Whether you grow flowers or vegetables, have a small backyard garden, or have a large plot of land, one thing is constant: you need a good garden hoe. A hoe is a gardener's best friend, a versatile tool that's essential for cultivating your soil. Use it to remove weeds, break up dirt clods, and dig furrows. And if you have a long-handled hoe, you don't even need to bend over to use it!
Within the garden hoe category, there are grub hoes, stirrup hoes, warren hoes, and more, each with their own pros and cons. To learn more about the different types of hoes, check out our buying guide reviewed by a master gardener and homestead blogger. But if you want to get right to it, our number one pick is the 12-Gauge Garden Hoe from Bully Tools. It's made from durable steel with a fiberglass handle, so it can hold up to even the hardest and rockiest soil. Keep scrolling to see the rest of our picks!
Quick List - Top Garden Hoes
Gardening and wildcrafting food for her family, Amy grows in a variety of gardens including hydroponic, raised beds, containers, and in the ground. As a master gardener, she has successfully gardened across the country.
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A hoe is a tool that you'll likely be using for extended periods of time, so it's important to choose one that's comfortable and fit for the job. Here are the most important things to consider.
Draw hoes are a traditional style that helps you shape your soil. You use them by swinging the blade into the ground in a chopping motion, then pulling or drawing the blade towards you.
Draw hoes can also be called paddle hoes. This classic style has a rectangular head with a straight blade that sits at a 90-degree angle to the handle. This shape is ideal for large jobs rather than detailed work.
With it, you can break up dirt clods, dig and move dirt, and remove large weeds. You might also see grub hoes, which generally feature a heavier, wider blade and are good for heavy-duty work.
Warren hoes, also called ridging hoes, have a head shaped like a triangle or an arrowhead. The pointed tip can be used to dig furrows, extract weeds from tight spaces, and cultivate soil between other plants.
Some warren hoes have pointed “ears” at the other end. These are helpful when you’re planting seeds. Just flip the hoe over and pull it over the seeds you just planted; the ears will bring the soil in to cover your seeds.
While draw hoes use a chop and pull motion, scuffle hoes use a push and pull motion, skimming just beneath the soil's surface. They’re ideal for removing weeds, loosening your soil, and breaking up hard crusts.
Hoes with external blades can be diamond-shaped, wing-shaped, or another shape. They may also be listed as weeding hoes. The head has sharp edges all around and is angled parallel to the ground, allowing it to slide smoothly back and forth beneath the soil.
Some weeding hoes have blades with teeth to help catch tough roots. This style works well for more open areas since the blades can cut on multiple sides.
Enclosed blade hoes feature a looped head with the blade on the inside. They come in a range of styles, including Dutch, push-pull, and loop hoes.
When you push and pull the head through the soil, the blade can cut weeds away in both directions but will only affect weeds inside the loop. Therefore, this style is ideal for weeding around existing plants.
Stirrup hoes also have an enclosed blade but are shaped like a stirrup rather than a loop. They’re generally wider than other enclosed blade styles, so they’re a good choice for weeding large areas of soil.
Some stirrup hoes have swiveling heads and are sometimes referred to as action hoes. These allow you to maneuver the hoe however you need without having to move your upper body as much.
You can find hoes with both long and short handles, and each works well for different gardening needs.
Traditionally, hoes are used while standing up. Many people like long handles because they eliminate the need to bend over while you work.
However, a handle that’s too long can get in the way and be unwieldy, while a handle that’s too short will cause you to stoop over. When choosing a hoe, the end of the handle should hit between your armpit and the top of your shoulder.
Short-handled hoes are designed to use while kneeling, so they’re not as easy on your back as long-handled hoes. However, they give you more control and can be useful for maneuvering in tight spaces and raised beds.
If you’re short and find that traditional hoes are cumbersome, a handheld hoe might work better for you.
