Whether you grow flowers or vegetables, have a small backyard garden, or have a large plot of land, one thing is constant: you need a good garden hoe. A hoe is a gardener's best friend, a versatile tool that's essential for cultivating your soil. Use it to remove weeds, break up dirt clods, and dig furrows. And if you have a long-handled hoe, you don't even need to bend over to use it!
Within the garden hoe category, there are grub hoes, stirrup hoes, warren hoes, and more, each with their own pros and cons. To learn more about the different types of hoes, check out our buying guide. But if you want to get right to it, our number one pick is the 12-Gauge Garden Hoe from Bully Tools. It's made from durable steel with a fiberglass handle, so it can hold up to even the hardest and rockiest soil. Keep scrolling to see the rest of our picks!
Our list contains draw hoes and scuffle hoes in a range of designs. We've included long-handled options as well as handheld options, too.
92353
$39.99
Type | Draw hoe |
---|---|
Dimensions | 58 in. long 6.25 x 5.25 in. blade |
Weight | 3.25 lbs. |
Handle | Fiberglass |
Blade | Steel |
500W
$15.50
Type | Stirrup scuffle hoe |
---|---|
Dimensions | 14 in. handle |
Weight | 1 lb. |
Handle | Wood |
Blade | Not specified |
$9.40
Type | Japanese weeding hoe |
---|---|
Dimensions | 11 in. long, 5 in. blade |
Weight | 5.6 oz. |
Handle | Wood |
Blade | Steel |
2866300
$38.11
Type | Stirrup scuffle hoe |
---|---|
Dimensions | 54 in. handle, 6 in. blade |
Weight | Not specified |
Handle | Wood |
Blade | Steel |
$74.99
Type | Push-pull scuffle hoe |
---|---|
Dimensions | 61.5 in. long |
Weight | 4 lbs. |
Handle | Wood |
Blade | Steel |
92354
$39.99
Type | Warren hoe |
---|---|
Dimensions | 58 in. long, 4.75 x 7.5 in. blade |
Weight | 3.25 lbs. |
Handle | Fiberglass |
Blade | Steel |
$27.99
Type | Loop scuffle hoe |
---|---|
Dimensions | 14.5 in long; 2 in. blade |
Weight | Not specified |
Handle | Wood |
Blade | Steel |
SH61000
$43.10
Type | Diamond scuffle hoe |
---|---|
Dimensions | 60 in. long, 8 in. blade |
Weight | Not specified |
Handle | Wood |
Blade | Carbon steel |
$19.95
Type | Draw hoe and tiller |
---|---|
Dimensions | Not specified |
Weight | Not specified |
Handle | Oak |
Blade | Carbon steel |
$19.00
Type | Japanese weeding hoe |
---|---|
Dimensions | 10 in. long, 4.5 x 1.25 in. blade |
Weight | Not specified |
Handle | Wood |
Blade | Carbon steel |
Image | 1 ![]() Bully Tools | 2 ![]() Flexrake | 3 ![]() Fujiwara Sangyo | 4 ![]() True Temper | 5 ![]() Hoss Tools | 6 ![]() Bully Tools | 7 ![]() Carrot Design | 8 ![]() Corona | 9 ![]() Edward Tools | 10 ![]() Blue Arrow Express |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Name | 12-Gauge Garden Hoe | Hula-Ho | Senkichi Nejiri Gama Hoe | Looped Action Hoe | Push Pull Hoe | 12-Gauge Warren Hoe | Circular Hoe | Diamond Hoe | Hoe and Cultivator Hand Tiller | Kana Hoe |
Features | A Workhorse Hoe to Get Your Soil Ready for Planting | Wiggle Weeds Out in No Time | A Versatile Handheld Hoe With a Sharp Blade | No More Weeding on Your Knees | A Blade With Teeth and a Pointed Tip | A Heavy-Duty Warren Hoe for a Range of Tasks | Remove Pesky Weeds from Tight Spaces | Slice Through Weeds From All Sides | A Two-in-One Handheld Hoe and Tiller | Cut Through Roots in Seconds With a Sharp Blade |
Price | $39.99 | $15.50 | $9.40 | $38.11 | $74.99 | $39.99 | $27.99 | $43.10 | $19.95 | $19.00 |
Type | Draw hoe | Stirrup scuffle hoe | Japanese weeding hoe | Stirrup scuffle hoe | Push-pull scuffle hoe | Warren hoe | Loop scuffle hoe | Diamond scuffle hoe | Draw hoe and tiller | Japanese weeding hoe |
Dimensions | 58 in. long 6.25 x 5.25 in. blade | 14 in. handle | 11 in. long, 5 in. blade | 54 in. handle, 6 in. blade | 61.5 in. long | 58 in. long, 4.75 x 7.5 in. blade | 14.5 in long; 2 in. blade | 60 in. long, 8 in. blade | Not specified | 10 in. long, 4.5 x 1.25 in. blade |
Weight | 3.25 lbs. | 1 lb. | 5.6 oz. | Not specified | 4 lbs. | 3.25 lbs. | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified |
Handle | Fiberglass | Wood | Wood | Wood | Wood | Fiberglass | Wood | Wood | Oak | Wood |
Blade | Steel | Not specified | Steel | Steel | Steel | Steel | Steel | Carbon steel | Carbon steel | Carbon steel |
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A hoe is a tool that you'll likely be using for extended periods of time, so it's important to choose one that's comfortable and fit for the job. Here are the most important things to consider.
