When you’re planning a garden, there’s plenty to think about. First, How to keep the garden green and healthy? then you worry about which lawn fertilizer to use? and wonder what kind of soil will work best.
But one thing that often slips through the cracks is how you’ll get your hands into the dirt. I couldn’t figure out how to spread soil evenly across my lawn. At this time, a friend of mine introduced me to a trowel that would be my next gardening best friend.
After using a trowel, I realized that a good trowel could make all the difference. When it comes to digging your way out of weeds and turning over new soil, a trowel made everything more straightforward and accessible for me. I have also tried old-school methods to trowel my lawn. However, I learned that it could leave you doing double the work.
Garden trowels are essential for any gardener. They’re not just for weeding and other tasks—they also make it easy to transplant seedlings from one pot to another. But with so many options available, how do you know which garden trowel is suitable for you? In this article, I’ll review six of my favorite garden trowels and explain why they’re so great.
Table of Contents
6 Best Garden Trowels For Your Lawn
You don’t want to waste your time with useless trowels. You want something that does the job. To help you with this problem, I will share my experience about what made each tool worth purchasing.
1. Cate’s Garden Stainless Steel Hand Trowel
Cate’s Garden Hand Trowel is made of stainless steel, which makes it the best heavy-duty garden trowel and ideal for use in the garden.
The trowel was made up of robust material and sturdy construction. I was able to use it without getting tired and having to worry about it bending or breaking. It was also resistant to rust and corrosion. I had this one left in the garden for several weeks, and still, it was as new as ever. So, I don’t have to worry about metal rusting over time.
This trowel had this round, carefully designed broad head, which allowed me to easily dig into hard soil and scoop out weeds or other debris. The handle was thick and sturdy as well. Even I tried digging in rocky soil or clay-like dirt. My hands did not cramp up after just a few minutes of use.
Everything is perfect about this trowel, and I don’t even have a single drawback to mention here. If you are looking for a solid build and comfortable handle, this is one of the best trowels.
2. Radius Garden 10011 Ergonomic Aluminum Hand Trowel
I always get asked about affordable gardening tools, and here I am with one of the best budget trowels available. If you’ve ever had to dig a hole, you know that it can be hard on your hands. But the Radius Garden 10011 Ergonomic Aluminum Hand Trowel is the solution to all your hand-digging woes.
After receiving this professional garden trowel, I found it lightweight yet strong enough to dig through hard soil and gravel. Its spade blade has been designed for maximum leverage and minimum stress. This way, I could have my hands and wrists remain relaxed.
And because it was made of aluminum, it never rusted. I just cleaned it up after every use and stored it among my usual tools. Additionally, I like the Thermoplastic hand trowel grip on this trowel. It helped me to hold onto this trowel securely while still helping me to move it freely around the yard.
A patented ergonomic design makes this tool ideal for anyone who wants better results from their gardening efforts! However, getting comfortable with this one might take some time. And because of this, I won’t suggest beginners try their hands on this one. For beginners, you can consider WilFiks Garden Transplanter Carbon Steel Trowel.
3. WilFiks Garden Transplanter Carbon Steel Trowel
When it comes to planting, WilFiks Garden Transplanter Carbon Steel Trowel is one of the best beginner-friendly heavy-duty garden trowels. If you are just starting with gardening, this trowel is a must-have in your toolbox.
Besides being easy and convenient to use, I found this trowel best suited for heavy-duty purposes. How did I find it the best for heavy-duty purposes? Because this carbon steel hand shovel had an anti-slip super grip handle for precise and consistent planting, it didn’t make my hands feel sore or tired after prolonged use.
The hole in the shovel allowed me to hang it for easy and convenient storage. This way, I could keep track of my tools without getting lost in a messy garage or shed.
The blade and rubberized grip on this trowel were easy to clean, and it also came with a lifetime warranty against defects in material or workmanship. It also had these engraved depth marks, which helped me plant seeds and plants at the proper depth every time. Additionally, because it’s made of carbon steel, I am sure it will last through dozens of plantings before needing to be replaced!
