Best Gardening Trowels of 2026

Steven Taylor Avatar
Steven Taylor
Last Updated: Jan 17, 2026

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Gardening trowels are essential tools for any gardener, whether they are a seasoned professional or a novice. These small, handheld shovels are perfect for digging small holes, planting bulbs, and transplanting seedlings. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, with some featuring serrated edges for cutting through tough roots and others designed with ergonomic handles for comfortable use. Most gardening trowels are made from durable materials like stainless steel or carbon steel, ensuring they can withstand the rigors of outdoor use. With a good quality gardening trowel, any gardener can easily maintain their garden and keep it looking beautiful all year round.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Fiskars 384220-1001 Ergo Garden Hand Trowel Cover #TOP 1
Fiskars 384220-1001 Ergo Garden Hand Trowel
ftb score rating icon 9.9
MECHER Heavy Duty Garden Trowel Cover #TOP 2
MECHER Heavy Duty Garden Trowel
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Fiskars Soil Scoop 1.5 Cups Cover #TOP 3
Fiskars Soil Scoop 1.5 Cups
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Gardening Trowels

#TOP 1

Fiskars 384220-1001 Ergo Garden Hand Trowel

384220-1001
Black
Trowel
Fiskars 384220-1001 Ergo Garden Hand Trowel Cover
Fiskars Ergo Garden Trowel for Digging and Planting, Heavy Duty Gardening Hand Tool with Hanging Hole

The Fiskars 384220-1001 Ergo Garden Hand Trowel is an ideal tool for digging when planting, taking up plants, turning up earth and more. Its ergonomically designed handle reduces hand and wrist fatigue while weeding, and its polished aluminum head resists rust for lasting value. Customers have praised its sturdy construction, beveled edge for added leverage, and its ability to extract weeds with their roots. It's a great tool for any gardener.

What We Like
Sturdy and durable construction
Comfortable ergonomic handle
Effective for digging and weeding
Affordable price
Easy storage design
What We Don't Like
Requires bending to use
Small leftover holes after weeding
#TOP 2

MECHER Heavy Duty Garden Trowel

Orange
1 Pack
MECHER Heavy Duty Garden Trowel Cover
Garden Shovel Garden Hand Trowel, Heavy Duty Hand Shovel with Ergonomic Handle, Small Gardening Tools for Digging, Rust Resistant Gardening Spade Trowel Tools, Orange

The MECHER Garden Trowel is crafted from thick aluminum alloy, allowing you to dig deep and cut through tough soil effortlessly. Its ergonomic rubber-grip handle ensures comfort and reduces fatigue, making your gardening tasks less strenuous. Lightweight and compact, this trowel is easy to store and carry, perfect for on-the-go gardening. Additionally, the smooth, rustproof surface makes cleaning a breeze, keeping your tool looking new and ready for use whenever you need it.

What We Like
Versatile functionality
Sturdy construction
Comfortable grip
Lightweight design
Easy to find handle
What We Don't Like
Possible rare defects
#TOP 3

Fiskars Soil Scoop 1.5 Cups

1070669
Black
1.5 cup
Fiskars Soil Scoop 1.5 Cups Cover
Fiskars Soil Scoop for Potting and Transplanting, Garden Tool Indoor Gardening, Made with Recycled Plastic, 1.5 Cups

The Fiskars Soil Scoop is a handy tool designed to make your indoor gardening tasks easier. Its size is just right for moving soil into medium planters, perfect for patios and balconies. Made from lightweight yet durable resin with recycled plastic, it’s eco-friendly and easy to handle. The flat bottom design helps the scoop stay steady when placed on a surface, preventing spills and messes. Plus, the deep sides hold more soil, so you can transfer without worrying about dropping dirt everywhere. Whether you’re potting, repotting, or transplanting, this scoop offers convenience and control for your gardening needs.

What We Like
Sturdy hard plastic construction
Versatile for tools or household use
Handle locks upright
Handy detachable small bin
Flat bottom, straight sides
What We Don't Like
Handle folds one direction only
Small detachable bin capacity
#TOP 4

Kemaier Garden Shovel

YY-07
Hand Trowel
Kemaier Garden Shovel Cover
Heavy Duty Gardening Hand Trowel - Carbon Steel Garden Trowel with Rubberized Handle, Ideal for Soil Planting, Digging, Transplanting

The Kemaier Garden Shovel is a heavy-duty gardening tool made of 65 manganese steel, carbon steel, and rubber. It features an ergonomic rubberized handle that is comfortable to hold and provides a secure grip. The shovel is welded seamlessly and is stronger and more durable than other trowels with wooden or plastic handles. Customers have praised its sharp point, sturdy construction, and pointed tip that can get through anything. The only downside is that the yellow band on the handle is not big enough or bright enough to stand out when it is laid on the ground.

