5 Garden Tools That Never Get Put Away! 🧑‍🌾🏡

[@susanbaker2796]

Ever since I saw you use your trenching shovel in videos, it has been my go-to housewarming gift for new homeowners. So incredibly handy. One of those things you didn't know you needed until you got one. Thanks Jim and Stephany.

[@JimPutnam]

Thank you so much for following along!

[@susanbaker2796]

@@donnahazlett7305 I know, right?!

[@chadcox1307]

I bought the Seymour trenching shovel around 2-3 years ago and Jim is absolutely right about all of its benefits. My old regular shovel is in the far back corner of my garage covered in spider webs😂

[@dia9491]

Where do you find them Susan? I’ve been looking for one for two years and they’re impossible to find where I live.

[@jenniferhooks2454]

Everyone has their favorite tools that they use for multiple jobs. I have 2 small trowels I use primarily, a hori hori knife, a pair of Felco pruners, my garden scissors, and my flower shovel. The flower shovel is shaped like a larger shovel, but is much smaller and easier for me to handle-great for planting 1-5 gallon plants. I also have a hand truck that I 15:30 use to move bigger pots. It converts so that I can pull it like a wagon. I use it everyday out in the garden. Our favorite tools are sort of like our favorite shoes-comfortable and just right. I like that cart by the way.

[@colleenherrington3460]

Found a new use for my favorite tool - the hori hori knife. As I approach my 7th decade later this month I find it more and more challenging to stand up from a kneeling or sitting position in the garden. Thanks to my trusty hori hori knife I can stab it into the ground and then lean on it with one hand to get leverage to stand upright. What a multipurpose tool!!

[@lindaga820]

I can totally relate Colleen, at 73 cannot believe how it is so much harder to stand up from a kneeling position ! It sure does not look graceful !!!

[@amyp8833]

You can still kneel?! lol🤣

[@colleenherrington3460]

@@amyp8833 😂

[@renodraws]

Trenching shovel is awesome

[@marilynhumphrey4306]

I am a 76 year-old female gardener. I switched to a narrow shovel! It is so much faster and easier to dig and divide plants for transplanting in the garden. Thank you. I love all of your practical tips.

[@PM-ue1jh]

I love your honesty! Your lovely wife is on to a great thing, her cart! I have never seen the small version. Now it is on my wish list! Thank you!

[@musiktouches]

I went in search of a trenching shovel post-haste after seeing your video 4 years ago about removing established shrubs and have recommended it to all who would listen since. I also bought an action hoe this spring (after seeing you use one) and its definitely a game changer. Lastly, I bought a holder for my hand pruner and having my pruner on me when I'm gardening makes a world of difference. I'm starting to feel official😁. Thank you both for great content (as usual)!!

[@paulap5578]

I have that same yard cart that I received from my parents-in-law when they passed. I love it! Its light and easy to move plants, compost and mulch around just like you demonstrated. My husband has mended it with pieces of metal to support the plastic base. Love it and can't find anything similar out there to replace it that is as light as this one! A great save Stephany!

[@katherinelarini8514]

my new favorite gardening shovel is the Root Slayer by Radius Garden... it is a narrow shovel with serrated edges and can be pricey but I'm 74 & only 4'11" and with this NC clay soil, the root slayer is my new best friend...

[@JennJenn9]

I smiled when Steph showed the cultivator tool - I have a mini pick-mattock & it’s a lifesaver for planting in my stony, clayish soil

[@ryanhartzfeld8478]

I got my start in gardening by watching your channel, so I got a trenching shovel right away and never looked back! I love it and tell all my friends.

[@8helenjhouston8]

Thank you Stephany for giving us some options for those of us who can no longer use brute force and have to protect our aging bodies ;-)

[@Tauf4]

Red Pig Tools in Oregon has a lot of awesome garden tools. He can also make to order if you have specific needs. I bet he could forge a trenching shovel if you never needed another one.

