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Introduction to Tools Used by Professional Gardeners in the UK
If you’ve ever searched for tools used by professional gardeners in the UK, you’re in the right place.
Whether you’re starting your first garden, upgrading your kit, or just curious about what gear stands up to daily use — this article breaks it all down with real-world experience.
After years running my own gardening business, I’ve fine-tuned my kit to include only the best gardening tools UK gardeners actually need — tools that make the job quicker, cleaner and more enjoyable!
No gimmicks. No fluff. Just the essential gardening tools I reach for every single day — the ones that consistently deliver results.
From Hori Hori knives and professional-grade secateurs to adjustable garden rakes and leather work gloves, this guide goes beyond your average garden centre wishlist.
This is the gear that gets the job done — built for British gardens, UK weather, and full days of hands-on graft.
If you’re on the hunt for the top-rated tools for professional gardeners in the UK, you’ll find honest, tested advice right here.
My Core Kit: Tools I Couldn’t Work Without
After years of trial and error, these are the essential gardening tools I use almost every day — whether I’m tidying borders, tackling overgrown gardens, or prepping beds for planting.
Each of these tools has earned its place through daily use. If you’re wondering what tools professional gardeners use in the UK, this is the no-nonsense list you’ve been looking for.
Hori Hori Knife (Japeto)
If I could only carry one tool onto a job, this would be it. The Hori Hori knife is a proper multitasker — and once you start using one, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it.
Use it for: weeding, planting, cutting twine, lifting roots, edging beds
Why it’s essential: It replaces a trowel, weeder, and garden knife all in one. Sharp, solid, and easy to carry on your belt.
UK-friendly tip: Go for one with a leather holster — especially when the weather turns soggy and your pockets fill with soil.
Key features to look for:
- Full tang blade for strength
- Serrated edge for slicing roots or compost bags
- Depth markers for bulb planting
- Non-slip, comfy handle
- Durable sheath or holster
Use the coupon BACKYARD10 for 10% off your order at Japeto.co.uk
Real-world use: I’ve used mine to slice through matted rootballs, lever out dandelions, and open stubborn compost sacks.
Material tip: Stainless steel resists rust (ideal for UK weather). Carbon steel stays sharper but needs a bit more TLC.
One of the best gardening tools in the UK — especially handy on allotments and tight beds.
Tomokawa / Japeto Carbon & Stainless Steel Secateurs
I gave up on cheap secateurs a long time ago — you know the kind: plastic handles, dodgy springs, blunt halfway through summer. These are a different league. Built to last, Japeto’s professional secateurs come in carbon or stainless steel, and they’re made with proper care. They’re tools you sharpen, clean, and rely on — not chuck away.
Use it for: pruning, deadheading, softwood cuts, shaping shrubs
Why it’s essential: Razor sharp, well-balanced, and easy on the hands over long pruning sessions. Carbon steel keeps an edge longer. Stainless steel needs less upkeep.
Build details:
- Bypass blade for clean, healthy cuts
- Solid spring-loaded action
- Ergonomic steel handles with thumb lock
- Blade lengths: ~50–60mm
- Bright colours so they don’t disappear in the brambles
Use the coupon BACKYARD10 for 10% off your order at Japeto.co.uk
Real-world use: I use the carbon pair for heavy-duty cuts — it breezes through rose stems. Stainless for lighter work — easier on the wrist.
Care tip: Give them a wipe and a drop of oil. Look after them and they’ll last decades.
A proper pair of secateurs is essential — these are mine, and I won’t use anything else.
WZQH Leather Work Gloves: Tools Used by Professional Gardeners in the UK for Tough Jobs
I’ve been through dozens of gloves over the years — most fall apart, soak through, or feel like oven mitts. These are the best all-round gardening gloves for professionals I’ve used. Tough, flexible, and built for real graft.
Use it for: pruning roses, brambles, thistles, digging, moving logs
Why it’s essential: Double-layered leather gives solid protection without sacrificing movement.
You don’t need to take them off to do fiddly jobs. They stay comfortable even when wet.
Material tip: Thick split cowhide — tough yet breathable.
Fit and grip: Reinforced palms and fingers, but still nimble. You can plant, prune, or screw on a hose fitting without fuss.
Best feature: The wrist toggles. Tighten them up and you’ll stop dirt, soil, and thorns sneaking in.