What We Like
Exceptional durability
Sharp blade and edges
Comfortable ergonomic handle
Rust-resistant
Excellent root-cutting ability
What We Don't Like
Handle wrap may loosen
Slightly heavy for some users
#TOP 5

Fiskars Seed Planting Garden Trowel

340110-1001
Black
No Size
Fiskars Seed Planting Garden Trowel Cover
Fiskars 340110-1001 Seed Planting Trowel, Black

The Fiskars Hand Seed Sower is a lightweight, durable tool that provides four seed-planting essentials in one. It features a trowel, stylus, widger and measuring tool, all integrated into one 2-piece tool. The trowel and widger have debossed, easy to read, English and metric measurements that won't fade or erode. Made of lightweight, rust-proof FiberComp, it comes with a full lifetime warranty.

What We Like
Lightweight and sturdy
Durable quality material
Comfortable grip
Rust-resistant
Large scoop capacity
What We Don't Like
Adhesive label residue
Not for hard or deep soil
#TOP 6

Radius Garden 16011 Root Slayer Trowel

Root Slayer
16011
Trowel
Radius Garden 16011 Root Slayer Trowel Cover
Root Slayer 16011, Trowel, Red

The Radius Root Slayer Trowel is a heavy-duty trowel designed to last a lifetime of digging for the serious gardener. Its powder-coated enamel carbon steel blades can be sharpened for a long-lasting cutting edge. The non-latex thermoplastic grip with a polypropylene core ensures a comfortable and secure grip while digging. This trowel features two dozen ripsaw teeth, an inverted V cutting tip, and a twine cutter/bottle opener, making it a versatile tool for all your gardening needs. The ripsaw teeth allow for easy cutting through roots and tough soil, while the inverted V cutting tip makes it easy to dig through the soil. The twine cutter/bottle opener adds convenience to your gardening experience. With a lifetime guarantee, the Radius Root Slayer Trowel is a great investment for any serious gardener.

What We Like
Exceptional root cutting ability
Durable heavy-duty construction
Ergonomic, comfortable grip
Highly effective for weeding
Sharp saw-edge design
What We Don't Like
Slightly less force for thick roots
Handle may fade in sun
#TOP 7

WORKPRO 11" Stainless Steel Garden Trowel

Nature
11" garden shovel
WORKPRO 11" Stainless Steel Garden Trowel Cover
WORKPRO 11" Garden Hand Trowel, Heavy Duty Polished Stainless Steel Garden Shovels with Wood Handle, Small Gardening Hand Tools for Digging, Planting, Measure, Transplanting

The WORKPRO Garden Trowel is a durable tool crafted from polished stainless steel, making it tough against rust and corrosion. This means you can rely on it for various gardening tasks without worrying about bending or breaking. Its design features length markings, helping you accurately gauge soil depth for perfect seed planting. The wooden handle offers a comfortable grip, allowing you to move your wrist freely and reducing fatigue during long gardening sessions. Plus, its lightweight and compact size make it easy to store, ensuring it’s always ready for your next gardening adventure.

What We Like
Sharp blade
Sturdy construction
Comfortable handle
Rust-resistant
Perfect weight and balance
What We Don't Like
Blade may be too sharp
Longevity not fully proven
#TOP 8

Kemaier Heavy-Duty Trowel Garden Tool

YY-37
Black(YY-37)
Kemaier Heavy-Duty Trowel Garden Tool Cover
Kemaier Heavy-Duty Trowel Garden Tool, Stainless Steel Serrated Hand Shovel for Effortless Digging, Weed Control, and Precise Bulb Planting

The Kemaier Heavy-Duty Trowel Garden Tool, also known as the Kemaier Garden Tool, is a must-have for any gardener. Made with 2.5mm thick stainless steel, this trowel can handle the toughest gardening tasks, from hard soil to tangled roots and rocky yards. Its innovative design features a 3-inch sawtooth on the left side for cutting small branches and weed roots, while the sharp V-shaped blade easily cuts into deep soil. The built-in scale helps achieve precise bulb planting, and the large handle provides a perfect grip. With its solid Full Tang metal tube construction, this trowel is built to last. Weighing just 0.66 pounds, it's lightweight and easy to use. The Kemaier Garden Tool is the perfect gift for any hardworking gardener.