Beginners would love this tool in their garden because it is easy to use and store. In short, it is a simple win-win circumstance with this trowel.
4. DeWit Forged Narrow Blade Transplant Trowel
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“These are such solid, well-made tools! I have four of their various tools so far, and there are several others on my wish list. 🙂 There would be many more to wish for if I was serious about gardening – it seems like they have a specialty tool for every need. The trowels have a thicker metal blade than the usual stamped stuff you may be used to, but the edges are ground to a bevel, so they are thinner/sharper – making the digging easier.”
Yvonne B.
I found DeWit Forged Narrow Blade Transplant Trowel as the perfect transplant trowel for tight spots in my garden. With this one, I could do away with my lawn’s tight corners, my garden beds, and the narrow areas between plants.
Because of this reason, I would clarify this trowel as the best professional garden trowel in this list. The sharp edges and the narrow blade were made to slip between plants without damaging roots or stems.
This transplanting trowel was also lightweight and robust. The forged steel made up this trowel is sturdy and durable but also lightweight enough to carry in your pocket or backpack.
The DeWit Forged Narrow Blade Transplant Trowel was originally Dutch-made, so I rest assured that it’s made with the highest quality standards.
This trowel was also comfortable and easy to hold but lacked measurements on the blade. Because of this, I might not have something other than this trowel. For a trowel with measurements, check out the Edward Tools Transplanter Trowel.
5. Edward Tools Transplanter Trowel
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“I was weeding the other day and the trowel I was using kept bending making it impossible to pull up difficult roots. Not this one! It’s fantastic! I got twice as much done once this came in the mail. It refused to bend even when being used as a lever to heave up massive root clumps. Highly recommend.”
Melissa Ahrens
The Edward Tools Transplanter Trowel is the best tool for planting your garden. The robust aluminum construction, durable plastic handle, and rust-proof blades with this trowel make it a great addition to any gardener’s toolbox.
The ergonomic handle provided me with maximum comfort during long hours of planting. It also had these engraved depth markers, which helped me quickly gauge how deep my next furrow should be.
The transplanter trowel was bend-proof and rust-proof. The blade was made of high-quality steel that didn’t bend or rust when exposed to moisture or water. However, the handle was a bit large and challenging to maneuver, which was a big turnoff for me.
For a better handling experience with a trowel, you can consider Fiskars Big Grip Transplanter with Serrated Edges.
6. Fiskars Big Grip Transplanter with Serrated Edges
Transplanting small plants or flowers can be a real pain. The last time I did so, I had to dig around with my hands and get them all muddy while trying to get the root ball out. However, I also had to worry about damaging the roots as I transplanted them into the new pot.
I had a fantastic time with Fiskars Big Grip Transplanter with Serrated Edges. I could easily transplant small plants and flowers without damaging their roots.
The padded handle was made for comfortable digging, and gradation marks on the blade helped me get even cuttings all the time—so you don’t end up with plants that look like a weed whacker has attacked them!
The polished cast aluminum head had sharp edges that helped me easily slice through dirt, clay, or whatever else came in the way of transplanting my dreams. I was bothered by how the blades of the trowel were not sharp enough to cut through the soil, even though the trowel was easy to hold and durable for a long time.
Different Types of Garden Trowels
There are many different types of garden trowels on the market today. Here are six of them.
1. Traditional Garden Trowel
The traditional garden trowel blade is the most common type of trowel. It features a single, flat edge and is used to dig holes or trenches in the soil. This type of trowel is also useful for planting seeds or cuttings that require a deep hole to be dug.
The traditional garden trowel blade is considered to be the best heavy-duty garden trowel for transplanting smaller plants from one location to another. The traditional garden trowel blade has been around for thousands of years and remains popular today for its simplicity and ease of use.