[@lisahenning4504]

A great list! My list would add a 5 gallon bucket because I don't have a little cart, a plastic fork for seedlings, and I have an auger attachment that I use almost weekly

[@dawnb7457]

I have a narrow shovel that my Dad gave me. It's my go to digging tool in our clay soil. Also use a long handled "claw" tool, loper, hand pruner and small/low Gorilla cart!

[@ashleighnelson512]

I love my trenching shovel! I dubbed it my Putnam Shovel lol. I also have a gorilla cart, hori hori, felco pruners. Great quality tools make the garden maintenance so much more enjoyable 💚

[@marshawilliamson8602]

I trust every single recommendation you two make. Steph, I love a great acquisition story, too! The person who ditched the cart is kicking himself right now. 😂🌸🐝

[@dia9491]

I agree, Jim and Steph never steer you wrong on stuff they use in the garden.

[@annerose7571]

I am so happy you told us about your narrow shovel. It is so much easier to use. Thank you!

[@Mbilia]

I bought a trenching shovel earlier this year because you always talk about them. Amazing. Never going back

[@tinaroller1741]

Fun video! I enjoy Steffany participating and hearing her stories 😊

[@SandraHall-g4s]

i agree about the knife and also the skinny shovel. i am petite and senior. I would have jumped on that cart too. Thanks for sharing your favs.

[@taylorswf23]

My #1 is also the trenching shovel. For installing, removing, dividing, chopping weeds…. And actually digging irrigation trenches ❤

[@brookemontes3816]

I love hearing the different faves from both sides…woman and men are physically built differently and that will make the list change. My husband and I realized that after many years of trying to convince each other one is better than the other..not better or worse, just different needs for different people!

[@christinemcmains3895]

I have tools that don’t make it back in the tool shed. I understand the smaller shovel. I use a sharp shooter instead of a regular shovel and my husband gives me a hard time.

[@cece_marie]

The thumbnail! Love it! I converted to a trenching shovel b/c of you and after trying (and returning) 3 diff ones from Lowes, I went with the one you linked as 'most similar ' and I adore it. Slim but also has enough of a place for my foot.

[@JimPutnam]

It's strange that I can't find this one anywhere. I guess 20 years is a long time🤣

[@KaitlyntheGardener]

Y’all are so darling, I just love watching your videos. So informative. Love that Steph is joining more. Y’all seem to have a great relationship. ❤

[@valerieenlow6282]

Steph, that cultivating tool you have from your family was introduced to me by a good friend who was a gardener. It’s my favorite! When we bought ours it was called a “Hoe-matic” at the store 😂. I’ve always called it that, but no one knows what I’m talking about. So affirming to know you love it too.

[@HoosierDaddy_]

Love you guys having fun at the end! That shovel is amazing. My son does irrigation installations and has one like it and it is indescribably amazing! I have a similar one but it's just not the same at all. The only difference is a tiny different bend in it. Once you find a tool that fits you perfect, NEVER loan it out!

[@adz5bneweng589]

I'm with Stephanie on the scuffle hoe! My favorite weeding tool. I use composting mulch (not bark mulch) at 3-4" thick so the scuffle hoe rarely hits dirt. In my area the scuffle/action hoe is aka D hoe, stirrup hoe, hula hoe (though i always thought hula hoes are round). I use my Root Slayer straight handle shovel all.the.time. Highly, highly recommend. Digs great holes in rocky soil, crunches through roots, divides perennials and it's small so easier for less powerful people to use. And you can use it for planting (or weeding the tough ones) while standing up. Its blade is also the perfect size/style for planting irises. Shovel the blade in as you would a trowel, pull back a little and slide the iris roots into the chasm and the rhizome sits near the top of the chasm. Put your hand on the top of the rhizome while pulling the blade out and pack the soil around roots and bootom half of rhizome.

[@8helenjhouston8]

I use my Root Slayer with a round handle for EVERYTHING now - blade is the same shape as Jim’s shovel has become. It is narrow and cuts through roots like butter!

[@Gigi-fv9ky]

Hi Jim, growing up on a farm back in the 60s through the 80s, I saw my grandfather and father add new handles to old, favorite tools when the handles would break. Our tools were the same, worn down by time, use, and refiling to maintain a sharp thin edge, but the handles were replaceable. I bet when your trenching shovel handle finally goes, you could do the same and just replace handle.

