Best garden hoes of 2023
While plenty of modern gardening tools can help prepare your garden for planting, you shouldn’t overlook the value of traditional tools. The garden hoe dates back to ancient Egypt, but it’s still highly effective for removing weeds and breaking up the soil before planting.
There are several types of hoes, though, so choosing the right size and shape can make all the difference in how well a garden hoe performs. But no matter what type of garden you have, one of these premium garden hoes can help get your soil ready for planting in no time.
Types of garden hoes
While all garden hoes are similar, they come in different shapes and sizes. Depending on the tasks you plan to use them for, one type may be better than another.
- Paddle hoes: Paddle hoes are the most common style and have a rectangular paddle angled 90 degrees from the handle. They work well for removing weeds at the roots and breaking up dirt to ready it for planting.
- Stirrup hoes: A stirrup hoe has a paddle that resembles the stirrup on a saddle and is designed to be used in a back-and-forth motion. It works well for scooping out stubborn weeds.
- Dutch hoes: A Dutch hoe has a flat triangle blade angled 90 degrees from the handle. Its pointy edge can help dig out tough weeds or reach into tighter areas of your garden.
- Prong hoes: Prong hoes usually have a paddle hoe on one side and a forked blade on the other. They are especially effective for weeding but also let you move soil precisely around growing plants.
Garden hoe materials
If you want your garden hoe to be as durable as possible, pay attention to its material.
Budget-friendly hoes often have welded steel blades, with a joint that can eventually wear out. Stainless steel hoes are rust- and corrosion-resistant and are a single piece without any welding that can create weak spots. However, they can be somewhat soft and may lose their shape over time.
The highest quality garden hoes typically have tempered steel blades, which are thicker and sturdier than stainless steel hoes. However, while they are corrosion-resistant, they can rust over time.
It’s also important to consider a garden hoe’s handle material. Most are made of wood, which offers excellent shock absorption. Unfortunately, wooden handles can rot and split over time, but you can replace a wooden handle fairly easily. Fiberglass handles also provide effective shock absorption and are not prone to mold or rot. But they are more difficult and expensive to replace than wood handles.
Best garden hoes
DeWit Long Handle Diamond Hoe with P-Grip
This garden hoe has a long handle made of European ash wood and a boron steel blade that gives it a sturdy feel. It is designed for pushing and pulling when removing weeds below the soil surface. It’s also lightweight and comfortable enough to use for long periods.
Available at Amazon
This pro-grade hoe has a premium North American white ash handle that is easy to replace and provides the ideal ratio of resistance and flexibility. It has a solid, forged head that stands up well to regular use and breaks up soil and roots easily. It’s even backed by a lifetime warranty.
Available at Amazon
True Temper Two-Prong Weeding Hoe
This weeding hoe has a flat blade for removing light weeds and a two-pronged blade for breaking up soil and pulling out stubborn weeds. Its handle is made of durable hardwood and has a cushioned grip to prevent fatigue. The lightweight design makes it easy to use, too.
Available at Amazon
This traditional garden hoe has a 7-inch head that is ideal for working in tighter sections of your garden. The blade is sharp on three sides for more efficient weeding and cultivating and is handcrafted in the United States.
Available at Amazon
This combination hoe works well for aerating and loosening soil, as well as removing weeds. It has a durable fiberglass handle with a loop at the end to hang it for storage and an efficient three-prong design that allows you to work more quickly.
Available at Amazon
DeWit Right Hand Japanese Hand Hoe
This handcrafted garden hoe has a double-sided blade perfect for removing weeds and grass in your garden. Its head is made of highly durable tempered boron steel, while its handle is made of sturdy ash wood. It is also backed by a lifetime guarantee.
Available at Amazon
Truper Tru Built 48-inch Welded Garden Hoe
With a premium hardwood handle, this hoe offers a strong, durable construction that can provide years of use in your garden. It has a matte black painted head ideal for breaking up compacted soil, but it’s lightweight, making it comfortable to use even for long periods.
Available at Amazon
This hoe has a sturdy fiberglass handle that offers enough strength and flexibility to make it easy to remove weeds and break up the soil. The 6-inch head is made of premium steel and is sharp enough to cut through even thick roots. It’s still lightweight and easy to use, though.
Available at Amazon
This garden hoe has a flat, forged steel blade with a serrated edge that allows for cleaner cutting while wedding or clearing other growth from your garden. It has a lightweight fiberglass handle with a cushioned grip to make it comfortable enough to prevent fatigue.
Available at Amazon
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Jennifer Blair writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
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