Draw hoes are a traditional style that helps you shape your soil. You use them by swinging the blade into the ground in a chopping motion, then pulling or drawing the blade towards you.
Draw hoes can also be called paddle hoes. This classic style has a rectangular head with a straight blade that sits at a 90-degree angle to the handle. This shape is ideal for large jobs rather than detailed work.
With it, you can break up dirt clods, dig and move dirt, and remove large weeds. You might also see grub hoes, which generally feature a heavier, wider blade and are good for heavy-duty work.
Warren hoes, also called ridging hoes, have a head shaped like a triangle or an arrowhead. The pointed tip can be used to dig furrows, extract weeds from tight spaces, and cultivate soil between other plants.
Some warren hoes have pointed “ears” at the other end. These are helpful when you’re planting seeds. Just flip the hoe over and pull it over the seeds you just planted; the ears will bring the soil in to cover your seeds.
While draw hoes use a chop and pull motion, scuffle hoes use a push and pull motion, skimming just beneath the soil's surface. They’re ideal for removing weeds, loosening your soil, and breaking up hard crusts.
Hoes with external blades can be diamond-shaped, wing-shaped, or another shape. They may also be listed as weeding hoes. The head has sharp edges all around and is angled parallel to the ground, allowing it to slide smoothly back and forth beneath the soil.
Some weeding hoes have blades with teeth to help catch tough roots. This style works well for more open areas since the blades can cut on multiple sides.
Enclosed blade hoes feature a looped head with the blade on the inside. They come in a range of styles, including Dutch, push-pull, and loop hoes.
When you push and pull the head through the soil, the blade can cut weeds away in both directions but will only affect weeds inside the loop. Therefore, this style is ideal for weeding around existing plants.
Stirrup hoes also have an enclosed blade but are shaped like a stirrup rather than a loop. They’re generally wider than other enclosed blade styles, so they’re a good choice for weeding large areas of soil.
Some stirrup hoes have swiveling heads and are sometimes referred to as action hoes. These allow you to maneuver the hoe however you need without having to move your upper body as much.
You can find hoes with both long and short handles, and each works well for different gardening needs.
Traditionally, hoes are used while standing up. Many people like long handles because they eliminate the need to bend over while you work.
However, a handle that’s too long can get in the way and be unwieldy, while a handle that’s too short will cause you to stoop over. When choosing a hoe, the end of the handle should hit between your armpit and the top of your shoulder.
Short-handled hoes are designed to use while kneeling, so they’re not as easy on your back as long-handled hoes. However, they give you more control and can be useful for maneuvering in tight spaces and raised beds.
If you’re short and find that traditional hoes are cumbersome, a handheld hoe might work better for you.
To prevent fatigue, it’s important to pick a comfortable handle material. Some hoe handles are made from wood, which is a classic look. Wood can feel quite heavy, and it tends to rot if not stored properly. However, it has a warmer, softer feel than other materials and absorbs shock well.
Metal handles are another option. They often have a plastic or rubber coating for grip. They can be made of steel, which is durable but quite heavy, or aluminum, which is strong and light. Other handles are made from fiberglass, which is super strong and lightweight. It also won’t degrade or rust when exposed to moisture.
Hoe blades are typically made from either carbon steel or stainless steel. Both are great options, so it’s mostly up to personal preference. Stainless steel is durable and rust-resistant, with a shiny finish. It tends to be pricier, but it’s super low maintenance.
Carbon steel is stronger than stainless steel. It’s more susceptible to corrosion, so it requires some care to keep it in good condition. However, it tends to be less expensive than stainless steel and can hold an edge for longer.
Whether you're weeding, watering, planting, or pruning, make sure you have the right tools for the job! Check out more of our favorite garden tools and accessories below.
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