To prevent fatigue, it’s important to pick a comfortable handle material. Some hoe handles are made from wood, which is a classic look. Wood can feel quite heavy, and it tends to rot if not stored properly. However, it has a warmer, softer feel than other materials and absorbs shock well.
Metal handles are another option. They often have a plastic or rubber coating for grip. They can be made of steel, which is durable but quite heavy, or aluminum, which is strong and light. Other handles are made from fiberglass, which is super strong and lightweight. It also won’t degrade or rust when exposed to moisture.
Hoe blades are typically made from either carbon steel or stainless steel. Both are great options, so it’s mostly up to personal preference. Stainless steel is durable and rust-resistant, with a shiny finish. It tends to be pricier, but it’s super low maintenance.
Carbon steel is stronger than stainless steel. It’s more susceptible to corrosion, so it requires some care to keep it in good condition. However, it tends to be less expensive than stainless steel and can hold an edge for longer.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Bully Tools 12-Gauge Garden Hoe|92353 | ![]() | A Workhorse Hoe to Get Your Soil Ready for Planting | |
2 | Flexrake Hula-Ho|500W | ![]() | Wiggle Weeds Out in No Time | |
3 | Fujiwara Sangyo Senkichi Nejiri Gama Hoe | ![]() | A Versatile Handheld Hoe With a Sharp Blade | |
4 | True Temper Looped Action Hoe|2866300 | ![]() | No More Weeding on Your Knees | |
5 | Hoss Tools Push Pull Hoe | ![]() | A Blade With Teeth and a Pointed Tip | |
6 | Bully Tools 12-Gauge Warren Hoe|92354 | ![]() | A Heavy-Duty Warren Hoe for a Range of Tasks | |
7 | Carrot Design Circular Hoe | ![]() | Remove Pesky Weeds from Tight Spaces | |
8 | Corona Diamond Hoe|SH61000 | ![]() | Slice Through Weeds From All Sides | |
9 | Edward Tools Hoe and Cultivator Hand Tiller | ![]() | A Two-in-One Handheld Hoe and Tiller | |
10 | Blue Arrow Express Kana Hoe | ![]() | Cut Through Roots in Seconds With a Sharp Blade |
Cultivate your soil with ease using this paddle hoe from Bully Tools. The blade is made from 12-gauge steel and sits at a 90-degree angle, with an extended ferrule for extra strength. The handle is made from fiberglass has a rubber grip to help reduce fatigue. At just over three pounds, it's solid yet lightweight.
Reviewers praised the sturdy build of this hoe. A couple of them mentioned that the handle has a slightly larger diameter than other brands, which they found more comfortable. Others added that this tool performs well in compact and rocky soil.
The Hula-Ho was first made in 1961 and has been a beloved gardening tool ever since. This mini version features a 14-inch wood handle with a grip and a heat-treated blade. Simply sweep the blade back and forth beneath the dirt in a "hula" motion to remove weeds, break up clods, and aerate your soil.
Some reviewers didn't recommend this tool for hard, compacted soil; a full-sized hoe may work better and provide more leverage. But overall, they were pleased with how effective the Hula-Ho is. They said it rips out weeds at their root and is perfect for small areas like patios, pots, raised beds, beneath bushes, and between plants.
Hailing from Japan, this handheld hoe features a sharp steel blade that can slice through the toughest weeds. One end comes to a sharp point so you can dig right underneath the roots. The wooden handle is contoured for an ergonomic grip and has a plastic hanging loop at the end for easy storage.
A few reviewers noted that this blade is angled for right-handed people and may be unwieldy for lefties. Some others said the blade broke off at the weld. Still, many reviewers praised this tool's versatility and ease of use. They used it to loosen soil, dig holes, and remove weeds, saying it made gardening much easier!
This action hoe is the perfect tool to remove weeds and cultivate soil while standing up. The long 54-inch handle is easy on your back, and there's a cushioned grip for extra comfort. The stirrup blade can pivot back and forth. Use this hoe with a push-pull motion to remove weeds quickly and effectively.
