— Recommendations are independently chosen by our editors. Purchases you make through our links may earn us and our publishing partners a commission.

The birds are chirping, the flowers are blooming and the days are slowly but surely getting longer—spring is officially here. This time of year, you might feel that itch to cultivate a deeper connection to nature, and nothing says "spring" quite like sinking your hands into some soil and sowing seeds in the garden.

Whether you want to grow a small indoor garden in your kitchen, renovate your backyard with a few fresh garden beds or create a container garden on your balcony for the first time, growing your green thumb isn’t as intimidating as it may seem. All you need are a few essentials—like a classic tool bag and must-have gardening hose—that'll help set you up for success so you can enjoy this grounding hobby and learn how to grow a thriving vegetable garden at home.

"The best part of gardening is learning about and getting in touch with nature," says Kaitlin Mitchell, a gardening expert and founder of Rutabaga Tools, who specializes in plant education. "However, nature can be unpredictable, and the right gear will keep you motivated through garden successes and learning opportunities."

Shop all the best spring essentials

What are the best gardening tools for beginners?

Some of the best beginner gardening tools include classics, such as a trowel (aka a hand shovel), cutting shears, outdoor gloves and a watering can. You can also invest in more specific gardening tools like a kneeler pad or bench, a utility cart and storage. But Mitchell says you don’t have to buy everything you think you’ll need before getting into gardening. Instead, start with the basics and collect as you go. 

When trying a new hobby, it’s natural to want to stock up on all of the tools for your interest. However, you might find that some of the more common gardening tools aren’t as useful as they’re made out to be. For example, Mitchell says many new gardeners think they need a soil moisture reader, but it’s not necessary for every gardener and is something you can purchase as you establish your green thumb.

"Plants often let you know when they need water," Mitchell notes. Generally, when green leaves turn yellow, they need less water. And when plant leaves look more wilted or brown, they need a more consistent watering schedule.

So, before buying everything but the kitchen sink (or, in this case, everything including the water meter), don’t overwhelm yourself with too many specifics. Instead, add just the essential gardening tools for beginners to your cart. Growing your collection of gardening tools as your seeds start sprouting allows you to invest in items you'll actually need as opposed to things you just think you’ll need.

Here are all of the gardening essentials and expert-approved tools you need to curate thriving greenery at home. This includes some important gardening accessories like hats and gloves to ensure you stay safe from the elements, as well as those aforementioned classics. And yes, the cult-favorite Flexzilla hose is on our list.

1. Garden Trowel

Mitchell says a sturdy, well-made trowel is one of the most important gardening tools to have on hand. Trowels—which look like small shovels—have a curved surface and are designed for digging and scooping up soil. They’re great for any-sized garden and can replace a classic shovel in a container garden. For a durable trowel, try the Fiskars Ergo Garden Trowel. Don’t let this budget-friendly gardening tool fool you; its heavy-duty design and comfortable handle make it a go-to tool for gardeners of all skill levels, and it’s an essential item you’ll have in your tool bag for years to come.

2. Water-Resistant Garden Gloves

Protecting your hands in the garden doesn’t just mean keeping them clean. A good pair of gardening gloves can help you keep dirt at bay while also shielding your hands from the sun’s harmful UV rays and the threat of cuts or scrapes while pruning. Instead of a pair of cotton or canvas gloves, Mitchell recommends covering your hands with a water-resistant style that can provide protection sans any sogginess. The Cooljob Gardening Gloves are a top-rated choice for gardeners because they feature a water-resistant rubber coating over the palms and fingers, plus they're fitted with a stretchy and breathable fabric construction.

3. Rust-Resistant Pruners

A designated pair of scissors might work for harvesting smaller plants and herbs, but a good pair of pruning shears is a gardening game-changer. The Fiskars Pruning Shears prove you don’t have to spend a ton of money to get a high-quality pair of pruners. These under-$15 pruning shears are designed to easily snip plants without causing damage to the stems and feature a comfortable, non-slip ergonomic handle that is gentle on the hands. The cutting shears are rust-resistant (an important feature for gardening tools) and have a lifetime warranty.

