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Digging & Planting

Digging & Planting

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On this website, you’ll find honest, objective reviews of tools, gear, and accessories used in the yard and garden. All reviews are written by real people, just like you, who’ve used the product extensively in real-life situations (unlike other “review sites” that just scrape content from Amazon). They share what worked, what didn’t, and whether or not the product is worth adding to your garden shed. See our reviewers here >>

Lawn Mower Reviews

Redback 40V Lithium-Ion 16″ Cordless Mower: Product Review

Mowers August 24, 2016
Fiskars StaySharp™ 18” Max Reel Mower: Product Review

Mowers June 5, 2018
Redback 120V Lithium-Ion 21” Cordless Push Lawn Mower: Review

Mowers July 17, 2018
GreenWorks G-MAX 20” 40V Cordless Twin Force Mower: Product Review

Mowers June 30, 2016
SunJoe Cordless Lawn Mower (16LM): Product Review

Mowers September 6, 2016
YardForce 120vRX Lithium-Ion 22″ Self-Propelled 3-in-1 Mower: Product Review

Mowers June 19, 2018

Blower Reviews

Greenworks 40V Lithium-Ion Axial Blower (2400802): Product Review

Blowers October 8, 2016
Redback 120V Lithium-Ion Cordless Blower: Product Review

Blowers November 16, 2018
Greenworks 24 Volt, 2-speed Cordless Sweeper: Product Review

Blowers October 16, 2018
Craftsman 60V Max Handheld Blower: Product Review

Blowers July 12, 2019
Yard Force 120V RX Lithium-Ion Cordless Blower: Product Review

Blowers November 16, 2018
BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Lithium Sweeper (LSW221): Product Review

Blowers March 20, 2018
Redback 40V Cordless Blower (106062): Product Review

Blowers October 4, 2016
Husqvarna Blower/Vacuum/Mulcher (125BVx): Product Review

Blowers October 13, 2016
WORX TRIVAC 3-in-1 Leaf Blower / Mulcher / Vacuum Review

Blowers October 23, 2013
WORXAIR Blower/Sweeper: Product Review

Blowers July 9, 2014
Troy-Bilt 40V Cordless Blower (TB4300): Product Review

Blowers October 6, 2016

Cultivator / Tiller Reviews

Troy-Bilt Gas Cultivator (TB146EC): Product Review

Cultivators & Tillers August 25, 2017
Sun Joe Lithium-Ion 40-volt 12-inch Cordless Tiller + Cultivator: Product Review

Cultivators & Tillers October 20, 2017
Earthquake Victory Rear Tine Rototiller (29702): Product Review

Cultivators & Tillers May 21, 2019
Greenworks G-Max 40v Lithium Cultivator (27062): Product Review

Cultivators & Tillers April 14, 2017
Garden Weasel Rotary Cultivator: Product Review

Cultivators & Tillers July 28, 2018
Dirty Hand Tools 10” Mini Cultivator: Product Review

Cultivators & Tillers August 1, 2017
Breez R2 Propane Tiller Cultivator: Product Review

Cultivators & Tillers July 21, 2017
Earthquake® Versa Tiller Cultivator: Product Review

Cultivators & Tillers August 11, 2018

Leaf Clean Up Reviews

The Golden Gark Rake: Product Review

Leaf Clean-Up March 19, 2017
Yard Force Electric Leaf Shredder (YF8000): Product Review

Leaf Clean-Up April 10, 2018
Leaf Gulp: Product Review

Leaf Clean-Up November 13, 2018
EZ Leaf Hauler: Product Review

Leaf Clean-Up October 3, 2017
HopperTopper Lawn & Leaf Funnel: Product Review

Leaf Clean-Up November 8, 2016
Amazing Rake: Product Review

Leaf Clean-Up November 8, 2016
EZ Leaf Stomper: Product Review

Leaf Clean-Up November 30, 2016
Corona BigLOAD™ Leaf Rake (#45030): Product Review

Leaf Clean-Up May 19, 2017

Shovel & Spade Reviews

Spear Head Spade: Product Review

Shovels & Spades November 18, 2014
Root Assassin Shovel: Product Review

Shovels & Spades July 25, 2019
Earth Talon Shovel: Product Review

Shovels & Spades April 14, 2015
Radius Root Slayer Shovel: Product Review

Shovels & Spades October 27, 2017
Root Assassin One Shot Shovel: Product Review

Shovels & Spades December 5, 2017
Mini Root Assassin Shovel: Product Review

Shovels & Spades March 13, 2018

String Trimmer Reviews

Troy-Bilt Cordless String Trimmer (TB4200): Product Review

String Trimmers September 3, 2016
Yard Force 120vRX Lithium-Ion 18” Cordless Line Trimmer: Product Review

