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Having the right outdoor equipment can make all the difference in gardening and yard care, whether you’re splitting logs, trimming hedges, or preparing soil for planting. That’s why the Bob Vila team spent the last year testing hundreds of tools—mowing thousands of square feet of lawn, clearing dozens of leaf piles, and trying countless garden gadgets—to identify the best outdoor equipment.
From compact cultivators to folding tomato cages, these 15 picks were hand-chosen by our team of testers for ease of use, performance, durability, and value. We’re confident that they’ll help your outdoor tasks simpler and more efficient.
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We also curated the best tools, repair and renovation products, tech, and home essentials for the 2025 Best of the Test Awards.
The GreenSweep SR1 XL Mulcher offers an excellent combination of portability, safety, and power. Its bladeless design uses fast-spinning nylon line to create a fine 18:1 mulch, and the wheeled base makes it easy to move around the yard. For homeowners with heavy leaf fall, it’s a reliable, easy-to-use option dedicated to making quick work of leaf shredding.
What our tester says: “The 15-amp motor on this model produces a super fine shred that’s easy to bag or use as compost. It did a fantastic job reducing the piles of dry, crisp leaves in our yard, creating a nutrient-rich mulch we could add to our flower beds and trees.” —Glenda Taylor, Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the GreenSweep leaf mulcher at Amazon or Walmart, starting at $139.99.
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
The Hults Bruk Spika Axe is equal parts exceptional craftsmanship and precision performance. Hand-forged in Sweden, this compact 20-inch axe arrived razor-sharp and handled log chopping, kindling splitting, and stake carving with impressive control during testing. Its balanced design and durable hickory handle make it a dependable companion for backcountry use or home firewood prep, offering heritage-level quality built to last for generations.
What our tester says: “I jumped at the chance to test the Hults Bruk Spika, and it exceeded my every expectation. The difference between this hand-forged Swedish axe and the hardware store options I’ve used before is night and day.” —Glenda Taylor, Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the Hults Bruk axe at Hults Bruk for $199.
Scotts has long been a trusted name in lawn and garden tools, and the Elite Walk-Behind Salt Spreader proves why. With a dual-rotor design, 80-pound capacity, and 6-foot spread width, the spreader makes it easy to quickly cover driveways, sidewalks, and decks with granular or rock salt. Its never-flat 10-inch tires are easy to maneuver, and assembly is minimal. In our tests, it handled a full load with stability and even distribution, making it a reliable choice for efficient winter snow and ice management.
What our tester says: “If I could only choose one salt and fertilizer spreader, this would be it. It holds a ton of product, moves easily over uneven terrain, and makes quick work of large areas.” —Michelle Larson, Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the Scotts Elite salt spreader at Amazon, Lowe’s, Tractor Supply Co., Ace Hardware, The Home Depot, or Scotts, starting at $118.
We’ve been fans of Bootstrap Farmer for years, and their Ultimate Backyard Bundle Kit is a standout for serious gardeners who want supplies that last. The heavy-duty, BPA-free trays are far more durable than typical seed-starting sets that crack after one season, and the optional color-coded trays simplify seed organization. While the upfront cost is on the high side, it breaks down to about $36 per set—excellent value for long-term, professional-quality seedling production.
What our tester says: “Compared to buying cheap trays that need replacing every year, this is a cost-effective long-term solution. It’s perfect for hobby farmers or serious gardeners who want large-scale seedling production without having to rebuy their setup each season.” —Debbie Wolfe, Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the Bootstrap Farmer seed starting system at Bootstrap Farmer for $176.99.
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
As the best extra-wide mower in our self-propelled mower guide, this powerful 224 cc gas model from DeWalt has a 28-inch deck that delivers quick, consistent cutting through tall grass and dense overgrowth. Its dual blades, smooth self-propulsion, and easy starting make it a standout choice for homeowners with large lawns or light commercial needs. Additional features include a muffler that renders it quieter than most gas models and a Smart Jet deck wash system that makes it exceptionally easy to keep clean.