2. Transplanting Garden Trowel
Transplanting garden trowels feature two blades that make them more versatile than traditional garden trowels. These types of trowels are designed specifically for transplanting plants from one location to another without damaging the roots of your plants or causing undue stress on them during transport.
Transplanting garden trowels typically have one wide blade at one end and one narrow blade at the other end which allows you to dig a large enough hole to move larger plants without damaging them during transport.
3. Dixter Garden Trowel
This type of trowel has a wide blade that is usually made from metal or plastic. It’s used for digging holes for plants, as well as for turning over soil when planting seeds. Some models have sharp edges along the sides to help loosen the soil so it can be dug up easily. The Dixter trowel is also useful for digging up weeds and chopping up roots.
4. Ladle Garden Trowel
These trowels have long, narrow blades that are ideal for digging shallow holes or transplanting smaller plants into pots or beds. They’re also good for breaking up hard ground before planting new seeds or seedlings. Ladle trowels come in different sizes depending on how big a hole you need to dig and how large your hands are.
5. Potting Garden Trowel
A potting trowel is used to handle potting soil and plants. It has a small blade that’s best suited for working in small spaces. The blade is usually straight, but some have curved tips that allow you to dig deeper into the soil without damaging roots.
6. Digging Garden Trowel
A digging trowel is larger than a potting trowel and has a wider blade that makes it easier to dig through hard-packed dirt or clay without damaging the roots of new plants. The handle is usually longer than on a potting trowel, so it’s easier to reach down into deep holes without having to bend over as much.
What are Garden Trowel Blades Made Of?
The material used for the blade of a trowel is an important consideration.
Stainless Steel is the most durable material and it can be used for all types of soil, as well as being resistant to rust and corrosion. Stainless steel blades are also quite flexible and durable, making them suitable for use on hard surfaces such as concrete or brickwork.
Carbon Steel Blades are more affordable than their stainless counterpart, but they are not as durable and they do not resist rust or corrosion, as well as stainless steel, does. Carbon steel blades are usually used in conjunction with wooden handles, which will tend to absorb moisture from the soil and cause them to corrode over time.
Bronze Blades are another option when choosing garden trowel blades because they offer many of the same benefits as stainless steel – these professional garden trowels are durable enough to withstand heavy use and they don’t rust easily – but bronze is also cheaper than stainless steel so you can get a better quality product without breaking the bank!
Aluminium Garden Trowel Blades are great for those who want something lightweight and long-lasting.
What Are Garden Trowel Handles Made Of?
Garden trowel handles are made from a variety of materials. Plastic and rubber grips are common, as are wooden handles. The material used in the handle can affect the overall quality of your gardening tools.
Wooden Handles can be made from ash, hickory, or maple wood. These woods are strong and durable and can withstand heavy use without cracking or splintering. Wooden handles also have a nice feel to them when you’re working in the garden. However, they get dirty easily and require regular cleaning with soap and water.
Plastic Handles are often made from polypropylene, which is very durable but may crack if dropped on concrete or hard surfaces such as rocks or bricks. Some plastic grips may also retain odors and stains over time, which can make them unpleasant to hold while working in the garden.
Rubber Grips are usually made from natural rubber latex that’s been vulcanized into its final form by heating it at high temperatures in an autoclave machine. Natural rubber latex is a great material because it’s flexible enough so that you can squeeze the handle when you’re digging into tough soil without hurting yourself.
What You Should Consider in a garden trowel?
When you’re shopping for a garden trowel, there are a few things you should consider.
Material
A metal trowel is durable and easy to clean, but it can be heavy and cold in the winter months. Plastic tools are lighter weight and won’t rust, but they may not stand up as well over time when used regularly with acidic soils like peat moss or mulch.
Some trowels come with rubberized handles or grips, which makes them more comfortable than others because they don’t slip out of your hands when wet or covered in mud or soil. This also helps prevent blisters from forming on your fingers from having too much friction between them.