[@Gigi-fv9ky]

I have been using a hori hori knife for over 20 years now and , along with my felco pruners, they are the tools I use the most.

[@karlaplatt5538]

Jim & Stephany - there's one that comes close to your favorite shovel. It's the Sneeboer Border Spade with Steps. Erin the Inpatient Gardener had referenced the lady version as her favorite tool. It's got a flatish edge instead of the point. The link she provided now is Dutch Garden Tools.

[@maryannferencak3799]

I have always used a longer narrower shovel. I simply detest flat shovels and rarely use the pointy ones. Your point about pointy ones not cutting roots is right on! The shovel point just slips off the side of a root.

[@emptynestgardens9057]

When you first talked about the trenching shovel I was like, hey we have one of those! Went and dug it out of the back of the shed and now it's all I use. I hope you are able to just replace your handle even for a wooden one. I'd never want to part with it.

[@estherlista]

Tried the trenching shovel 5 years ago per your recommendation and never looked back!

[@Max-hq2jm]

A house divided on the hori 😂. Stirrup hoe is the most-used. I'm thankful the blades are replaceable as I've been using mine for turf removal. I have 3 hori knives since I invariably leave one in the garden. Love them for loosening root balls when planting. Great video.

[@sherriewellman2421]

I have come to love the root slayer shovel!

[@8helenjhouston8]

My favorite tool by far!!!

[@dia9491]

Ok I am definitely with Steph on these lol the Scufle Hoe, I call it a weed hoe and it’s my prized possession. I weeded 400 square foot with it for my neighbors new grass this year and I tell you what it was hard work but I love it. It’s one of my favorite tools. Also with Steph on the Hori Hori blade. Mine sits next to my front door lol I use it that much. It’s the only thing that gets out the dandelion tap root. Also Jim and Steph, my son Tatertot wants you to know his favorite garden tool is the Gopher cultivator. We love that one too but he absolutely loves that thing. He wants to get it out daily although we don’t have to use it very much. We are still looking for one of those trenching shovels. I’m still thinking of you make one I’d be first in line to buy one. I’ve always been of the impression that if a tool is too heavy or cumbersome I won’t use it. I even mow grass with a manual mower because it weighs less lol

[@susanaustin6353]

Where was your pup? Missed her. But hey…glad I own some of these tools! You guys are the best.

[@Suburbanoasis]

Love the thumbnail! 🥰🌼🌸🌺

[@jeansandhoodiegardengal2975]

Bawrahahhahaha you guys are hilarious!!! Love that image at the beginning of the video….garden wars lol Great show guys!!

[@JimPutnam]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@jeansandhoodiegardengal2975]

I have watched this channel for a very looooooooonnnngggggg time and always enjoy it!!!! 🌺🌸❤️

[@trishferrer8209]

I love you two! ❤ Thank you for this entertaining and informative video!! I love Steph's 5th choice the hoe. I had never seen or heard of such until I was 60! I love mine. Reduced a lot of hard labor for me.

[@judymckerrow6720]

Thanks Stephany and Jim. 🌸💚🙃

[@zukosmom3780]

My favorite garden tool is The Claw. Love it

[@kaychaney6102]

Just ordered the trenching shovel. I’ve watched you use yours many times and now have the link. Thank you!

[@p.h.c.1113]

Don't have a trenching shovel, but might get one! My hori hori knife is always in use, love using it for planting, cutting back foliage and more.

[@charlenecardwell8288]

Super helpful. Thank you! Love all of your videos. I’ve learned a lot!

[@StevenScone]

That's hilarious that I just bought both of #5 yesterday. I broke my rake, so I needed a new one and the hoe, I've never had one, so I'm anxious to see how that works for me. I'm new to gardening. I just started a large bed in the front of my house this year. I'm just watching alot of your videos and learning as I go. I have another spot in my backyard that's I'm taking a little more time with. Keep these videos coming because all the info I can gather is terrific.