What our tester says: “After testing battery-powered lawn mowers for the past several years, I’d forgotten the raw, unrelenting power a gas mower can produce. Then, I pulled the recoil cord on the DeWalt 28-Inch Self-Propelled Mower, and it all came rushing back. If you need to cover a lot of ground quickly and want a clean, crisp cut, this DeWalt is definitely worth the investment.” —Glenda Taylor, Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the Dewalt gas lawn mower at The Home Depot for $1,579.
The Gain Express ZD-06 pH Meter topped our list of the best pH meters due to its incredible accuracy, durability, and consistency. Across multiple tests over 2 weeks, it delivered near-identical pH readings to the professional lab results we’d received, and its thick, 11.6-inch probe felt sturdier than any other model we tried. With its easy-to-read analog display and the ability to measure moisture levels in addition to pH, it’s a dependable tool for monitoring soil health both indoors and out.
What our tester says: “The Gain Express pH meter is sturdy, intuitive to use, and its results were on par with lab tests. I love the simple interface and easy-to-read analog display that faces upward.” —Katie Barton, Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the Gain Express pH meter at Amazon for $55.99.
Photo: Debbie Wolfe for Bob Vila
Epic Gardening’s lined grow bags are perfect for gardeners who want a breathable, reusable, and easy-to-move container option. We tested the 15-gallon size and found that their double-row stitching and strong handle made them incredibly sturdy, even when filled with wet soil. The recycled felt exterior supports healthy root development, while the moisture-retaining liner helps plants stay hydrated. They fold flat for storage and are an excellent choice for peppers, tomatoes, eggplant, and other container crops.
What our tester says: “These are the nicest potting bags for plants I’ve used. The liner really made a difference in keeping my plants happy between waterings, and I loved how durable the stitching felt. I fully expect them to last for multiple seasons.” —Debbie Wolfe, Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the Epic Gardening grow bags at Amazon or Epic Gardening, starting at $42.49.
The Ego Power+ 26-inch Hedge Trimmer took top honors in our lineup of the best hedge trimmers for its rare balance of power, precision, and battery endurance. In testing, it easily handled everything from shaping midsummer growth to deep seasonal pruning, cutting cleanly through holly hedges and liriope beds. Its 26-inch carbon-fiber rail blade and 1.2-inch cutting capacity make it ideal for tackling large areas quickly, and its 70-minute runtime supports long afternoons working in the yard without interruptions.
What our tester says: “As usual, Ego Power+ did its research and turned in a solid performance. This hedge trimmer might be oversized for some jobs, but it’s just right for maintaining large square-shaped hedges. I also really like that it has the power to take down overgrown hedges for a fresh start.” —Mark Wolfe, Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the Ego Power+ hedge trimmer at Amazon, Lowe’s, or Ace Hardware, starting at $279.
Photo: Michelle Larson for Bob Vila
Ryobi always impresses our testers with its wide range of useful and user-friendly tools, and the brand’s 18V One+ Handheld Cultivator is no exception. Perfect for raised beds and small garden spaces, this lightweight tiller delivers up to 233 RPM with removable metal tines for easy cleaning. In testing, it handled compacted soil and overgrown beds with ease, making it a solid choice for gardeners looking to maintain small spaces. As a bonus, the included battery is compatible with dozens of other Ryobi One+ tools, increasing its overall value.
What our tester says: “This is my go-to for maintenance cultivation. I love how small and lightweight it is, yet it’s still powerful enough to churn through my garden and get it ready for planting.” —Michelle Larson, Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the Ryobi electric tiller at The Home Depot for $149.
Photo: Amber Guetebier for Bob Vila
Photo: Amber Guetebier for Bob Vila
With their sturdy build, smart design, and effortless setup, the Gardener’s Supply Company Folding Tomato Cages were easily our favorite of the seven cages we tested this summer. The powder-coated steel stays cool in full sun, the wide 8-inch openings make pruning and harvesting noticeably easier, and the entire thing folds flat for space-saving storage. With ample support for tomatoes and other vining crops, these cages are a durable, reusable upgrade for any garden bed.
What our tester says: “I’ve gone through dozens of tomato cages in my life, and the Gardener’s Supply Tomato Cages are incredibly sturdy and maintain their exact shape even after folding flat for easy off-season storage. I’m excited to finally have a tomato cage that will last beyond one or two seasons.” —Amber Guetebier, Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the Gardener’s Supply tomato cages at Amazon or Gardener’s Supply Company, starting at $74.99.
