Spring is here, and for some of us, that means it’s finally time to get back into the garden. That being said, having the right tools can go a long way in helping your space flourish.
If you’re a first timer or in desperate need of new tools, we consulted experts for gardening tips and compiled a list of products you need to get started, including tools, apparel and plant nutrients.
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Everything you need to start a garden in 2026
The best indoor gardening tools
You can plant seeds directly in your garden, of course, but some beginners may benefit from starting indoors, where pest control and managing conditions like light, moisture and warmth is easier, especially for plants in their early stages.
Starting indoors also helps you get a jump on the growing season, especially when it comes to edible plants like fruits, vegetables and herbs. “If you live in a colder climate, what you prefer to grow may need longer to mature than your growing season can accommodate,” says Rebecca Sears, the chief gardening guru for Green Garden Products, owner of Ferry-Morse Gardening.
Best grow light
Grow lights provide indoor seedlings with the light they need to grow healthy and strong without becoming “leggy,” or floppy to the point that they’re falling over, she says. This grow light clips onto tables and countertops, and you can program it to automatically turn on and off at four, eight and 12-hour intervals, according to the brand. It utilizes a red and white LED light combination — together, they help regulate plant growth and support them as they flower or reach maturity, experts told us.
Best seedling mat
A heat mat is the secret to speedy seed germination, according to Sears.
This option is flexible and water-resistant, according to the brand. It comes with a digital thermostat that you can use to adjust the mat’s temperature. The mat is available in four sizes: 10-by-20.75 inches, 3-by-20 inches, 20-by-20.75 inches and 48-by-20.75 inches.
Best seed starting pots
If you’re starting seeds indoors, using a biodegradable, plantable pot reduces shock to the plant when it’s moved and prevents damage to the roots, Sears says. Jiffy Peat Pots, which are made from organic peat, can go straight from your countertop or windowsill into the ground, making for an easy transition, and also include bottom drainage slits to help your plant develop strong, healthy roots, according to the brand.
The best outdoor gardening tools
As your garden and skills grow, you will likely develop a collection of tools that work best for you and your garden. Beginners should start with a few of the basics listed below. Sears recommends keeping gardening tools in a weather-proof beverage cooler.
Best pruning shears
Pruners are an essential tool, and “everyone must have at least one [pair],” says Carmen DeVito, founder of garden and landscape design company Garden Cult. You can use them to cut stems, branches and weeds, and to shape bushes and other greenery.
Felco makes a variety of pruners that vary in size and cutting width, but DeVito recommends the Felco #6 pruner specifically — it’s built with aluminum handles and steel blades, and it has a narrow pointed tip, which helps you cut closer to plants’ stems, according to the brand.
Best scissors
These scissors are helpful for harvesting herbs, deadheading and cutting flowers to bring into the house, DeVito says. The stainless steel blades on these shears are sharp enough to cut through chicken bones, and they’re suitable for both right-handed and left-handed gardeners, according to the brand.
Best soil knife
Soil knives are useful for transplanting young plants and weeding, according to DeVito. You can also use them to divide perennial plants, open plastic bags and cut twine. Nisaku’s Hori Hori Soil Knife has a 7.25-inch stainless steel blade with inch markings on it and a wood handle. One side of the blade has a straight edge and the other has a serrated edge.
Best hand trowel
The head of this hand trowel is made from cast aluminum, a lightweight and rust-resistant material that shouldn’t bend if you hit a rock while digging, according to the brand. Sears says you can use a hand trowel to dig small holes and mark rows in the ground to plant seeds.
Best shovel
A round head shovel is useful for digging large holes, moving soil and adding soil to pots and gardening beds, according to Sears. This shovel has a 48-inch handle made from fiberglass, which is sturdy and gives the handle a good grip, according to the brand. Its head is made from tempered steel.
Best garden stakes
NBC Select senior editor and gardener Nikki Brown recommends these stakes for propping up vines. The stakes are made from natural bamboo and range in size from 13 to 17 mm, according to the brand. Brown also says they give her more freedom and versatility than the plastic stakes she’s used before.
Best garden bed
These raised garden beds are a favorite of Brown’s, who says they’re easy to assemble and surprisingly lightweight. The thin ridge design makes them great for attaching pest-repelling netting, and they’re made from an anti-corrosive metal that Brown says holds up through multiple growing seasons.
Best garden bin
TubTrugs, which come in multiple colors and sizes, are versatile bins you can treat as potting stations or tool carriers — you can also use them to mix soil, collect plants and vegetables when you’re harvesting them or pile up weeds, DeVito says. They also have two handles, giving you a place to grip if you’re moving the bin around your garden or transporting it from a shed to the yard.
Best garden stool
“A garden stool and kneeler is a great item to have on hand in the garden to protect your back and knees as we get into the thick of the busy spring season,” DeVito says. You can fold this garden kneeler and seat flat when it’s not in use, plus it weighs less than six pounds — perfect for most gardeners to carry around their yards by themselves. The platform you kneel or sit on is made from EVA foam and the product’s metallic frame can support up to 330 pounds, according to the brand.
Best outdoor composter
This tumbling composter comes recommended by DeVito in our guide to the best compost bins. It can hold up to 37 gallons of compost, and is made from 100% recycled plastic with a dual-chamber design and removable door that makes it easy to add to and remove your compost, according to the brand. It also has fins on the interior to help break up clumps, and a hole to help with soil aeration.
The best plant nutrients and supplies
It’s important to remember that plants are living organisms — they need nutrients to support their growth just like we do.
Best fertilizer
Fertilizer adds nutrients to the soil that plants aren’t getting otherwise or aren’t getting enough of. Experts recommend performing a soil test to identify nutrient deficiencies in your garden and determine the best type of fertilizer.