String Trimmers October 6, 2018
Greenworks 12” 24V Cordless String Trimmer (21342): Product Review

String Trimmers September 15, 2016
Redback 40V Lithium Ion Cordless String Trimmer/Edger (106065): Product Review

String Trimmers September 10, 2016
WORX WG170 GT Revolution 20V 12″ String Trimmer / Edger / Mini-Mower: Product Review

String Trimmers September 3, 2018
Redback 120vRX Lithium-Ion Cordless String Trimmer: Product Review

String Trimmers October 27, 2018
Craftsman V60 Max 60-volt Cordless String Trimmer (CMCST960): Product Review

String Trimmers May 31, 2019

Lawn Sprinkler Reviews

Melnor XT MiniMax Turbo Oscillating Sprinkler: Product Review

Lawn Sprinklers July 24, 2018
Dramm ColorStorm 9-Pattern Turret Sprinkler: Product Review

Lawn Sprinklers August 7, 2018
Dramm ColorStorm 4-Pattern Gear Drive Sprinkler: Product Review

Lawn Sprinklers October 9, 2018
Melnor XT Turbo Oscillating Sprinkler: Product Review

Lawn Sprinklers August 18, 2018
Dramm ColorStorm Spinning Sprinkler: Product Review

Lawn Sprinklers August 7, 2018
Dramm ColorStorm Whirling Sprinkler: Product Review

Lawn Sprinklers September 25, 2018
Dramm ColorStorm Impulse Sprinkler: Product Review

Lawn Sprinklers October 9, 2018
Melnor XT Turbo Oscillating Sprinkler with Flow Control: Product Review

Lawn Sprinklers August 7, 2018
Melnor All Metal Pulsating (Impact) Sprinkler: Product Review

Lawn Sprinklers September 22, 2018
Gilmour Heavy-Duty Rectangular Sprinkler with On/Off Switch: Product Review

Lawn Sprinklers July 24, 2018
Melnor Turbo Rotary Sprinkler: Product Review

Lawn Sprinklers October 9, 2018
Gilmour Hybrid Impact Sprinkler with Base: Product Review

Lawn Sprinklers October 9, 2018
Gilmour Pattern Master Sprinkler: Product Review

Lawn Sprinklers October 9, 2018
Dramm ColorStorm Oscillating Sprinkler: Product Review

Lawn Sprinklers July 24, 2018

Bypass Pruner Reviews

Corona Rolling Handle Bypass Pruner (BP4840): Product Review

Bypass Pruners March 11, 2017
BAHCO PX-L2 Fixed Handle Bypass Pruner: Product Review

Bypass Pruners March 27, 2017
A.M. Leonard Ergonomic Bypass Pruner (#1234): Product Review

Bypass Pruners March 29, 2019
Corona Branch & Stem Bypass Pruner (BP 4180): Product Review

Bypass Pruners March 29, 2019
Corona Adjustable Grip Bypass Pruner: Product Review

Bypass Pruners October 13, 2017
Stanley FATMAX Hybrid Forged Bypass Pruner BDS6054: Product Review

Bypass Pruners April 17, 2017
Troy-Bilt Comfort Plus Bypass Pruner (RR 4000): Product Review

Bypass Pruners May 23, 2017
Corona Convertible Pruner + Lopper (BP 7450): Product Review

Bypass Pruners April 7, 2017
Fiskars PowerGear2 Bypass Pruner (P551): Product Review

Bypass Pruners March 23, 2017
BAHCO P126-22-F Bypass Pruner: Product Review

Bypass Pruners April 20, 2017
Corona FlexDIAL with ComfortGEL Grips Bypass Pruner (BP 4214): Product Review

Bypass Pruners June 16, 2017
Black & Decker Cordless Pruner (#BD1168): Product Review

Bypass Pruners July 11, 2017
Melnor Talon Bypass Pruner (83270): Product Review

Bypass Pruners July 7, 2017
ARS HP-VS8R Pruning Shears Review

Bypass Pruners March 24, 2013
Corona DualLINK with ComfortGEL Bypass Pruner (PB 4314): Product Review

Bypass Pruners May 1, 2018

Chainsaw Reviews

WORX 20V Cordless Chainsaw: Product Review

Chainsaws July 16, 2019
Greenworks G-MAX 12” Cordless Chainsaw: Product Review

Chainsaws April 24, 2018
Sun Joe 40-Volt 16-Inch Battery-Powered Chainsaw (iON 16CS): Product Review

Chainsaws June 27, 2017
Redback 40V 12” Li-Ion Cordless Chainsaw (106068): Product Review