The blade wasn't sharp enough for some reviewers, and others wished it was more heavy-duty. However, most users loved that they could use this hoe while standing. They said it's much easier than weeding by hand and is lightweight enough that they don't get tired too quickly. Others added that it's great for weeding large areas.
If a stirrup hoe isn't your thing, this Push Pull Hoe from Hoss Tools is another excellent option. The V-shaped head is sharpened on both sides to slice through weeds, whether you're moving backward or forwards. Use the pointed tip to dig into tight spaces, around plants, or under drip irrigation lines.
Overall, reviewers said this tool is well designed for weeding. When used in a back and forth motion, they found that it was easy to remove weeds from soft soil. For bigger, tougher weeds, they used the point to dig them out. Reviewers also added that this tool helped reduce their back pain!
This 12-Gauge Warren Hoe is made in the United States using thick steel and strong fiberglass, so it's built to last. The blade is set at a 90-degree angle and has a pointed tip for digging or creating furrows. It's also coated with a powdered finish to prevent rust. To help reduce fatigue, there's a rubber grip at the end of the handle.
A handful of reviewers noted that the blade could use sharpening. Overall, however, they appreciated its durable, sturdy construction. They said it could cut through hard, compacted soil with ease. Reviewers also found it useful for other tasks like weeding, cultivating, and planting.
With a blade measuring just two inches in diameter, Carrot Design's Circular Hoe is ideal for getting into tight spaces. The bottom of the circle is sharp, but its sides are dull, allowing you to easily cut through weeds while protecting your other plants. The contoured wood handle gives you more comfort and control too.
Some reviewers recommended sharpening the blade before use as it arrives a bit dull. Otherwise, the majority of reviewers said this hoe is strong and precise. They loved that they could remove weeds without damaging their other plants, saying that it's an indispensable tool for weeding in small spaces like raised beds.
This hoe from Corona has a unique diamond-shaped head with a sharpened blade on each side. Slide it beneath the soil and use a push-pull motion to remove weeds in any direction. The handle is made from solid wood, and the blade is made of carbon steel that's easy to sharpen when needed.
Some reviewers said the angle of the head makes it hard to use, but one person said watching a video helped them get the hang of it. Still, most appreciated how sharp the blades are and found the push-pull method effective. They said this hoe is great for precise work, like removing weeds from the cracks between paving stones.
For convenience, you can't beat a tool that combines two tools into one! One side features a paddle hoe blade, while the other has a triple-tined tiller. The heads are made from carbon steel, and the solid oak handle has a rubber grip. Use this handy tool in your flower or vegetable garden.
A handful of reviewers warned that this tool isn't very durable and recommended it for lighter tasks only. However, the majority of reviewers loved how versatile it is. They used it for everything from weeding to transplanting to digging holes. They found it to be comfortable, balanced, and easy to use.
This Japanese hand hoe is a great weeding companion. It features a blade made from tough carbon steel that will stay sharp for a long time. It has a curved shape and pointed tip to slice through roots and reach into tight spaces. The handle is made from wood and contoured for a comfortable grip.
While a couple of reviewers wished the handle was a few inches longer, most were impressed by this tool's efficiency and versatility. They said it's lightweight, very sharp, and comfortable to hold. Many called it their go-to gardening tool and said it cut down hours of weeding to minutes!
Whether you're weeding, watering, planting, or pruning, make sure you have the right tools for the job! Check out more of our favorite garden tools and accessories below.
This expert reviewed the contents of the buying guide for accuracy and provided factual corrections when necessary. They did not participate in the product selection process, nor are they affiliated with any of our choices unless explicitly stated so.
No. 1: Bully Tools|12-Gauge Garden Hoe|92353
No. 2: Flexrake|Hula-Ho|500W
No. 3: Fujiwara Sangyo|Senkichi Nejiri Gama Hoe
No. 4: True Temper|Looped Action Hoe|2866300
No. 5: Hoss Tools|Push Pull Hoe
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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