Expandable hoses can be hit or miss, but the Copper Bullet from Pocket Hose quickly proved itself during testing. Its triple-layer latex core and tough polymer exterior held up to sun exposure, rain, and even being backed over with a car—all without leaking. We also liked the metal fittings, built-in shut-off valve, and included 10-pattern nozzle. Lightweight, lead-free, and drinking-water safe, it’s a reliable pick for everyday watering and pet-friendly use.
What our tester says: “The Copper Bullet expandable hose is durable and attractive. The spray nozzle is high-quality, and I appreciate how easy this hose is to carry around and store.” —Katie Barton, Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the Pocket Hose expandable hose at Amazon or Ace Hardware, starting at $34.99.
Photo: Mark Wolfe for Bob Vila
Rain Bird has been a trusted name in irrigation for nearly a century, and its hose-end timer makes it easy to see why. In our tests for ease of use, durability, and accuracy, it impressed on every front. It sets up in minutes and features a large digital display, intuitive programming, and rugged brass fittings. The unit runs on two AA batteries and features a 7-day programming schedule with up to four start times per day and up to 6 hours of watering per start time. If you’re looking to automate irrigation, this timer offers high flow rates and long-lasting performance.
What our tester says: “Between the Rain Bird’s sturdy build and simple, effective design, it was definitely my favorite timer during testing. The buttons and menu options on the dial are large and clear, which made adjusting my watering schedule incredibly easy.” —Mark Wolfe, Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the Rain Bird hose timer at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Rain Bird, starting at $49.98.
Photo: Northern Tool + Equipment
When it comes to tackling heavy piles of leaves, twigs, and debris, the Stihl SH 86 C-E handheld combination leaf blower, mulcher, and vacuum delivers serious power in a compact package. Its 27.2cc gas engine produces 444 CFM and 170 mph, effortlessly vacuuming and shredding wet leaves, acorns, and small branches into a fine mulch. The Easy2Start system gets the engine going with a single pull, and the vibration-dampening handle keeps your arms comfortable during extended use. If you have a large yard or deal with dense autumn debris every season, the Stihl will be an excellent multifunction tool.
What our tester says: “Stihl routinely puts out top-notch yard equipment, and this leaf vacuum is another solid addition to the brand’s lineup. It was the most powerful model we tested, and it also impressed with its professional-level build quality—especially for the price.” —Tony Carrick, Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the Stihl blower/mulcher/vac at Northern Tool + Equipment for $399.99.
Photo: Mark Wolfe for Bob Vila
Tabor Tools’ heavy-duty digging fork topped our list of the best garden forks for its flat-front, rounded-back tines, which handle both compacted and loose soil with ease. During testing, its all-steel construction was tough enough to break ground, lift soil, and even remove midsize rocks, making it a versatile choice for gardeners tackling everything from root vegetables to general soil work. Despite its weight, the fork’s size and strength make tough digging tasks more efficient, giving serious gardeners a reliable tool built to last.
What our tester says: “The Tabor Tools fork is an awesome digger, no matter what soil condition you’re dealing with. In my tests, it was strong enough to grind through dry, compacted clay, and wet, sticky soil really didn’t stick to the tines that badly. Lifting it over and over could get tiring, but that sort of work is not typical anyway. For general forking, this is the one.” —Mark Wolfe, Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the Tabor Tools garden fork at Amazon or Tabor Tools, starting at $64.49.
Vego’s Elevated Garden Bed combines sleek design with practical functionality, making it great for gardeners with limited mobility. At 32 inches tall, it allows planting and maintenance without bending or straining, while its sturdy frame holds up to 1,000 pounds. Heavy-duty casters make repositioning surprisingly easy, even when it’s fully loaded with soil (or our tester’s teenage sons). Overall, we think the Vego’s blend of accessibility, strength, and style would make it perfect for almost any patio, deck, or backyard.
What our tester says: “If you’re in the market for a raised bed that’s as functional as it is beautiful, and especially if you or a loved one needs a more physically accessible gardening option, this Vego is the answer. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to anyone.” —Debbie Wolfe, Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the Vego garden bed at Vego Garden for $299.95.
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