Tools & Equipment
Choosing the garden tools and equipment worth owning, and how to clean, sharpen and store them so they last for years.
Garden tools
Garden tools worth owning
You don't need a shed full of equipment to garden well. A small set of good-quality tools, chosen for the jobs you actually do and looked after properly, will serve you for years.
Our guide to essential garden tools for beginners explains what each tool is for, what to look for when buying, and how to clean, sharpen and store your tools so they stay in good shape.
Tools for specific jobs:
- Lawn: see our lawn care guide for mowers, edging and raking.
- Vegetable beds: see how to start a vegetable garden.
- Bigger projects: for patios, decks and paths, see how to plan a patio or deck. For tools around the house, see DIY home improvement for beginners.
If you have a pond, a long-handled net and a few spares make maintenance easier. Our pond supplies checklist lists what to keep on hand.
Common questions
A sturdy spade or shovel, a hand trowel, bypass pruners, a garden fork, a rake, a hose with an adjustable nozzle or a watering can, and a good pair of gloves cover most jobs. Add more specialized tools as your garden grows.
For tools you use often, such as pruners, a spade and a trowel, better-quality tools with strong joints and replaceable parts usually last much longer and are more comfortable to use. Budget tools are fine for jobs you do once in a while.
Clean off soil after use, dry tools thoroughly, wipe metal parts with a light coat of oil, and store them somewhere dry. At the end of the season, sharpen blades and treat wooden handles with linseed oil.