4. Garden Tool Bag

If you’re looking for beginner-friendly gardening tools and want the ease of buying everything at once, you can also opt for a tool and bag set, such as the Grenebo Garden Tool and Bag Set from Amazon. This kit features a stylish and functional gardening caddy bag filled with all the tools and accessories you’ll need to kickstart your gardening hobby. Inside, you’ll find a trowel, pruning shears, weedier, transplanter and other helpful tools, plus durable gloves and a spray bottle. It’s a great all-in-one gardening tool set or a gardening gift idea for beginners.

5. Garden Kneeler

Spend some time in the garden, and you’ll quickly realize that it’s not always kind on the body (especially the knees). You can protect your knees with a garden kneeler, which is essentially a padded surface that offers cushioned support between your knees and the ground—be it muddy soil or uncomfortable concrete—while you tend to your plants. For a more elevated design, opt for the KVR Garden Kneeler. This versatile garden tool can be used as a kneeler pad or stool to get into the most comfortable position for your body and garden needs without the aches and pains. It also features some built-in storage, making it easier to cart your trowel, shears and any other essentials from one plant to the next.

6. Garden Hose

A garden hose isn’t necessary for every beginner gardener, but if you’re growing in a backyard or larger garden space, investing in a high-quality hose like the Flexzilla Garden Hose will make watering your crops so much more efficient. This garden hose comes in eight sizes—including smaller 3- and 5-foot options—and features a durable, heavy-duty design that's lightweight and comfortable to hold. In addition to the gardening hose, consider adding a nozzle to the mix to create a more customizable plant-watering experience. The Dram Revolver Garden Hose Nozzle is a great choice for beginners because it’s easy to install and features nine patterns.

7. Watering Can

A hose can come in handy when watering a larger surface area. But, for potted plants and container gardens, Mitchell says to switch to a watering can to nourish your plants—and recommends one “with a small spout at the end that allows you to get within a plant and water at its base.” Many outdoor watering cans don’t have a long enough spout since they’re often used for plant pots, so this Qilebi Watering Can from Amazon is a great option. It’s made from a thick and durable PP resin material and also has a detachable shower head to create a sprinkling effect (similar to a hose nozzle).

8. Utility Cart

With a small garden, a harvest basket is all you need to collect your crop. But if you have a larger setup, the Gorilla Utility Cart might come in handy. This cart has a wheelbarrow frame but is on four wheels, so it’s easier to push around the garden, and it comes in several different sizes. The largest cart can hold up to 1,500 pounds, so it’s durable enough to move bags of soil, larger tools and other supplies around the garden. You can also use it to transport trees, bushes and pots while landscaping. The smaller, four-cubic-foot option is a great choice for patios or frequent trips to the garden center.

9. Garden Storage

A garage or shed will typically suffice for garden storage. However, if that’s not an option (or you want something a little more accessible in your garden), a storage box is useful. The Keter City Outdoor Storage Box is a great choice because its compact, 30-gallon size means it can hold all of the essentials without taking up too much space. The gardening storage container is constructed from a durable, weather-resistant resin and features a sleek design that blends well with outdoor patio furniture and other garden decor. It’s available in two colors—dark gray and brown—and has built-in handles for easy transportation. It’s also padlock compatible so you can lock it shut if needed.

10. Large-Brimmed Hat

A sunhat is technically not a tool, but it’s a functional garden accessory that Mitchell says is necessary for gardeners of all skill levels. “A large-brimmed hat with built-in sun protection is a must if you spend a lot of time digging outdoors.” The Solbari Ultra-Wide Cotton Linen Sun Hat from Amazon is made from a linen and cotton blend material that is durable yet lightweight and breathable—an absolute must for hot and sweaty days. It also features UPF 50 to protect your face, neck and scalp from the sun’s UVA and UVB rays, plus it's fitted with functional details like a hidden ponytail hole and a drawstring.

Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.