[@lindajhambleton4955]

Your trenching shovel advice years ago was a game changer for me in my heavy clay soil. My other selection for a go is a Groundskeeper rake It is not a leaf rake but it is valuable for spreading mulch and even raking gravel. Thanks for all your advice.

[@passepartoot]

My three? I gave away my steel wheelbarrow and traded it for a Fold-it aluminum cart. Much lighter and it folds up, taking next to no space in the garage. It's low and tilts like your little cart. Next are my new garden snips. These are much more effective than garden shears for deadheading flowers. And lastly, a pair of Fiskars garden scissors. Very useful for opening bags of mulch, cutting up cardboard boxes, string and plastic pots. I don't use my hoe much in the garden these days, though it's my go-to tool for shooing Canada geese out of the yard.

[@JimPutnam]

That's funny🤣

[@jdmcwteg]

Kobalt root slayer shovel is my favorite shovel. Especially in my woodland gardens

[@n0nitwitz]

I bought a trenching shovel on your recommendation love it

[@irma_brenton]

Absolutely love my trenching shovel w fiberglass handle… also a tip I picked up from you. If fiberglass is available, it’ll outlast us! 🫶🏻🌸🙏🏻

[@TB-cy1wt]

Most of my favorite tools are about 20 years old, too! I prefer to use a garden fork over a shovel when creating a new planting hole or dig plants up. I agree Steph, Hori Hori is a great new addition to my collection!

[@emmalavenham]

My go tos are Felco 2s hand pruners, a hori hori, a cape cod weeder, a hand rake - and pick your favorite shovel when planting…

[@jacandtea]

Hi Jim. Before it wears down any more, would you consider sending your shovel to a manufacturer so they can make a model and you can then sell these to us, please?

[@loriledner6528]

Another great video. Thank you Stephanie and Jim !!!

[@KimatRevAcres]

Love the cart Steph a great find. 😂when you loan them out they get broken how true. I have my top 5 tools well used. Thanks

[@susanbeaty2447]

I just found the shuffle hoe 3 years ago by accident in a big box store. It is an amazing tool that I wish I had found sooner. Whoever made this tool in my opinion is an absolute genius! It has made my life so much easier.

[@dia9491]

Absolutely right there with you Susan! I broke my back several years ago and I stopped gardening for a long time because the weeding was almost impossible for me. The weed hoe has helped me get my garden back. I also wish I’d known about it sooner.

[@peggydove8756]

I love that car!! Just what I need! We have replaced the handle several times in our shovel!

[@AprilShowers24]

I need a cart like that one too! Brilliant.

[@trace9657]

I love my hori hori too Steph. It is also good for hiking/camping. I grabbed it once as a defensive weapon that thankfully I did not have to use.

[@katemaria1]

I love to use the shuffle hoe to get rid of goat's head weeds (aka puncture vine)--works great and very quickly. Since they are annual weeds, I can just cut them off just below the surface and leave the weed to die in our arid climate here in New Mexico.

[@deannahaworth7666]

I love a sharp Japanese sickle for weeding

[@L4sleeko]

You two are simpatico. Great tips lovely couple. ❤

[@juliannetaylor9989]

You've GOT to find a way to have this shovel manufactured! I'd buy 2. One for my home and my son's! I bought one (kobalt-lowe's, $26) that my neighbor calls a 'sharpshooter'. It's narrow, but not as stubby as your shovel. Recently bought a cart like Steph's.

[@ivettesantana4319]

i cant live without my gorilla cart, my wagon and my trench shovel lol. I am interested in this little cart though because the gorilla cart cannot get through our fence is and cheaper just to get the cart than adjust the fence and am getting old for all this stuff lol You are so lucky you found that cart and tools! i got a huge garden cart but is so heavy idk what to do with it and is missing shelves and part.

[@thomasnoble1816]

Jim is an artist with that trenching shovel, but my soil is rocky- and near concrete if it dries out. So my short handle spear spade works best for me. Likewise the hori hori which I have scattered about.

[@lannylancaster62]

I'm a trenching shovel convert. Mine are pruner, small cart, traditional hoe, garden rake and hori-hori in no particular order. I've re-profiled my hoe and added sharp edges on both sides.

