaning it doesn’t bend or break in rocky soil or clayey ground. Its ergonomic rubber handle ensures a comfortable grip and additional leverage when working in heavier soils.
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While using this gardening trowel, I noticed the consistency in potting and transplanting to the same depths thanks to the trowel blade’s depth markers. The pointed tip and curved shape neatly dig and transfer soil. With a weight of 9.5 ounces, this sturdy trowel is lightweight and easy to maneuver without creating a mess.
This remarkable tool makes life much easier and more rewarding. Moreover, the company offers a lifetime warranty, so be sure of a replacement should you encounter any defects.
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3. Wilcox All-Pro 100S 10" All-Pro Fine Point Trowel
- UNBREAKABLE METAL: No fear of bending or breaking due to high quality, ultralight, rugged heavy-duty 16 GA....
- PRECISION DIGGING: the fine-pointed trowel is precise when digging in and around plants; It's especially good for...
- NO-SLIP GRIP: Handle is coated in heavy duty plastic for a comfortable and tight grip when digging or transporting...
- PERFECT FOR CAMPERS & HUNTERS: Whether you're camping, backpacking, or treasure hunting, take your trip to a whole...
- Length: 10"
Last update on 2024-08-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Wilcox All-Pro Digging Trowel is perfect for any gardening task, including precision gardening, transplanting, and all-around general use. Its sharp pointed tip cuts through fibrous roots and stubborn weeds with ease. The depth markers stamped on the blade made it easy for me to reference for accurate and uniform measurements.
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This tool has a one-piece, heavy-duty stainless steel design featuring sharp points allowing you to dig into the densely packed soil. The surface is also easy to clean. The handle is coated with heavy-duty plastic and has built-in finger grooves, providing a comfortable and secure grip. For enhanced portability, the Wilcox trowel has a leather wrist strap
This amazing tool gives you the digging power to keep your garden in top-notch condition. You won’t want to miss out on it.
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4. Radius Garden 16011 Root Slayer Trowel
- Root cutting trowel designed to last a lifetime of digging for the serious gardener.
- Heavy duty blade features two dozen ripsaw teeth, inverted V cutting tip, and twine Cutter/bottle opener.
- Powder coated Enamel carbon Steel blades can be sharpened for a long lasting cutting edge.
- Non-latex, thermoplastic grip with polypropylene core.
- Lifetime guarantee (Continental us only)
Last update on 2024-08-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
For a 2 in 1 handy tool, the Radius Garden Root Slayer is your best shot. It has a blade with a shallow trough and sharp serrated edges, perfect for easily cutting through pesky weeds and roots before you scoop to pull the plants from the ground.
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The blade is made from durable powder-coated carbon steel, so it won’t rust. Thanks to its thermoplastic, non-latex rubber handle, I could grip the trowel tightly and comfortably while digging and sawing. The blade has a flat edge that is easy to sharpen to lengthen the tool’s lifespan. Furthermore, this tool comes with a lifetime warranty, so you can replace it if you experience defects or damage.
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5. Radius Garden 100 Ergonomic Aluminum Hand Trowel
- Award-winning ergonomic garden trowel with unique, patented blade for optimal performance in all soil conditions
- Ultra-lightweight, die-cast aluminum blade is stronger than steel and will never rust
- Ergonomic Natural Radius Grip provides extra leverage and reduces hand and wrist stress
- Over molded handle with a comfortable non-latex, thermoplastic grip for comfort and ease of use
- Ideal for gardeners with limited hand strength, arthritis, or carpal tunnel syndrome
Last update on 2024-08-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This ergonomic trowel from Radius Garden is specially designed for superior digging and minimization of hand stress and wrist fatigue, making it ideal for users with weak wrists, arthritis, or carpal tunnel syndrome. The curved, thermoplastic handle is easy and comfortable to hold for extended periods. By offering additional leverage, it minimizes stress on wrists and hands when working.
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Radius garden trowel blade is made from aluminum and weighs only 7 ounces, which is ultra-light and easy to maneuver. This aluminum head is also stronger, sharper, and rustproof. The blade design helped me pop out the delicate seedlings with precision and effectively transplant them without damaging the roots. I also used this tool for weeding.
However, while this hand trowel is suitable for light-duty tasks, like potting, it might struggle or break in rocky soil. Therefore, be careful how much force you apply when using it.
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Best Hand Trowel for Gardening Buying guide
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Choosing the best garden trowel is easier when you consider a few helpful tips. Here are some considerations to keep you going.
1. Comfort
How a hand trowel feels while you’re working is important, especially if you work for extended hours and engage in heavy-duty tasks. Trowel’s handle should be comfortable to hold. Cylindrical-shaped handles are normally easier and more comfortable to hold. Features such as finger grooves, ribs, and palm rest improve the grip. Ergonomic design handles also reduce strain on the wrist and hand, making it less painful to do repetitive motions.