If you’re looking for an all-purpose fertilizer, DeVito says she loves Fox Farm’s, which comes as a powder. You can use it on flowers, greenery, edible plants and more, according to the brand. It contains a blend of nutrients and soil microbes like nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus, and the fertilizer may help improve water absorption in various root systems, according to Fox Farm.
Best liquid fertilizer
This liquid blend, made specifically for vegetables, contains ingredients like seaweed, molasses, yucca extract and humic acids, as well as fresh fish. DeVito says the fish gives this fertilizer a stronger odor compared to other options, but added that it’s worth it due to the extra nutrients it gives your plants.
Best plant vitamins
To keep plants healthy, Sears recommends using a vitamin solution made with kelp, which helps boost plants’ ability to perform photosynthesis and promotes root growth. In addition to containing kelp to support plant health, this vitamin solution also adds nutrients back into soil, according to the brand. Sears uses SUPERthrive Organic All-Purpose Plant Food, too.
The best gardening apparel
It’s important to be comfortable while gardening, especially if you’re spending a lot of time planting, weeding and watering in the sun. Experts suggest investing in a high-quality pair of boots and gardening gloves for multiple seasons. UPF clothing and UPF sun hats can also help keep you protected from sun overexposure.
Best garden clogs
Gardening boots can make your feet hot and may feel heavy if you live in warmer or humid climates. In those cases, DeVito said gardening clogs are an alternative option. The Super-Birki from Birkenstock are made from polyurethane, which is a water-resistant and dirt-repellent material, according to the brand. The clogs are designed with a cork-latex footbed that’s lined with moisture-wicking fabric, which the brand says is easy to clean.
Best gloves
When shopping for a pair of gardening gloves, DeVito recommends ones with rubber on the bottom and fabric on the top to protect both sides of your hands. She also says to make sure they’re machine-washable so they’re easy to clean. These gardening gloves meet DeVito’s guidance.
Best long garden gloves
Brown also suggests these Style Selections gloves, which are made from 100% buffalo leather to better withstand the everyday wear of garden work, according to the brand. They have an extra-long cuff and adjustable wrist loops for a comfortable fit, and a poly-blend material on the back of the hands for extra breathability.
Best overalls
Best garden hat
This is one of our top UPF hat picks because of its stylish design and high level of protection. It’s made from braided straw in a fedora style that keeps the sun’s powerful rays from getting through, according to the brand. It also has a removable drawstring and an adjustable, built-in strap to help you get the best fit.
Best knee pads for gardening
Gardening involves constantly kneeling by your bed, which is why it’s good to keep a pair of knee pads handy. These pads have a foam cushion that pads your knees to protect from scratching and discomfort, along with flexible straps for an adjustable fit, according to the brand. They’re also lightweight for easy carrying, and are durable and tear-resistant.
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How we picked the best gardening tools
To round up the best gardening tools, we asked experts about products they deem essential for gardeners of all levels, especially for beginners assembling their first toolkit. We also included recommendations from NBC Select editors who garden in their free time.
How do you start gardening outdoors?
Still not sure exactly how to set up your garden? Not to worry — below, we compiled tips from our gardening experts, including advice on watering, choosing your first plants, and more.
What type of plants should you grow?
While it can be tempting to spontaneously start digging and planting seeds in your backyard, Sears said it’s important to first consider what types of plants will grow best where you live. As a first step, Sears recommends consulting the United States Department of Agriculture’s Plant Hardiness Zone Map, which can help you figure out the best times to plant. Also, consider how much sunlight your garden will get. If you live in an area where intense heat waves are common, Sears says you can place bed sheets, umbrellas or canopies over the plants to provide shade.
When should you water your garden?
Sears suggests watering your plants in the early morning to avoid evaporation, which can happen later in the day when the sun is stronger. She advises against overhead watering — like watering plants with a watering can or a hose — because it can lead to two issues: leaf burn, since sunlight is amplified through water droplets, and leaf fungal diseases if water pools on leaves. Instead, use a soaker hose or install an irrigation system.
Can you garden without a yard?
Yes, you can garden without a yard. If you don’t have one, opt for a portable stand planter — they’re a great addition to patios or balconies and allow for drainage and root aeration while also managing plant temperature, Sears explained. Since the planter is portable, you can move it around to find the spot with the best sunlight, too.
You can also turn to planters and raised garden beds if you’re not ready to put plants directly in the ground yet. Using planters gives you more control over a plant’s water intake and sun exposure, Sears says. She notes that herbs like basil, oregano and rosemary grow well in containers, as do flowers like petunias, zinnias and marigolds.
Alternatively, Sears says you can plant seedlings, which are live baby flower, herb and vegetable plants that have an established root system. Using seedlings allows gardeners to skip the seed germination process. They’re also useful if it’s too late in the growing season to start your seeds indoors, Sears says. You can plant seedlings directly into the ground or in pots with soil.
What are the best plants for beginners?
The best plants for beginners are easy-to-grow flower varieties like sunflowers and marigolds. Edible plants like basil, zucchini, beans and cucumbers can be grown by gardeners of any skill level, too, says Sears.
Meet our gardening experts
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Rebecca Sears is the chief gardening guru for Green Garden Products, owner of Ferry-Morse Gardening.
- Carmen DeVito is the founder of garden and landscape design company Garden Cult.
Why trust NBC Select?
Zoe Malin is an NBC Select reporter who has written guides about raised garden beds, indoor pots and more. Ashley Morris is an associate SEO reporter for NBC Select covering garden and wellness, including stories about composting, gardening gloves and more. For this piece, Malin interviewed two experts to gather their tips and product recommendations, and researched additional gardening tools on the market with their guidance in mind.
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