Real-world use: I’ve tackled roses, thistles, brambles — not one prick through the leather. No blisters either. Just solid gloves that last.
Your hands are your best tools — protect them properly.
Japanese Gama Hoe
Once you’ve tried a Gama Hoe, there’s no going back. It works like a mini plough — slicing just under the surface, it clears weeds fast and leaves soil tidy.
Use it for: weeding, loosening soil, prepping edges, shallow cultivation
Why it’s essential: On your hands and knees, you get more control and precision — no more hunching over with a Dutch hoe. It’s brilliant for beds, borders, and tight spaces.
Blade material tip: Carbon steel for sharpness and edge retention. Just oil it now and again.
Sharpening tip: A few strokes with a flat file keeps it razor sharp.
Real-world use: Slices cleanly through weed roots. I’ve used it to reclaim overgrown beds without disturbing nearby plants.
Extra bonus: Compact and easy to store — perfect if you cycle to jobs or have a small shed.
A small tool that does a big job — once you use it, it’s hard to imagine gardening without it.
Use the coupon BACKYARD10 for 10% off your order at Japeto.co.uk
Japeto Adjustable Rake
This adjustable garden rake is clever. You can widen it for leaves or tighten it up for moss and tight spots. I use mine every day — it’s simple, tough, and packs away neatly.
Use it for: clearing leaves, scraping moss, finish raking, mulch spreading
Why it’s essential: Adjustable prongs make it incredibly versatile. Wide or narrow — it adapts to the task.
Storage win: Collapsible design means it takes up barely any room. Fits easily on my bike trailer or in the shed.
Durability note: Had mine for over a year. No rust, no looseness, no cracks. Just reliable performance.
Build tip: Lightweight aluminium shaft, solid steel tines, and a sturdy locking mechanism.
Real-world use: I change the width mid-job without missing a beat. Great for autumn or fine-tuning beds.
A proper smart rake — one tool for a dozen jobs.
Japeto Stainless Steel Spade & Fork Combo
After years of battling with plastic handles and cheap metal, this combo was a breath of fresh air. Proper materials, thoughtful design, and strong where it matters.
Use it for: digging, turning soil, compost, lifting turf, heavy lifting
Why it’s essential: Solid ash handles and polished steel heads — these tools feel good, work hard, and last.
Build details:
- Polished stainless steel heads that clean easily
- Full-length (103cm) for decent leverage
- Traditional Y-grip for comfort and control
- V-joint socket for strength and balance
- Spade has a lip for pressing into compacted soil
- Comes with individual canvas covers — a nice touch
Use the coupon BACKYARD10 for 10% off your order at Japeto.co.uk
Real-world use: These tools go through clay, gravel, bramble roots — no flex, no breaks, no blisters. They’re perfectly balanced, surprisingly light, and ready for graft.
Bonus: With Japeto’s branding and design, they look the part too. Feels like you’re gardening with ninja gear.
Why it’s worth it: These are tools you’ll be proud to own. Built for hobbyists and professionals alike, and priced well for what you get.
Good tools make tough jobs easier — this combo gets the job done and then some.
SHARPAL 103N Tool Sharpener
Sharpening used to be a faff — now it’s quick and easy. The SHARPAL 103N tool sharpener has fixed angles for different blades, so there’s no guesswork. Just slide, sharpen, and you’re good to go.
Use it for: keeping secateurs, Hori Hori, hoes, axes, mower blades razor sharp
Why it’s essential: One tool for all your blades. Makes sharpening fast and accurate — even between jobs.
Build details:
- Pre-set sharpening slots for different tools
- Carbide blades for regrinding, ceramic rods for honing
- Big handle, grippy even with gloves
- Safety guard and stable base
- Works great on single-bevel tools
Real-world use: I use it on everything — from secateurs to my WORX mower blades. Few passes and it’s like new.
Durability note: Feels solid, despite being mostly plastic. Built for outdoor use.
A sharp blade cuts better, faster, and cleaner. This sharpener makes sure they stay that way.
This isn’t about collecting gear for the sake of it — it’s about building a core gardening kit you can trust. These tools come with me to every job, rain or shine, and I wouldn’t be without them.
