10 Essential Tools I Never Garden Without
No matter the season, there are certain tools I reach for every single day. These aren’t just nice to have but they make garowing cut flowers more efficient, enjoyable, and even a little easier on my body.
If you’ve ever wondered which tools are truly worth investing in, here’s my list of 10 essential garden tools that I can’t garden without.
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1. HoeDag Tool
We all have that one garden tool that when you lose it, you run around your garden frantically searching for it. What? Is that just me?! The HoeDag Tool is that tool for me. It is my absolute favorite garden tool that I use and it is for a few different reasons. One, this tool makes digging out weeds a breeze. Two, it makes the perfect planting hole. I also use it to dig a shallow trench to direct sow seeds that need to be buried under the soil. This tool is also very well made. I’ve had no issues of anything coming loose or breaking and I have worked it very hard! I will not be without this tool and if it ever breaks, I am ordering two more immediately!
Find the tool here.
2. Roo Apron
I’ve been wearing a Roo Apron since starting my first cut flower garden in 2018. At the time of writing this article, I have been wearing it for 7 years! My original apron was a vibrant purple but after working a countless amount of hours outside, the apron itself is still perfectly fine but the color has faded to a pastel purple. I’d like to think she is aging gracefully like me! Ha! My favorite thing about this upon is how clean it keeps me when I am working on the farm and in the cut flower field. The apron is made of thick material and it dries quickly too. There are all sorts of pockets too. The big apron pouch can hold a lot of stuff. If you would like to see a video of what I keep in it, watch it here.
I am honored to be a Roo April Affiliate which means I make a small commission on qualifying purchases. This means I also have a discount code for you too!
Use the code: bloomingjoy for 10% off on The Roo Apron website!
3. Hori Hori Knife
A Hori Hori knife is a gardener’s secret weapon. This tool acts as a trowel, knife, saw, and measuring guide all in one. I use mine for digging holes, cutting through stubborn roots, dividing perennials, and even measuring planting depths for seeds. The serrated edge makes it easy to slice through compacted soil, and the sturdy handle provides great grip. If you’ve never used a Hori Hori knife before, trust me—it will quickly become your go-to tool.
4. Pocket Tape Measure
Plant spacing matters, and having a pocket tape measure ensures I get it right. Whether I’m marking out proper distances for transplanting flowers or making sure my garden beds are uniform, a small tape measure is a simple yet essential tool. I prefer one that’s lightweight and retractable so I can slip it into my pocket without even noticing it’s there.
5. Pocket Knife
I always keep a pocket knife on me when I’m working in the garden. From cutting twine to opening bags of compost, it’s one of those tools that proves useful in ways you don’t expect. A sharp, foldable knife is easy to carry and comes in handy multiple times a day.
6. Leather gloves
I will admit- I am not a garden glove girlie. I don’t wear them most of the time (personal preference!) but there are times when they are needed! I wear them when pruning garden roses or if I am weeding an area that has lots of thorny weeds.
7. Garden Marker
I learned the hard way that not all markers are created equal. Regular Sharpies fade in the sun, leaving you with mystery plants by midsummer. That’s why I always use a weatherproof garden marker—it writes on plant labels without fading, smudging, or washing away in the rain. It’s a small investment that saves me a lot of confusion later on.
8. Plant Tags
Speaking of garden markers, plant tags are a must have to go with them! Whether I’m starting seeds or keeping track of different flower varieties in the field, having labels helps me stay organized. I use a mix of plastic and wooden and love to reuse past years lables whenever possible. When I’m busy planting, the last thing I want is to forget what I put where! I always like to think I will remember exactly what flower variety I planted throughout the season but it is funny how you often forget. 😂
9. Chap Stick – a Surprising Essential!
This might seem like an unusual item on a gardening list, but trust me—chapstick is essential. Long hours in the sun and wind can quickly dry out lips, and there’s nothing worse than feeling uncomfortable when you’re trying to enjoy your time in the garden. I keep one in my apron pocket at all times, and it always comes in handy.
10. Garden Snips
An essential tool of being a cut flower grower is my snips! Cutting countless stems, I can’t do my job without them! I reach for my garden snips more times than I can count. Whether I’m harvesting delicate flowers, deadheading, or trimming herbs, these lightweight, sharp snips make precise cuts without damaging stems. I always keep a pair (or two) within reach because they’re perfect for the small, detailed cuts that larger pruners can’t handle.
I’m always on the hunt for new snips- Leave me a comment and tell me your favorite pair of snips to use!
Conclusion: The Right Tools Make All the Difference!
Having the right tools makes growing cut flowers not just easier, but more enjoyable. These 10 essentials help me stay efficient, comfortable, and organized, whether I’m tending to seedlings, harvesting flowers, or prepping garden beds. If you’re looking to invest in quality tools that truly make a difference, I highly recommend starting with these. Check out my Amazon Storefront and browse my Garden Tool List!
What are your must-have garden tools? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear what you can’t garden without!
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