Garden Supplies You Actually Need for a Thriving Garden
Skip the gimmicks. Learn which garden supplies are essential, which are nice to have, and how to make the most of what you’ve got.
Let’s be honest—gardening can either feel like a peaceful escape or an all-day battle with tangled hoses and broken trowels. And most of the difference comes down to the tools you have on hand. If you’ve ever tried to dig into rocky soil with a cheap plastic shovel, you know exactly what I mean.
Whether you’re just getting started or fine-tuning your setup, having the right garden supplies makes a world of difference. This guide covers the must-haves, a few nice extras, and how to keep everything in working order. I’ll also share a few hard-earned lessons on what to avoid (including that ridiculous hose I tripped over three seasons in a row).
Must-Have Garden Supplies for Every Homestead Gardener
These are the tried-and-true tools I wouldn’t garden without—plus some advice for picking the right version based on your space, size, and style.
The Right Shovel for the Job
Not all shovels are created equal. A massive #2-blade might look tough, but if you’re smaller-framed or don’t have the arm strength to handle it full, it’s more trouble than it’s worth. I recommend:
- Smaller blade sizes (#0 or #1) for less strain
- Handle length that matches your height
- Wood over fiberglass—for repairability and durability
If you’ve got a tiny garden plot, skip the big scoop altogether and go compact. You want maneuverability, not muscle fatigue.
Stirrup Hoe = Weed Warrior
If you don’t have one yet, get one. A stirrup hoe saves your back and clears weeds fast. You can push or pull to sever small roots, and the double-sided blade makes it efficient in both directions. It’s especially helpful between rows or in tight spaces where a regular hoe just doesn’t cut it—literally.
Grab a reliable stirrup hoe like this one.
Two Rakes Are Better Than One
You’ll want:
- A metal-tined garden rake (kid-sized is perfect) for cleaning up between rows
- A large leaf rake for clearing paths or smoothing mulch—mine is 31″ wide with plastic tines, and it’s perfect
Skip the overpriced “ergonomic” garden rakes unless you’re dealing with serious physical strain. A cheap rake used properly goes a long way.
Wheelbarrows: The Garden’s Workhorse
I couldn’t choose just one—and ended up with two.
- My steel 6-cubic-foot single-wheel barrow handles heavy compost and firewood
- My poly 4-cubic-foot two-wheel barrow is easy to maneuver for lighter loads and garden cleanup
Pro tip: If you only have space or budget for one, go with something stable (2 wheels) and roomy—but not so big that it becomes hard to lift when full.
Garden Hoses That Don’t Drive You Crazy
Here’s the deal: cheap hoses are a false economy. They kink, crack, and make watering a chore. Go for:
- Rubber or rubber blend
- Brass fittings
- 3/4″ diameter—more durable and easier to find repair parts
I like this heavy duty garden hose that’s available in lengths from 10-100 feet.
Don’t buy: expandable hoses, coil hoses, or anything that looks like it belongs in a magician’s kit.
Gloves That Actually Work
I’m not a fan of those clawed garden gloves making the rounds online. I get the appeal—but I prefer a good, stretchy pair with light waterproofing on the palms (these are my favorites). If they’re too bulky, I end up ditching them halfway through anyway.
The Bucket I Use for Everything
My favorite weeding bucket? It’s technically a party drink cooler I scored at Walgreens on clearance. Lime green, easy to spot when I forget where I left it, and the perfect size for weeds or hand tools.
Tip: Keep an eye out at dollar stores or seasonal aisles—you don’t need to spend much for a bucket that works.
Choose a Trowel That Fits
I’m mostly a bare-handed gardener, so I need a grippy handle and a slightly curved blade. The flat ones? Useless. The scooped blade helps hold soil and prevents blisters. Skip the folding and serrated options—they’re gimmicky, overpriced, and usually underperform.
This curved-handle trowel is under $10 and fits the bill.
A Homesteader’s Garden Planner
This isn’t technically a tool, but it’s just as essential. I created The Homesteader’s Vegetable Garden Planner & Journal to help you organize your growing season. It’s packed with seasonal checklists, monthly calendars, budget logs, and project planning pages to keep everything from seed to harvest on track.
Nice-to-Have Garden Supplies (If You Have the Space)
These tools aren’t essential, but they can make gardening easier, faster, or just a little more fun.
A Rototiller—Sometimes Worth It
I lean toward no-dig gardening and use the Back to Eden method, but I’ll admit—root crops in my rocky Maine soil benefit from tilling. For soft beds, a lightweight front tine tiller works. For new or compacted ground, you’ll want a rear tine model.
Drip Irrigation Systems
I have a love/hate relationship with mine. It’s efficient and reduces water use, but it’s also a pain to set up each spring and remove in fall. If you like planning your garden layout in advance, it can be a great upgrade.
Wheel Hoe (Don’t Let It Collect Dust)
I ignored mine for years until I looked up how to use it—and wow. It’s like a Swiss Army tool for the garden. Great for:
- Creating rows or furrows
- Loosening soil
- Weeding around sensitive plants
Tip: Add a narrow blade for precision weeding between rows without needing a separate tool.
Compost Turner
If you’re tired of flipping compost piles by hand, a crank-style compost turner makes it easier—and less messy. Capacity matters, so choose one that fits your household waste output. You can find more info on this in my composting guide for beginners.
Greenhouse Growing
Choosing a greenhouse is a topic of its own, but if you’re ready to take that step, I break down the key considerations in moving a portion of your garden—figuratively of course—right here. It’s a great way to extend the season here in Maine.
Caring for Your Garden Supplies
A little maintenance goes a long way. Here’s what I recommend:
- Rinse off tools if you’ll use them again soon
- Scrub and dry thoroughly before storing long-term
- Use mineral spirits to remove sap or grime
- Add a drop of oil to moving parts or hinges
- Sharpen with a whetstone like this one each spring and fall
- Hang tools to prevent rust and prolong life
Heads up: you’ll still find shovels propped against my shed. I’m working on it.
Tip: If you spot used garden tools at a yard sale, snap them up! With a little care, they often outlast newer versions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Garden Tools
Still wondering what garden supplies are worth the investment? These are the most common questions I hear:
Want to keep this list handy for spring? Save the pin below so you’re ready when planting season rolls around.
When it comes to garden supplies, you don’t need every gadget on the shelf—but having the right basics makes everything easier. Start with the essentials, take care of them, and build up your toolkit as your garden grows.
Have a favorite garden tool you can’t live without? Drop it in the comments—I’m always on the lookout for a new favorite!