Chainsaws July 28, 2017

Edgers

Corona EdgeMASTER Lawn & Garden Edger (LG 3684): Product Review

Edgers May 22, 2019
Radius PRO Edger: Product Review

Edgers March 25, 2016
Radius Root Slayer Edger: Product Review

Edgers November 1, 2017

Trowels

Garden Weasel Multi-Use Transplanter: Product Review

Trowels October 6, 2017
Fiskars Ergo Trowel 300S: Product Review

Trowels September 19, 2017
Joseph Bentley Stainless Steel Hand Trowel (#JBY0238): Product Review

Trowels February 16, 2017
DeWit Rock’n Root Trowel: Product Review

Trowels March 30, 2017
Wilcox 202s All-Pro 14″ Digging Trowel: Product Review

Trowels March 6, 2018

Bulb Planters

5-in-1 ProPlugger Bulb Planter: Product Review

Bulb Planters October 9, 2013
Long-Handled Bulb Planter from Joseph Bentley: Product Review

Bulb Planters November 14, 2013

Rakes

The Golden Gark Rake: Product Review

Rakes March 19, 2017
Amazing Rake: Product Review

Rakes November 8, 2016
Corona BigLOAD™ Leaf Rake (#45030): Product Review

Rakes May 19, 2017

Hedge Shear Reviews

Bahco Super Light Professional Hedge Shears (P54-SL-25): Product Review

Hedge Shears August 27, 2016
Gardena Comfort Gear Hedge Clippers 600 (393): Product Review

Hedge Shears August 20, 2016
Corona Hedge Shear (AH 6940): Product Review

Hedge Shears August 22, 2016
Fiskars PowerGear II Hedge Shears (HS551): Product Review

Hedge Shears September 8, 2016
Corona ComfortGEL+ Extendable Hedge Shears (HS 4344): Product Review

Hedge Shears August 18, 2016
ARS 26-inch Professional Hedge Shears (HS-KR1000): Product Review

Hedge Shears August 15, 2016
A.M. Leonard Professional Wavy Shear (#92295): Product Review

Hedge Shears July 14, 2017

Compound Lopper Reviews

Fiskars Cut-and-Grab Lopper: Product Review

Compound Loppers February 6, 2018
A.M. Leonard Professional Compound Action Bypass Lopper Review

Compound Loppers May 2, 2014
WOLF-Garten RR900T Telescoping Lopper: Product Review

Compound Loppers May 19, 2015

Ratcheting Lopper Reviews

Fiskars Ratchet Drive Lopper: Product Review

Ratcheting Loppers January 21, 2017

Bypass Lopper Reviews

Fiskars Cut-and-Grab Lopper: Product Review

Bypass Loppers February 6, 2018
Fiskars PowerGear2 Bypass Lopper (L5518): Product Review

Bypass Loppers May 26, 2017
Fiskars Ratchet Drive Lopper: Product Review

Bypass Loppers January 21, 2017
Melnor Talon Telescoping Bypass Lopper: Product Review

Bypass Loppers March 5, 2017
Fiskars Telescoping Power-Lever Bypass Lopper: Product Review

Bypass Loppers November 11, 2014
Corona Convertible Pruner + Lopper (BP 7450): Product Review

Bypass Loppers April 7, 2017
Dramm 18061 ColorPoint Telescoping Lopper: Product Review

Bypass Loppers December 14, 2013
A.M. Leonard Professional Compound Action Bypass Lopper Review

Bypass Loppers May 2, 2014
Corona ComfortGEL+ Extendable Bypass Lopper: Product Review

Bypass Loppers April 7, 2016
Corona DualLINK Max Forged Bypass Lopper (SL8180): Product Review

Bypass Loppers September 8, 2017

Pole Chainsaw Reviews

Redback 40V Lithium Ion Cordless Pole Chainsaw (106070): Product Review

Pole Chainsaws September 29, 2017
Greenworks G-MAX 40V Lithium-Ion Cordless 8” Pole Saw (20672): Product Review

Pole Chainsaws November 15, 2016
Corona DualLINK™ Extendable Tree Saw & Pruner: Product Review

Pole Chainsaws March 5, 2019
Sun Joe 40V Lithium Ion 8-Inch Cordless Pole Chainsaw (iON8PS2): Product Review

Pole Chainsaws October 25, 2016

Anvil Lopper Reviews

Florian Maxi Lopper: Product Review

Anvil Lopper October 18, 2016

Ratcheting Pruner Reviews

Corona RatchetCUT Anvil Pruner (RP 4224): Product Review

Ratcheting Pruners December 8, 2017
Fiskars Ratchet Action Anvil Pruner: Product Review

Ratcheting Pruners August 31, 2016
Florian Ratchet-Cut Anvil Pruner: Product Review

