“Gardening without a trowel is like trying to eat soup without a spoon,” says Veronica Lorson Fowler, a Master Gardener in Iowa. Fowler is a one-time garden editor for Better Homes and Gardens Special Interest Publications, and author of several books about gardening. “It’s a basic gardening tool that even casual gardeners shouldn’t be without and has practically unlimited uses.” Besides consulting with Fowler, we researched the top garden trowels and evaluated them for their overall comfort, sturdiness, and ergonomics. Our top choice is the Edward Tool Garden Trowel for its durability, ease of use, and ability to handle even rocky soil. Here are our choices for the best garden trowels. Although this trowel is advertised as bend-proof, we found some reports of bending and breakage over time. The good news is that it’s backed by a lifetime guarantee, so be sure to request a replacement if you encounter any damage or defects. We couldn’t find any information regarding a warranty, though we did find a few reports saying the trowel broke after several uses. Still, the Expert Gardener Steel Trowel is an effective and affordable gardening tool—even if it’s not quite as sturdy as its counterparts. The blade is made of aluminum—a fairly strong material—but it is lighter than stainless steel and carbon steel options. While this trowel is well suited for light-duty tasks, such as potting, it may struggle or break in rocky soil. On a positive note, this product is backed by a lifetime warranty to ensure customer satisfaction. Made of heavy-duty cast aluminum, these tools are extremely sturdy and resist rust. Another convenient feature is the hole at the top of each handle, making them easy to store when not in use. This set is available in three color choices: cherry red, cactus print, and grass green. Since tools come nicely packaged in a box, they make a great gift for gardening enthusiasts. While most reviews are overwhelmingly positive, we did find some reports of the tools breaking after several uses. However, this set is backed by a one-year warranty for added peace of mind.
While most other garden trowels tend to struggle, bend or break in rocky ground, this weeder seems indestructible. What’s more, all Wilcox All-Pro tools come with a lifetime warranty and are made in the United States. Note that the blade is very sharp and doesn’t come with a protective sheath. Please use caution when carrying it. With a low overall weight of just over 6 ounces, this garden trowel is extremely lightweight and easy to maneuver. Compared with our other picks, the blade is fairly narrow—just 2.5 inches wide—making it best suited for small garden jobs rather than extensive digging. Made of aluminum, this trowel should resist rust and last for years if you properly care for it. We found very few reports of breakage, which further attests to its durability. Thanks to a hole in the handle, this trowel is easy to store. Despite the manufacturer’s claims, we found some instances of the trowel bending and breaking after several uses. Additionally, some may find it a bit on the heavy side and slightly awkward to maneuver. Although the trowel weighs less than half a pound, heavy or compacted soil certainly can add to its heft. This garden trowel is pricier than other options, but its durability sets it apart from the competition. Made of heavy-duty stainless steel, it lives up to the manufacturer’s “unbreakable” claim. We didn’t find any reports of it bending or breaking—even after rigorous use. Plus, this trowel comes with a lifetime warranty and is made in the United States.
Handle: Shape, Length, Grip
A garden trowel’s handle length has a direct impact on comfort and maneuverability. For optimal ergonomics, look for a handle that measures anywhere from 4 to 5.5 inches in length. Anything shorter than that can be awkward or uncomfortable to hold unless you have very small hands.
Material: Blade and Handle
All the trowel blades in this roundup are constructed of stainless steel, carbon steel, or aluminum.
Stainless steel blades often feature a one-piece design, which means they’re less likely to bend or break under pressure.Carbon steel is one of the most durable choices out there. These types of blades are nearly impossible to break.Aluminum is another fairly sturdy option, but it is lighter than its steel counterparts and better suited for light-duty tasks.
All the picks in this roundup have a rubber or plastic handle. These softer materials allow for a secure and comfortable grip and tend to be more ergonomic than wood and fiberglass options.
Blade Type
Garden trowels have two main types of blades: flat or scooped.
A flat blade is intended for more-precision gardening and allows users to dig and plant in tighter spaces. If you transplant smaller plants or plant seeds or seedlings, a flat blade is the way to go.A scooped blade—or one that is more curved—is ideal for digging in larger spaces. Since scooped blades have a larger capacity than flat blades, they are perfect for mixing soil, digging deep holes, and adding mulch to flower beds. “Use it like a giant spoon to mix, say, garden soil with amendments or fertilizers, either right in the ground or in a bucket or wheelbarrow,” says Master Gardener Veronica Lorson Fowler.
Durability
Whether they’re made from steel or metal, all our top picks are designed to resist rust and corrosion. However, you can extend the life of your garden trowel with proper care. Be sure to clean the blade and wipe it dry after each use. Also, store the trowel in a safe location, out of the elements.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written by Sage McHugh, a lifestyle writer for The Spruce who specializes in the home and garden sector. To select the best garden trowels for this roundup, she considered dozens of products, carefully evaluating their comfort, sturdiness, ergonomics, and durability. For expert insight, we also interviewed Veronica Lorson Fowler, a Master Gardener and author of several gardening books based in Iowa.
