The right tools make digging, planting, weeding and harvesting easier, but you do not need a shed full of specialist equipment. A dependable spade, fork and a few well-chosen hand tools will cover most jobs on an allotment or productive garden.
Use these guides to compare spades, forks, hori hori knives and other practical tools for allotments and food-growing.
For digging, edging and preparing growing beds. Compare full-size digging spades, lighter border spades and practical options for heavier UK soils.
For loosening soil, lifting crops and working around established plants. Find digging forks, border forks and durable choices for regular allotment use.
For weeding, planting, dividing roots and tackling several jobs with one versatile tool. Compare hori hori knives for gardens and allotments.
For sowing, transplanting and close work around crops. Find reliable hand tools that are comfortable to hold and durable enough for regular use.
For controlling weeds and loosening surface soil between rows. Compare traditional hoes, hand weeders and other useful cultivation tools.
Find the equipment that makes everyday plot work easier, from buckets and kneelers to planting lines, labels and practical tool storage.
Head over to My Tool Shed for more personal reviews, side-by-side comparisons and practical buying advice based on the tools and equipment I actually use and rate.