Trowels are an essential tool for both amateur and professional gardeners alike. There are so many different trowels available to perform specialized tasks. For example, potting trowels are excellent for scooping soil into a pot, weeding trowels are good for getting pesky weeds out of your garden, and traditional trowels are best for multi-purpose use. Another common type of trowel is the transplanting trowel, which is used for moving bulbs, seedlings, and other small plants from one location in your garden to another.
Having the right gardening tools makes a huge difference in how easily a gardening task is completed. The right tools can make any task simple, quick, and more efficient. For gardeners who like to do a lot of transplanting, we have selected the top transplanting trowels of 2023 in order to make moving plants from one spot to another a piece of cake.
The Best Transplanting Trowel Worth Considering for 2023
Best Overall
Our first pick is an all-in-one gardening set. It consists of multiple tools such as a hand trowel, a cultivator hand rake, and a transplanting trowel. These tools are made up of premium quality aluminum alloy that makes them sturdy and durable. The handle of these tools is manufactured with a high-quality TPR rubber, making it easy for the user to grip the tool comfortably.
The cultivator hand rake has a thick body of 7mm that gives it a sturdy, unbreakable structure. This hand rake can help you get rid of weeds, mix soil, and remove waste. The transplanting trowel is equipped with two standard units of scale (CMS and inches) that make measuring and removing dirt easy and efficient. The hand trowel’s third tool has a large head that supports smooth soil removal to speed up the gardening process.
Pros
- An ergonomic rubber grip with a palm rest and contoured finger grips makes it easy to work with
- Three piece set ensures you have all the tools you need
- Hang hole feature for easy storage
Cons
- Not efficient for extensive gardens with hefty work
Runner Up
This is a very sturdy and handy garden tool made of high-quality aluminum that will not rust. The robust structure ensures that the trowel will not bend or break while working.The transplanter has an ergonomic handle and a non-slip thumb pad that gives the tool a soft grip. This transplanting trowel has sharp blades that make it easy to cut through compacted soil, scoop out pet food, fill bird feeders, and more.
This multi-purpose trowel is an excellent investment. It can be used for both indoor and outdoor gardening. Additionally, the easy-to-read measurements allow you to accurately measure soil depth as you work.
Pros
- Sturdy and unbendable structure
- A custom fit with slip protection reduces wrist stress even if maximum force is being applied
- The unique radian blade design makes it easy to scoop out soil
Cons
- It cannot be used to dig up large stones
Honorable Mention
If you’re in search of a durable, stainless steel transplanting trowel, then the Berry & Bird’s Garden trowel is a must-try. The wooden handle is stain-free and corrosion-resistant, so the trowel will last you upwards of ten years.
You can accurately measure your soil with the depth measurements marked on the tool. The slim head design is suitable for transplanting small plants, perennials, and vegetables. The ergonomic ash handle is government-certified for environmental sustainability.
If you are not satisfied with your purchase, the seller offers a 30-day free replacement option.
Pros
- It is made up of polished stainless steel, which makes it highly durable
- Created with environmentally friendly manufacturing
- Comes with a 2-year warranty
Cons
- The blades are not too wide, which can make pulling out large weeds difficult
Contender
Edward’s Tools transplanting trowel is one of the best out there. It is a rustproof and bend-proof aluminum trowel that will last you a long time. The aluminum blade is attached to a large rubber handle that features a palm rest for comfort and easy use. With the help of this tool, you can correctly measure the depth of seeds, soil, or fertilizer while planting, for accurate results.
Moreover, it comes with a lifetime warranty. If the transplanting trowel bends, then it will be replaced by the company immediately.
Pros
- The soft rubber handle eliminates wrist fatigue
- Rust-proof material makes it durable, even when kept in the rain for a long time
- Better performance than other aluminum trowels with the same price
Cons
- The thick, dull edge makes the tool ineffective at cutting into very hard soil
This garden transplanting trowel is the best pick for easy digging of hard soil, planting, transplanting, eradicating stubborn weeds, combining soil, and completing virtually any other garden task. It comes with a perfectly polished aluminum blade that is corrosion-free and cuts through tough turf smoothly.
The soft, ergonomic-designed rubber handle is comfortable to work with. The handle promotes an excellent grip and reduces hand stress while weeding. If you’re looking for a lightweight, compact trowel, you should invest in this transplanting trowel.
Pros
- Rust-free aluminum head, efficient for long-term use
- 100% money-back guarantee
- Features a comfortable grip and is lightweight
Cons
- It is not suitable for heavy digging jobs
Leading Transplanting Trowels: A Buying Guide
What To Look for When Selecting a Transplanting Trowel
There are multiple features and variables one should look for when picking out the garden trowel that fits their requirements. Here are some basic things you need to research before purchasing a garden trowel.
Weight
If you want to use your trowel for long hours without putting too much stress on your wrists, you should opt for a lightweight transplanting trowel.
Grip
It is advisable to look for trowels that have easy and soft-grip handles. Trowels with hard handles may cause discomfort in your hand and wrist after a long day working in the garden.
Material
Trowels are made up of different materials. You need to examine what tasks you’ll be using the trowel for, and then decide which trowel material is suitable for you. Material options consist of stainless steel, aluminum, and high-carbon steel.
Blade width
The ideal width of a trowel depends on two things: the type of plants you have in your garden, and the purpose for which you will use the trowel. This will determine whether you require a more narrow blade or a broader blade to work with.
Blade style
If you are looking for an everyday use trowel, you should opt for a curved blade transplanting trowel. This will make your gardening work easier and more efficient.
Leverage
Consider the type of handle that your trowel is attached to. It is best to purchase a trowel with an ergonomically designed handle made with soft, high-quality rubber material, as this will keep your joints and wrist healthier by giving you more leverage for digging.
What Type of Materials Can be Used To Make Trowel Handles?
Transplanting trowel handles are usually made from one of three materials: plastic, wood, or rubber. Plastic handles are made with a thermoplastic polymer that is lightweight, waterproof, and has a soft grip. Synthetic rubber is used to manufacture ergonomic handles that are light, convenient, and affordable. Lastly, wood trowel handles are the most popular type of trowel handle. Wooden handles are durable and can fit all trowel blades.
How Do You Transplant Seeds?
If you’re unsure of how to use your transplanting trowel, consider watching this helpful video to learn about four mistakes you should avoid!
People Also Asked
What makes a trowel suitable for transplanting?
Transplanting trowels are a helpful tool for moving plants around, as they have a thin, extended blade that helps the gardener dig deep and remove small plants while keeping the roots intact. The narrow blades make it perfect for planting in small pots.
How do I select a garden trowel?
Picking out the best garden trowel is a tricky task. Ensure that the tool you select is made of a solid and stainless material that does not break or bend under pressure. It is recommended to get trowels attached to ergonomic handles so that they do not hurt your wrist. Additionally, opt for a trowel that is rust proof, so your tool does not become damaged after digging through wet soil or if it is accidentally left outside in the rain.
Which metal is better for gardening tools - aluminum or stainless steel?
Carbon steel, hand-forged steel, and stainless steel are the best metals used to build gardening tools. This is because stainless steel makes the strongest, corrosion-free blades. In contrast, aluminum is lighter but weaker, which is why blades made from this material might not be too sturdy.
What does a trowel look like?
A garden trowel is a small, handy tool that is mainly used for gardening purposes. The tool has a pointed, narrow metal blade attached to a wooden, metal, or plastic handle. It is pretty similar to a shovel or a spade, but it is much smaller in appearance.
