The garden hoe is one of the most classic and essential gardening tools. No tool has surpassed—let alone matched—this ancient tool in the critical gardening tasks of tilling, planting, and uprooting. A gardener of any skill level will use their hoe on most days that they’re in the yard.
A tool this essential should be trusty, rugged, and effective—so you should invest a bit above the bare minimum.
Type of Head
Metal or plastic are your choices here. Metal hoes are sharp, like the edge of a well-kept shovel. They are more rugged and can cut deeper. However, they can rust—that’s a problem plastic doesn’t have. You might also worry about handing a metal hoe to a small child. Plastic hoes are more flimsy, but they will perform adequately in soft earth and are less dangerous for youngsters.
We reviewed only metalheads because they’re what we prefer. But there are other considerations as well: Do you want a double-function tool or just a garden hoe? Do you want a head that can be detached and swapped out for a head of another size or purpose?
Size And Length
How much earth do you need to till? Are you working in a planter box or an open yard? Do you want to use the hoe when you’re standing, or will you be crouching while you use it? Will the rows you’re hoeing be wide or narrow? The size and scale of your hoe should match its intended use.
Ergonomics
Hoeing can cause repetitive stress injuries in several parts of your bodies: your neck, shoulder, arms, wrist, legs, back, or hands. A hoe with a good grip and ergonomic handle can go a long way in preventing that sort of injury. Also, you might want to get a hoe with a rubberized grip, which will reduce the chance of blistering your hands.
Garden Hoe Cost
Garden hoes available for sale online range in cost from approximately $10 to $50. Most garden hoes fall in the $20 to $30 range. The most important factors in the cost of garden hoes are:
- Size
- Durability
- Handle material and quality
The least expensive garden hoe we’d recommend is the Nejiri Gama Hoe. The cost is low because it’s a bit smaller than other options on the list and the grip isn’t entirely covered in rubber
The most expensive garden hoe on our list is the Truper 33119 Tru Pro Forged Eye Hoe. The cost is high because it is made out of white ash and is a very durable, high-quality option.
The Best Garden Hoes On Amazon
Bond LH016 Culti-Hoe With Telescopic Handle
Estimated price: $10
The Bond Cluti-Hoe is a versatile tool that is best for gardeners with limited storage space.
It features a regular hoe, a three-pronged, rake-style hoe, and a telescoping handle that will make it useful for projects of various scales.
The handle is ergonomic, but the telescoping handle can slip or break, which can be a painful or frustrating experience.
Reviewers mention that this garden hoe is a good value for the money and that the handle is a good length. Reviewers also mention that it is easy to adjust the length of the hoe with the telescopic handle.
Nejiri Gama Hoe
Estimated price: $7-10
This elegant hand hoe is durable and well-made, with high-quality materials.
It’s a great choice for a specialized, small project or as an on-your-knees hoe.
The small blade is durable, but the handle isn’t completely coated with a rubberized grip—it’s mostly wood. That can cause blisters if you need to use this hoe over a long period of time.
Though this garden hoe is only $7, it’s a durable option that will work with you, not against you. Reviewers mention that this hoe removes weeds efficiently and effectively and that the blade is sharp enough to get the job done. One reviewer mentions that this option is just as good if not better than the $30 one she used to purchase in the past.
Rogue Prohoe 7” Blade Field Hoe
Estimated price: $30-35
The Prohoe, as its name suggests, is a good tool for someone who does a lot of large-scale, heavy-duty planting and gardening.
If you have a large plot in your yard for cultivating vegetables, you should strongly consider this hoe. It’s very durable and made from high-quality materials.
The main drawback from the Prohoe is that its handle is wood all the way down; it’s not especially ergonomic and can cause blisters if it’s used over a long period of time, even if your hands have developed calluses and/or you’re wearing gloves.
One reviewer mentions that they are a professional landscaper and use this tool exclusively. The head of the hoe is sharp enough to cut through all sorts of weeds and though its a bit more pricey, you get durability in return.
Ames Welded Garden Hoe
Estimated price: $15-20
The Ames hoe, which features a 6.25-inch blade, is an affordable, durable workhorse standing hoe.
It will last a long time, stay sharp, and features an elegant, durable wooden handle.
The Ames also has a comfortable, rubberized handle for the top hand, which is a big help with ergonomics and blistering.
Truper 33119 Tru Pro Forged Eye Hoe with Ash Handle
Estimated price: $40-60
The Truper is the most substantial hoe reviewed here: It’s built to last for generations, with a forged head and a handle made of white ash.
White ash is a prized handle wood because of its flexibility and durability.
If you’re doing some serious farming or breaking up rocky soil, this is the hoe for you. However, casual gardeners might be put off by the handle. It’s not gentle, since it doesn’t have a grip, but it is ergonomically made, with a slight taper down from the rest of the handle.
Reviewers mention that this hoe works especially well on matted up weeds or sod. They also rave about the quality of the blade and the handle.