What We Like
Sturdy heavy-duty construction
Sharp blade and serrated edge
Comfortable ergonomic handle
Effective for tough roots
Multi-purpose garden tool
What We Don't Like
May not arrive sharpened
Not as narrow as pictured
#TOP 9

Edward Tools Garden Trowel

PD-10580
Gray
Edward Tools Garden Trowel Cover
Edward Tools Garden Trowel - Heavy Duty Carbon Steel Garden Hand Shovel with Ergonomic Grip - Stronger Than Stainless Steel - Depth Marker Measurements for More consistent Planting

The Edward Tools Garden Trowel is a heavy-duty, bend-proof and break-proof tool made from carbon steel and featuring an ergonomic rubber grip handle for comfortable use and better leverage in heavy or rocky soils. It also has depth markers for easy measurement for more consistent planting or transplanting, and comes with a lifetime warranty.

What We Like
Heavy-duty construction
Sturdy handle
Suitable for tough soil
Good size for gardening
Depth measurement lines
What We Don't Like
Occasional bending issues
Possible color mismatch
#TOP 10

Coghlan's Lightweight ABS Plastic Trowel

8408
orange
One Size
Coghlan's Lightweight ABS Plastic Trowel Cover
Coghlan's Trowel - Lightweight ABS Plastic Camping Shovel, 2 oz, Ideal for Backpacking, Hiking, Outdoor Digging, and Gardening

The Coghlan's Lightweight Camping Shovel is a handy tool for outdoor lovers. Weighing only 2 ounces, it’s easy to carry, making it perfect for backpacking and hiking without adding extra bulk. Made from tough ABS plastic, this shovel stands up well to rough use, so you can depend on it during your trips. It’s great for digging tasks like making small holes for waste or creating drainage trenches at your campsite. The ergonomic handle gives you a comfortable grip, allowing you to dig precisely even in hard or rocky soil. This tool helps make your outdoor chores quicker and easier.

What We Like
Lightweight and portable
Low cost
Bright, easy-to-spot color
Decent durability for price
Versatile outdoor use
What We Don't Like
Limited strength in hard soil
Size may be slightly bulky
Buying Guide Image

The Best Gardening Trowels You Should Consider

Introduction

Gardening trowels are essential tools for any green-thumbed enthusiast. They are versatile and can be used for a wide range of tasks, from planting seeds and bulbs, to transplanting and cultivating soil. But with so many different types and styles of gardening trowels on the market, it can be overwhelming trying to choose the right one. In this article, we will explore some of the key factors to consider when selecting a gardening trowel, so you can find the perfect tool for your gardening needs.

Size and Shape

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a gardening trowel is the size and shape. Gardening trowels come in various sizes and shapes, each designed for different tasks. For example, a narrow trowel is ideal for planting seeds and bulbs in tight spaces, while a wide trowel is better suited for moving and cultivating soil. Consider the tasks you will be using your trowel for, and choose a size and shape that is appropriate for those tasks.

Material

Another important factor to consider is the material of the gardening trowel. Gardening trowels are typically made of either metal or plastic. Metal trowels are durable and long-lasting, but they can be heavy and may rust over time. Plastic trowels are lightweight and won't rust, but they may not be as durable as metal trowels. Consider your personal preferences and gardening needs when choosing the material of your trowel.

Handle

The handle of a gardening trowel is also an important factor to consider. A comfortable, ergonomic handle will make it easier and more pleasant to use your trowel for extended periods of time. Look for handles that are made of a soft, non-slip material, and that fit comfortably in your hand. Some trowels even have handles with built-in grips or hand guards, to provide extra support and comfort.

Brand and Price

Finally, consider the brand and price of the gardening trowel. There are many different brands of gardening trowels on the market, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. Do some research and read reviews to find out which brands are known for producing high-quality, durable trowels. As for price, gardening trowels can range from very inexpensive to quite costly. Determine your budget and look for a trowel that fits within that budget, while still offering the features and quality you need.

Conclusion

Choosing the right gardening trowel can make all the difference in your gardening experience. By considering factors such as size and shape, material, handle, brand, and price, you can find a trowel that is perfect for your gardening needs and budget. With the right trowel in hand, you'll be ready to tackle any gardening task with ease and confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the difference between a trowel and a soil scoop?

A trowel and a soil scoop have different designs and purposes. While a trowel is a handheld tool with a flat blade and a handle, a soil scoop acts as an extension of the hand, reducing stress on the wrist. The soil scoop has a dished body, a unique point, and serrated sides, making it suitable for various gardening tasks.

