🌿 Why the Right Tools Matter
Whether you’re maintaining your own garden or doing professional work like I do, having the right tools makes all the difference. You don’t need a shed full of gear — just the essentials that are durable, sharp, and actually make the job easier.
In this post, I’ll share six garden tools I use every single week, along with one or two I wish I hadn’t bought. I’ve included affiliate links where relevant — these help support the blog at no extra cost to you.
I originally bought these Kimura secateurs on Amazon expecting something average. They turned out to be absolutely brilliant.
They’re sharp, sturdy, and comfortable to use all day. I later “upgraded” to Felco No.2s — the classic choice for many pros — but to be honest, I prefer the Kimura.
✅ Why I Recommend Them:
– They cut cleanly through thick stems
– Easy to sharpen and maintain
– Solid construction with no flex
🚫 Watch out for: Cheap secateurs often bruise stems instead of slicing — avoid anything that feels flimsy.
I started with a budget rake that clogged constantly and bent under pressure. I eventually upgraded to the Wolf Garten leaf rake, and I haven’t looked back.
The tines are wide, flexible but strong, and perfect for everything from leaves to thatch removal.
✅ Why I Recommend It:
– Feels solid without being heavy
– Ideal width for quick clearance
– Works great in borders without damaging plants
🛠 Bonus Tip: Pair it with the Wolf Garten multi-change handle system for storage efficiency and toolhead swaps.
I somehow own five hand forks. Why? Because I keep leaving them in gardens — and instead of bothering customers, I just bring another next time.
The one I use most is a simple Amazon hand fork, but after losing a couple I learned the hard way to avoid the cheaper smaller ones. They’re just too small to really get into the ground and properly fork out deeper weed roots.
✅ Use For:
– Border planting
– Weed removal
– Loosening compacted soil
A clean lawn edge is one of the fastest ways to make a garden look “done.” I started with a hand-me-down, but I’m upgrading to the Wolf Garten half-moon edger for its build quality and comfort.
✅ Why I Recommend It:
– Gives borders a crisp finish
– Saves time on cleanup
– Easy to store and maintain
These aren’t glamorous, but they save your back. I use a basic pair from Amazon and they’ve lasted surprisingly well.
✅ Best For:
– Bagging leaves fast
– Shovelling mulch or compost
– General clean-up without bending constantly
Loppers are where tool quality really matters. I’ve snapped the handles on cheap ones before. Now I use a sturdy Amazon pair that holds up well for woody stems.
✅ Use For:
– Medium-thick branches
– Shrub control
– Rough pruning jobs
🚫 What to Avoid: Lightweight aluminium shafts or budget pairs under £15 — they’ll flex or snap under pressure.
🧰 My Pro Starter Kit for Gardeners
If you’re just getting started, I’d recommend this simple kit:
This setup fits in a single bag, does 90% of garden jobs, and will last if you buy right the first time.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best garden tools for beginners?
Start with secateurs, a rake, and a good hand fork. From there, build based on your garden’s needs.
Is it worth paying more for tools?
Yes — within reason. You don’t need to spend £50 on secateurs, but the £7 ones will frustrate you. Look for best-sellers with strong reviews.
Are Wolf Garten tools really worth it?
In my experience, yes. They’re well built, modular, and great for tight storage. Ideal for both home users and professionals.
✅ Final Thoughts
These six tools are the backbone of my garden kit — they come with me to every job. They’ve earned their keep many times over, and I’d recommend them to anyone looking to upgrade their tool shed without wasting money.
All links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission if you buy — at no extra cost to you. It helps keep the blog going and supports more helpful guides like this one.