Ratcheting Pruners August 7, 2016

Telescoping Lopper Reviews

Melnor Talon Telescoping Bypass Lopper: Product Review

Telescoping Loppers March 5, 2017
Fiskars Telescoping Power-Lever Bypass Lopper: Product Review

Telescoping Loppers November 11, 2014
Dramm 18061 ColorPoint Telescoping Lopper: Product Review

Telescoping Loppers December 14, 2013
WOLF-Garten RR900T Telescoping Lopper: Product Review

Telescoping Loppers May 19, 2015
Corona ComfortGEL+ Extendable Bypass Lopper: Product Review

Telescoping Loppers April 7, 2016

Good Online Sources for Flower Bulbs

Colorblends

New Holland Bulb Company

White Flower Farm

Netherland Bulb Company

Dutch Gardens

Brent and Becky's Bulbs

What We’re Hearing About Growing Bulbs

RT @GardenJunkie1: How to Plant and Grow Bulbs - The Gardening Products Review http://t.co/G4y1mGxMbm < Comprehensive
— Helen Battersby (@gardenfix) October 23, 2013

When Using Leaf Blowers …

Many neighborhoods have noise ordinances that prohibit excessive noise during certain hours – usually in the early morning and evening. Some ban the use of leaf blowers altogether (although, usually, this applies only to gas-powered models).

Make sure you know the law in your community and always be considerate of your neighbors.

If you’re unsure about regulations in your area pertaining to leaf blowers, check the Noise Pollution Clearinghouse for a nationwide list.

A Note About Using Power Tools

Don’t use electrical tools in rain, or wet/damp conditions. This applies to both corded and cordless tools.
Keep children away from power tools at all times, but particularly while the tool is in use.
Wear appropriate safety equipment, including safety glasses, sturdy footwear, long pants and sleeves, gloves, and ear plugs.
If the tool requires an extension cord, make sure it is in good condition, has a polarized plug, is plugged into a GFCI receptacle, is rated for outdoor use, and is properly secured. Keep it out of the way while operating the tool so that you don’t accidentally damage the electrical cord.
Disconnect the tool from the power supply (battery or power outlet) when not in use, or when changing parts or clearing blockages.
Never put your hands or feet near moving parts while the tool is in operation.

About Self-Watering Seed Starting Systems

The biggest problem most home gardeners face when starting seeds is getting the right amount of water to seedlings when and how they need it. Many seeds die from over- or under-watering.

With a self-watering system, a capillary mat wicks water from the reservoir under the seed tray and delivers it to the bottom of each cell in the tray. From there, the seedlings absorb as much moisture as they need. As long as there’s water in the reservoir, your seedlings will get the water they need.

When assembling a self-watering system, be sure to thoroughly wet the capillary mat before placing it in the tray. That way it’ll start wicking immediately.

Soil Sampling Supplies

To properly take a soil sample, you'll want a sampling tube. Here are a few good options.

Tomato Varieties To Try

Determinate Tomatoes

Determinate tomatoes are smaller, bushier plants that stop growing when flowers form at the tips of the main stems. Because of the smaller size, they're ideal for growing in containers. The fruit of determinate varieties tend to mature all at once and so are good for canning or making tomato sauce.

Early – “Glacier, “Bush Early Girl” and “Legend.”

Main Season – “Celebrity,” “Kootenai,” ” New Big Dwarf,” “Siletz”

Paste – “Roma,” “Principe Borghese,” “Viva Italia,” “San Marzano”

Dwarf – “Small Fry,” “Cherry Grande,” “Koralik,” “Elfin,” “Patio,” “Better Bush.”

Indeterminate Tomatoes

Indeterminate tomatoes are larger plants that grow and produce fruit continually until the first fall frost. While they can be grown in containers, they may get too large for some.

Early – “Early Girl,” “Quick Pick”

Beefsteak – “Supersteak,” “Beefmaster”

Heirloom – “Brandywine,” “Black Krim,” “Cherokee Purple,” “Mr. Stripey”

Cherry – “Super Sweet 100,” “Sweet Million,” “Yellow Pear”

“Best Of …” Comparisons & Reviews

Best Electric & Cordless Pressure Washers
Best Sharpeners for Gardening & Landscape Tools
Best Pruning Saws
Best Cordless Lawn Mowers
Best Cordless String Trimmers
Best Lawn & Garden Sprinklers
Best Gardening Gloves
Best Hedge Shears
Best Pruning Shears
Best Loppers for Pruning
Best Garden Hose Nozzles & Sprayers
Best Garden Hoses
Best Weeding Tools
Best Seed Starting Mixes

Favorite Garden Tools

ARS Pruning Shears (My Favorite!)
Dramm Watering Wand
Lesche Digging Knife