2. What is the best material for a garden trowel?

Stainless steel is a popular choice for garden trowels due to its durability. It can withstand rocky and hard terrain, making it easier to dig. Stainless steel trowels are bend-proof and rust-proof, ensuring longevity and handling frequent use in the garden.

3. Is a hand trowel better than a power trowel?

Power trowels are more efficient for large-scale projects, covering larger areas in less time compared to manual hand trowels. They offer consistent finishes across concrete surfaces. However, for smaller gardening tasks or more precise work, a hand trowel is often preferred.

4. What is the difference between a hand float and a finishing trowel?

Hand floats and finishing trowels serve different purposes in concrete work. Hand floats have thicker bases and are made from materials like rubber, wood, plastic, sponge, or magnesium. Finishing trowels have thinner blades and open handles. Using a finishing trowel results in a smooth and dense surface, while a hand float is used for initial leveling and smoothing.

5. Is a power trowel better than a hand finish?

Power trowels are highly efficient for large-scale projects, saving time and labor costs. They offer consistent finishes across concrete surfaces. However, for smaller or more intricate concrete finishing work, a hand finish is often preferred for greater control and precision.

6. Is a spade or trowel better for gardening?

The choice between a spade and a trowel depends on the gardening method. Spades are useful for creating in-ground garden plots, while trowels are more suitable for gardening in containers or raised beds. The type of soil used in these gardening methods often determines the tool's effectiveness.

7. What can I use instead of a trowel?

If you don't have a trowel, a potting scoop can be a suitable alternative. Potting scoops have wide, deep blades designed for scooping compost into pots and hanging baskets. They can hold more soil than a garden trowel, making them useful for various gardening tasks.

8. What is the difference between carbon steel and stainless steel trowel?

Carbon steel and stainless steel trowels have different properties. Carbon steel is strong, lightweight, and more flexible than stainless steel. It can be tempered harder and is commonly used in concrete and plaster work. Stainless steel is rust-proof and durable, making it a popular choice for garden trowels. Blue steel, a type of carbon steel, is tempered at higher degrees, making it harder with added spring.

Editor's Notes

During our gardening trowel research, we found 24 gardening trowel products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 118,622 customer reviews through our big data system to write the gardening trowels list. We found that most customers choose gardening trowels with an average price of $7.27.

The gardening trowels are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of gardening trowels, including Fiskars, MECHEER, Kemaier, Root Slayer, WORKPRO. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Steven Taylor Avatar

Steven Taylor grew up in a small town called Beaufort in South Carolina and his passion for building and woodworking has led him to master the latest garden gadgets. He always holds every chance to patch up or sand down his beloved garden. There are various novel technologies in his articles.

Gardening Trowels Comparison Table

#TOP1
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#TOP5
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#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand Fiskars MECHEER Fiskars Kemaier Fiskars Root Slayer WORKPRO Kemaier Edward Tools Coghlan's
Item Weight 6.4 Ounces 6.4 ounces 0.11 Kilograms 11.7 ounces 0.12 Pounds 340 Grams 8.8 ounces 10.56 ounces 0.25 Kilograms 0.05 Kilograms
Material Aluminum Aluminum Resin Alloy Steel Plastic Other - Stainless Steel Carbon Steel, Rubber, Stainless Steel high impact styrene/plastic
Color Black Orange Black Hand Trowel Black Red - Black(YY-37) Gray, Green orange
Style Hand Trowel Trowel-Orange Soil Scoop Trowel Seed Planting Trowel Trowel - Tooth Trowel Garden Weighs 2 ounces (55 grams)
Handle Material Aluminum Thermoplastic Rubber (TPR) Resin Carbon Steel Fibercomp non-latex thermoplastic grip with polypropylene core - Stainless Steel Carbon Steel,Stainless Steel high impact styrene
Blade Material Aluminum Aluminum Alloy Plastic Carbon Steel Plastic Carbon Steel - Stainless Steel Carbon Steel high impact styrene
Is Foldable -
Grip Type Ergonomic Ergonomic Ergonomic Ergonomic Fibercomp Natural Radius Grip - Ergonomic Ergonomic Ergonomic
Item dimensions L x W x H 12.25 x 2.75 x 1.5 inches 12.4 x 3.2 x 2 inches 2.38 x 3.38 x 13.75 inches - 0.88 x 2 x 11 inches 12.75 x 3.5 x 2.25 inches - 12.6 x 2.5 x 1.5 inches - 10.88 x 2.63 x 0.75 inches
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.9
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.0
ftb score rating icon 8.9
ftb score rating icon 8.7
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