[@anitahadley2871]

I’m like Steph, I have been leaning more to my Hori Hori, I think because i find it helpful when I run into a root. Great for digging up wild onions. But my small long handle shovel cuts through roots fantastic even with the pointed tip.

[@esli44]

Great video! I do remember you mentioning that trenching shovel in an earlier video and watching it now again, I really need to get one! Thank you for linking your tools below. Steph, my goodness I need your cart! My gorilla one is very bulky and heavy to carry around. I had just thought I needed something smaller and easier to move around the garden, yours is perfect! I also love your stories!

[@jilladcock5648]

Many of the same tools I love. I used the action/shuffle/hoop hoe for the first time this year and I don’t know how I’ve gardened so long without it!

[@chuckciali2027]

AM Leonard horticultural tools has that shovel and a lot of great things

[@lettucegobackinthyme1075]

You guys are awesome!

[@kathrynmettelka7216]

My Felco pruners come in at number one. I have the ergonomic ones that work better for arthritic hands.

[@mudchuk]

My go to shovel is the smaller root slayer. I have two and they are always the first tools out

[@JimPutnam]

They are great shovels!

[@ivettesantana4319]

the end was so funny!

[@chelseajones4141]

Fantastic video! Steph- I also stand by that Hori Hori knife (or "soil" knife). It is the epitome of high-utility multi-function tool and as a horticulturist I never want to garden again without one. In addition I switched to a trenching shovel because of you guys and gardening in Oklahoma red clay. It's effortless! *Video idea* It would be great to get your "recipes" for container and/or annual soils! 👍

[@CapysGardenShop]

I’m 60+ miles from a sleeping volcano 🌋 & the rocks/boulders need the pointed shovel. Buying a pick ax soon! Someone once said that’s why we have so many rocks.

[@JimPutnam]

Interesting. I definitely used the pick axe at the old house, but barely ever need it here.

[@karinhamann5019]

I can't wait to see the new patio.,..caught a glimpse in this video, Yes, I bought myself a Sneeboer narrow garden spade after watching you use your trench shovel. I also have clay soil in Maryland, and it does make digging holes easier. As well as, digging a hole between other perennials when I am adding a new plant.

[@timgarner1957]

Ah another great episode, I agree every single tool that you and steph showed are awesome tools..my favorite is the hand hoe..I can go to town with that one..lol. Thanks for your recommendations

[@TheLivingBackyard]

I totally agree about the skinny shovel! We have one probably 25 years old and still going 😆 That last tool is my favorite! I know it as hula-hoe - I have been watching your videos for years, and love them all, but I also love the fact that Stephanie is now in front of the camera too!

[@kso808]

My favorite tool you mention is that trench shovel. If I ever get around to getting one, it would be the tool I would use most often as well! 👍 Having the right tools can make a world of difference in the garden. Looks like your new patio is coming along great. Can’t wait to see the finished product!

[@julieh2935]

Yes, I’ve definitely moved to the smaller shovel with our clay soil after watching your videos. I look forward to your tool line someday! Thanks, Jim and Stephany! Excellent advice! 😊

[@dia9491]

Julie I have clay soil too, it’s such a pain. Where do you find the trenching shovels? I’ve been searching but everyone is all out around here, even in winter.

[@julieh2935]

@@dia9491 Home Depot has some decent ones in stock right now that aren’t expensive (Lowes probably does, too. Although, the cheaper ones probably won’t last long. I plan to invest in a good one like Jim linked when I can.) I live in N. Central FL, so we generally have all kinds of tools in stock all year. Good luck finding one! It has really helped save my back, too. Less strain. 👍

[@dia9491]

@@julieh2935 thank you for replying! I’ll look again. It’s cool that your stores sell the garden tools all year. I wish our stores did.

[@Annie-lv8sn]

Great video! How do you store or organize your tools and garden supplies - soil, fertilizer, etc. You mentioned some tools stay outside or on screen porch or in the shed? Mine are all over the place, keeping them in the garage is not convenient and I don't have a sheltered from rain and sun spot outside yet.