2. Material
Carbon steel, stainless steel, and aluminum are the most common trowel blade materials. Stainless steel blades are strong and rust-resistant. Carbon steel is also super strong, though it may rust if left outside. Aluminum, on the hand, is a fairly sturdy option, but these trowels are lightweight and best for light-duty tasks like planting bulbs or seedlings.
The trowel handles are often made of rubber or plastic materials. These materials are softer and allow for a comfortable and secure grip. They are also more ergonomic compared to fiberglass and wood options.
All of these materials are break-resistant and bend-proof; after all, nothing is more frustrating than a blade deforming while you are digging in clay soil.
3. Blade Type
There are two main types of garden trowel blades, flat and scooped.
A flat blade is for more-precision gardening and allows you to plant seeds and dig in tighter spaces. If you are transplanting smaller plants or seedlings, a flat blade is your best choice.
On the other hand, a scooped blade is more curved and perfect for digging in larger spaces. They have a larger capacity than flat blades, making them ideal for digging deep holes, mixing soil, and adding mulch to flower beds.
Some trowels have beveled, curved, or sharp pointed blades that easily cut through densely packed soil and dig into rocky soil or gravel. You can also use the back-blade wings of some trowels to pull out stubborn weed systems and roots. Also, most blades feature depth marks that you can use to get your soil and fertilizer measurements right all the time.
4. Handle
A hand trowel’s handle length directly impacts maneuverability and comfort. For optimum ergonomics, look for trowels with a handle measuring anywhere from 4 to 5 1/2 inches in length. Anything shorter than that can be used in tight spaces, but they might feel awkward or uncomfortable to hold. Extra lengths may also increase the possibility of bending.
5. Additional Features
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Some extra features affect hand trowel capabilities, including handle holes, weight, and sharpening.
Trowel’s weight affects how you use the tool. Pick a trowel weighing 3 pounds or less. The lightweight trowels are easy to maneuver. Also, some trowel handles feature holes at the bottom, making it easy to hang them on a hook or garden shed garage for convenient storage.
Additionally, the metal construction of some trowels makes them easy to sharpen, so you can keep them in working conditions when the edges start to dull.
Locating your trowel in a yard or around the campsite can be frustrating, especially if it is lying in the dirt or grass. Therefore, you should consider trowels that come in various colors or highly polished steel that shines in the sunlight.
6. Durability
Whether they are made from metal or steel or metal, the best hand trowels are designed to resist corrosion and rust. However, you can extend the lifespan of your hand trowel with proper care. Ensure you clean the blade and wipe it dry after every use.
7. Price
Regarding price, you don’t have to spend much money on a hand trowel. However, even if a trowel may come at a cheap price, you don’t have to compromise on quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
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1. What is the best type of garden hand trowel to buy?
There are many types of hand trowels you can purchase, but one of the most common options is a stainless steel option. These types of hand trowels are excellent and durable.
2. What are the uses of a garden hand trowel?
A hand trowel is a multipurpose tool that can be used to dig plant holes, transplant seedlings, scoop soil, and extract unwanted weeds. Garden trowels come in different shapes, sizes, and materials. Lightweight trowels are well suited for smaller tasks, while heavy-weight trowels are perfect for heavy-duty jobs like breaking up compact soil.
3. How do you clean and store a hand trowel?
To prevent rust, thoroughly wipe the trowel’s blade after each use. You can use a garden hose to spray off stuck-on dirt and soil. Also, you can soak your tool in hot water and add dishwashing detergent to remove residual soil. If you notice any rust, use a steel wool or wire brush to scrub it away.
Always store a garden hand trowel in sheds to protect it from the elements and lengthen its lifespan. Some products have holes built in their handles that you can use to easily hang them in a shed or garage when not in use. Also, a hanging loop is convenient for portability and storage.
4. How long does a hand trowel last?
Quality hand trowels can last a decade or longer if properly taken care of. To guarantee a longer life, sanitize, clean, and dry the blades after every use. Plus, remember to store your tools safely out of the elements.
5. What is the difference between a trowel and a transplanter?
There is not much difference between a hand trowel and a transplanter. However, a transplanter’s blade is longer and narrower and perfect for digging deep plant roots when transplanting.
6. What is a hand trowel for gardening?
A garden hand trowel is a tool with a pointed, scoop-shaped blade with a handle. It resembles a spade or handheld shovel and is used for breaking up earth, potting, digging small holes, transplanting, mixing fertilizer or other additives, and weeding.
Conclusion on the Best Hand Trowel for Gardening
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If you are going to get down on your knees and hands in the garden, one tool you’ll definitely need is a hand trowel. Whether you use it for planting seedlings and bulbs, digging up weeds, or cutting roots, this highly versatile gardening tool is indispensable, and if you find a good one, you will probably use it for over ten years.
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