Handle Shape
The best garden trowels have ergonomic handles that allow you to use them comfortably for long periods of time. Smaller handles may be easier for some people, but they could also mean more fatigue when digging deeper holes or planting larger plants. The shape of the handle can also affect how well it fits into your hand. Rounder handles are easier on arthritic hands, while tapered ones may fit better into smaller hands.
Trowel Size & Weight
The size of your trowel will depend on how much digging you plan to do. If you only have a small space or flowerbeds that need weeding once in a while, then you can get away with a smaller tool. However, if you plan on doing more gardening or landscaping work, then it’s better to go with something bigger. Keep in mind that heavier tools will work better for breaking up soil and moving rocks, but they might not be as comfortable to use over long periods of time.
Handle/Work Angle
The handle of your trowel should be comfortable in your hand, especially if you plan on using it all day long. Look for handles that have a slight angle at the top so you can hold it comfortably without straining your wrist or fingers too much (especially if the handle is made from wood). This also makes it easier to use when digging deeper into the ground where there’s more resistance
Grip Size
A good grip is very important in a garden trowel, as it can sometimes be difficult to maneuver the tool in your hand when digging in hard soil or clay. I recommend a larger diameter handle that feels comfortable in your hand and has a good grip.
Length
The length of an ideal garden trowel will depend on personal preference, but generally speaking, I recommend one that measures between 20cm and 30cm long. Garden trowels also vary in length, depending on what you’re going to be using them for. If you just want one for general garden maintenance, a longer one with a pointed end will work well because it allows you to dig deeper into the soil and turn over large amounts of dirt quickly.
How did I Test the Products?
To test all the trowels here, I first checked whether they were comfortable to hold. I ensured every trowel had these ergonomic handles; if not, they were still comfortable to hold in my hands.
Next, I checked for how wide or huge the plate of each trowel was. I wanted something manageable because it is impossible to reach around the tight corners. I ensured the blade plates were just long and wide enough to fit into any planting regardless of its area or coverage.
Next, I check the material of the blade plate with each trowel. For this, I also made some of them stay outside overnight to see if they could resist harsh weather conditions. I checked for corrosion and erosion, and thankfully each of the trowels passed the test.
Lastly, I wanted the blades to be sharp enough that it cuts through the soil. And after the blade part, I checked whether the plate had measurements. Because I wanted something that would help me know how deep I am digging through the soil.
Conclusion
Just like you, I love gardening and its benefits to my home. I am creating a beautiful place I could call my heaven. And I know that every gardener needs the right tools for their task. So I reviewed some garden trowels to help you decide which will best suit your needs. If you aren’t sure about which one to get, let me share some of the best picks with you:
- Best Pick: Cate’s Garden Stainless Steel Hand Trowel
- Best Budget Pick: Radius Garden 10011 Ergonomic Aluminum Hand Trowel
- Beginner-Friendly Pick: WilFiks Garden Transplanter Carbon Steel Trowel
Grab one so you can be prepared for the next planting season.
FAQs
What is the difference between a garden trowel and a spade?
A garden trowel is a small digging implement with a pointed tip and two handles. It is used for digging holes in the ground, planting seeds, and transplanting small plants. While a spade is a tool with an angled blade at the end of a long handle. It is used for digging holes in soil or sod for planting larger plants, such as shrubs and trees.
Is a trowel used for weeding?
Yes. Trowels are used to weed, but they are also used for other things like digging holes and planting flowers.
What is a Dutch Hoe?
A Dutch Hoe is a kind of shovel used in gardening and landscaping. The blade of the hoe is shaped like a rectangle, but with rounded edges on two sides. It typically has a wooden handle and may have a metal head. The Dutch Hoe has been used since at least the 18th century.
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When she is not busy writing or working on her latest gardening project, Duaa can be found watering her houseplants, experimenting with DIY balcony and urban gardening creations, or cookingin the kitchen with ingredients she has grown in her own garden.
With her passion for nature and her wealth of knowledge and experience, Duaa is a valuable resource for anyone looking to deepen their connection with the world of gardening.
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