Power Tools That Make Life Easier
While essential gardening tools still form the backbone of my daily kit, there are a few well-chosen power tools for UK gardens that make life much easier — especially when you’re working across several jobs a week.
Gardening vs Landscaping
Let’s clear one thing up straight away: gardening and landscaping aren’t the same thing.
Landscaping usually involves heavy equipment, structural work, and big builds. Professional gardening, though, is about maintaining living spaces — beds, borders, lawns, and hedges. And the tools we use need to reflect that.
We’re not hauling petrol chippers or trailer-loads of concrete. We need tools that are:
- Lightweight and practical
- Easy to move between gardens
- Powerful enough for real-world work
Best Battery-Powered Tools for Gardeners
After years of testing, I’ve found that the right cordless gardening tools can save time, effort, and a lot of backache.
These aren’t contractor-grade machines that cost half your week’s wages — just solid, reliable tools that:
- Fit on my bike trailer (or in your car or van)
- Tackle real garden work without giving up
- Survive rain, dirt, and regular use
I personally use WORX power tools. While they’re not in the Makita league, the value for money is unbeatable. Most importantly, the shared battery system means I only carry one or two batteries for everything: strimmer, hedge trimmer, pole saw, blower, mower — job done.
Want to See the Tools?
I’ve reviewed every WORX gardening tool I use — from cordless lawnmowers to telescopic hedge trimmers. You’ll find real-world notes, photos, and tips in each post.
They’re not tools I use every single hour, but they’re lifesavers when you need them — and they’ve helped me maintain a professional edge while saving time and effort.
If you’re looking for the best gardening tools UK gardeners actually use, don’t overlook power tools. Used right, they’ll level up your setup without weighing you down.
Frequently Asked Questions: Tools Used by Professional Gardeners (UK)
Whether you’re just getting into gardening or looking to upgrade your kit, these are the questions I hear all the time — from clients, beginners, and fellow allotment growers alike.
A sharp, comfy pair of secateurs. You’ll end up using them for almost everything — from pruning and deadheading to shaping plants and even harvesting herbs.
My pick: Tomokawa Carbon Steel Secateurs — or Felcos if your budget stretches.
Monty swears by the Japanese Hori Hori knife — and so do I. It’s part trowel, part weeder, part blade. Super handy.
Mine’s from Japeto and goes everywhere with me.
Because they’re built to last. High-grade steel, precision engineering, and the option to service or replace every part. That said, some Japanese alternatives are just as sharp at a lower cost.
Tip: Clean and sharpen them regularly, and they’ll last you a lifetime.
Go for leather work gloves with solid wrist coverage. The best ones balance protection with dexterity — so you’re not pulling them off every five minutes.
I rate WZQH gloves — tough, affordable, and built for real graft.
They’re great for lighter work or home gardens. Well-made, sharp, and comfortable. But if you’re pruning all day, something like Felco or Tomokawa gives you better longevity.
If pruning’s part of your job, invest in proper steel.
Absolutely — especially for trimming, mowing, and clearing up. But it’s about choosing smart: battery-powered tools that are lightweight, quiet, and easy to move between jobs.
I use WORX — they’ve held up well, and the shared battery system is a real bonus.
Got a question I haven’t covered? Drop a comment or check out my gardening gear reviews for more hands-on advice.
Final Thoughts: Build Your Own Pro-Level Gardening Kit
Whether you’re just starting out or upgrading your kit, having the right gear makes a world of difference. And by “right,” I don’t mean the flashiest or most expensive — I mean reliable, comfortable, and built for the job.
The tools professional gardeners use in the UK are tried, tested, and chosen for a reason. They handle long hours, unpredictable weather, and every task from pruning to prepping soil.
If there’s one key takeaway from this guide, it’s this:
Invest in a few of the best gardening tools UK gardeners trust — and take care of them.
That’s how you move from a basic starter kit to a professional-level toolkit that helps you work faster, safer, and smarter.
Looking for essential gardening tools that won’t let you down? Every product mentioned here has been used, tested, and relied on day in, day out.
What’s Next?
Start your gardening journey: How I Started My Gardening Business
Work smarter, not harder: Coming soon — How I Organise My Gardening Week
Got a question about your gardening toolkit or want to recommend a tool that’s worked well for you? Leave a comment or drop me a message — always happy to share what I’ve learned and hear from others in the field.
