Our favorite garden hoe, the Corona GT 3244 Hoe Cultivator, has a versatile two-in-one blade and fork with a comfortable handle that reaches 36 inches long. Here are the best garden hoes to tend to your garden. This garden hoe is made of durable steel with an unconventional blade. One side is traditionally hoe-like: flat, for deep digging, tilling, and breaking through hard-to-get-at soil. The other end has three tines, for cultivating. This garden hoe reaches up to 36 inches, which is ideal for gardeners who may find long-handled tools hard to work with. However, if you are specifically seeking a long garden tool, you may find other, better choices available. (The manufacturer also makes this in an adjustable-handle model.) If not, this tool should continue to provide you with lasting performance each season. Price at time of publish: $18 The carbon-steel blade has been finished with a powder coat to resist rust, and the manufacturer offers a lifetime warranty on the tool. Although budget-friendly, the handle is shorter and may not be the best option if you are looking for something with a longer reach and easier on the back. Price at time of publish: $9 A chemical-free way of removing weeds, this tool works on all soil types and functions best after a good rain or watering. It is important to note that this tool still requires a bit of bending, but is much better than crawling or being on your knees. Price at time of publish: $40 This 2-in-1-designed tool has a wooden handle, with a strong steel head, and the company offers a limited lifetime warranty on the product. There is not much this tool can’t do, but it may not be the best choice if you are planning on using it for long periods. That’s because of its short handle, which means you need to be bending over or working on your knees. Price at time of publish: $13 It is labeled as a weeder, but you can also use this to loosen dirt to plant seeds or channel water. It has a comfortable silicone grip, with a strong fiberglass handle that is long enough to remove weeds while standing. It is on the expensive side when it comes to weeders but is easy to use and should be reliable for seasons to come. Price at time of publish: $50 Truper is a premium brand trusted by professionals and contractors, has been in business for over 40 years, and offers a lifetime warranty. The manufacturer seems to have strengthened the blade after negative comments about earlier versions breaking too easily. Be aware that this is not a tool to use to break hard-packed, rocky ground. Price at time of publish: $40 Unlike other hoes, the Craftsman has a bolted-blade connection, making it sturdy and durable for all seasons. The looped blade makes removing weeds effortless, with minimal force required. The company offers a 15-year limited warranty. Price at time of publish: $28 Price at time of publish: $44
Type
All garden hoes have the same purpose, which is to loosen soil and remove weeds, but not all look the same. Evaluate and determine what you plan to use your garden hoe for, and lean toward the tool that best suits that task. Some hoes are better for soft soil, while other types work best to remove weeds and cut through the hard, rocky soil. Also, some work with a traditional cut-and-pull movement while others are for pushing.
Material
Consider the durability of the blade when choosing a garden hoe, especially if you plan to use it frequently. Stainless steel blades are prone to rust, and you can’t sharpen them, so they are best suited for light gardening tasks. (Some manufacturers powder-coat their blades to forestall rust.) On the other hand, some hoes with pointed blades require frequent sharpening. Besides the blade material, consider its shape. Some are better for pushing and pulling, while others are built for chopping and pulling the hoe inward. Most garden hoes are fairly easy to use. There are a few things to consider such as the length of the hoe, grip on the handle, and material. Some people prefer long handles, while others may find a shorter hoe easier to manage and balance. A wooden handle made of ash tends to allow for just enough bend to make maneuvering around tight spaces easy.
Why Trust the Spruce
This list was researched and selected by Deanna McCormack, a freelance writer for The Spruce. She specializes in home and outdoor products and is an avid gardener. To put together this list of best garden hoes, she considered factors such as type, handle, durability, and ease of use. She prioritized top picks with a good overall value, and that would help get a weeding job done faster.