[@lynnlong1656]

I Love that cart. I have had one for years and years. Where can I get another

[@francesbasham7224]

I love your cart! I inherited a cart just like that from my dad after he past away and used it for over 20 years and it was probably at least 20 years old when I got it. So it lasted a long time! It just fit under the back bumper of my SUV and I could easily slide bags of mulch, compost or whatever out and drop them in the cart. Eventually it fell apart and I couldn't find anything else similar so ended up with a gorilla cart which is OK but it doesn't fit under the bumper of my car so unloading bags is not as easy. I would love to have another cart like yours so please let us all know if you ever find a place to get those little carts! Love your channel too.

[@critcalreader4160]

Garden Tool Co. carries Sneeboer tools. There are several shovels that may serve as replacements for your trenching shovel. Just keep scrolling through the pictures; the shovels do not all appear together. I don't have the experience with tools that you have; but, so far, I'm of the opinion that once you've used Sneeboer, you'll never go back.

[@elizabethl8407]

Hmmm I am in Raleigh & my dad gave me that exact cart- maybe it was sold at a local store? :)

[@susanbaker2796]

Interesting. I bet you're right.

[@rhondaschenk5727]

Great video, thank you!

[@HandcraftedintheFoothills]

We had that cart that was my husband mom's...i loved this cart! Sad day when the bottom.fell out of it! Can't find another one of these😢 it was well used in our garden!

[@JimPutnam]

We can't find another either. Similar but different ones available.

[@Notapansygardener]

Stephanie I LOVE that cultivar tool!! That’s in my one hand and a trimmer in my other lol 🌿🌼thanks for sharing

[@jeremiahdevore]

A.M. Leonard makes trenching shovels in 3 sizes that have a similar angle to yours at the beginning. They also have a step on the top edge for pushing with your heel as needed. The blade is a little different because it's slightly folded in the center but it is by far my favorite digging tool. The 5 inch model digs the perfect size holes for quart annuals Edit: should have watched more before commenting. The A.M. Leonard trenching shovels have the pointed end you said you don't like

[@jonplatz2929]

Jim, can you tell me about the shoes please? I don't like garden clogs or shoes that tend to slip off and those look like they have a decent heel in them.

[@cdixon2011ify]

Ok about your shovel maybe you can have someone custom make it for you. Since I have been watching I would like to find one like yours. Maybe get someone to make a few for you with your design/ approval to sell along with your tee-shirt. I bet you can make some money on them. Just a thought.

[@joannlessner1551]

I have that same cart and have used it endlessly! It's wearing out and I will miss it if I can't replace it when it does.

[@aalejardin]

I have rocky soil: the wider the shovel the more likely you will be stopped by a rock. I often use my augur to loosen the soil and rocks and then use the shovel to dig the soil out. Plus a pick mattock is standard equipment.

[@basanteena]

Loved hearing Stephany's perspective on tools. Will be adding the trenching shovel and hedge shears to my Christmas list. Jim and Stephany - any advice on how to deal with white mold in the raised beds? This is my first time coming across it and not sure how to deal with it organically. It's killing my mature tomato and basil plants that I started from seed. I'd appreciate your thoughts. Thanks!

[@peggieshultz5532]

I watch your videos on the KZbin app. I can never find the links you say you put “below “ the video. Love that you are in my area so everything is relevant to me.

[@JimPutnam]

You have to open up the description below the video. They hide it pretty well.

[@ivettesantana4319]

I love my hori hori too cuz i dont like little shovels but i keep loosing it in the yard along with everything else. i need solutions

[@courtneysediblegarden518]

My soil is so dang rocky I need a point on my shovel to have any hope of actually getting it in there and gotta kinda rock it back & forth to find a spot to squeeze in between the rocks. It must also have the flat parts at the base for my feet so I can hop up onto it and stand on it to use all my weight to shove it down. I do wish mine was a bit more narrow though, would probably work better, but I’m thinking of just switching to a pickaxe maybe because living in Pennsylvania we have almost more rocks than we do soil.

[@lindaperez8849]

What would you recommend as dependable hoe for weeding?