The Perfect Tools for Gardening in Toronto
A lush, healthy garden doesn’t just come from good soil and sunshine—it takes having the right tools on hand to get jobs done! Whether you’re pruning shrubs in Rosedale or moving perennials around in a North York backyard, having the proper gardening tools makes every job easier, cleaner, and more enjoyable.
As a professional garden design specialist based in Toronto, I’ve worked with hundreds of homeowners who ask, "What tools do I really need?" This article walks you through the essential gardening tools that thrive in our city’s unique conditions—from clay-heavy soil to unpredictable spring weather. A retailer like, Lee Valley, offers high quality gardening tools that will last you a lifetime.
1. High-Quality Hand Pruners
For trimming perennials, deadheading flowers, and shaping shrubs, nothing beats a sharp pair of bypass pruners. Look for brands with replaceable blades and ergonomic grips.
2. Garden Fork or Broadfork
Toronto soil can be compacted after long winters. A garden fork is perfect for breaking up clay-heavy ground and aerating planting beds. A broadfork is a great eco-friendly option for no-till gardens.
3. Long-Handled Spade or Shovel
Essential for digging, edging, and dividing perennials. Choose a stainless steel or powder-coated model that won’t rust in our damp spring and fall seasons.
From left to right: Round point shovel (great for digging), Square edge shovel (great to moving mulch and earth), Border shovel (great for edging garden beds), and Transplant spade (great for digging up perennials to move around or when needing to split them).
4. Kneeling Pad or Garden Kneeler
Your knees will thank you. Especially helpful when weeding or planting in raised beds or tight corners. Choose from actual knee pads, a kneeling pad or a stool for either kneeling or sitting.
5. Soil Knife (a.k.a. Hori Hori)
This multipurpose tool can dig, cut roots, divide plants, and even measure planting depth. A favourite among garden professionals for its versatility.
Hori Hori knife available through Lee Valley.
6. Hoses and Adjustable Nozzles
Toronto summers can swing between drought and downpour. An adjustable hose nozzle helps water with precision for watering in beds or vegetable gardens.
From left to right: Goodland Everlasting Hose (made in Canada), Expandable hose, Aqua Joe Heavy Duty thumb control nozzle.
7. Mulching Rake and Leaf Rake
Use a mulching rake to spread compost or mulch evenly, and a leaf rake for fall cleanup. Lightweight metal or poly rakes work best for Toronto’s mix of tree debris.
🔗 Visit Landscape Ontario for more tips on mulch types and maintenance.
From left to right: Flat rake is perfect for moving around mulch or spreading soil, and the leaf rake can be used for collecting leaves or dethatching your lawn in late summer or early fall (never dethatch your lawn when it is dormant or stressed).
8. Gloves with a Snug Fit
Choose gloves that offer protection and dexterity. For pruning or handling thorny stems, go with leather-palmed or reinforced-fabric gloves that still let your hands move freely.
From left to right: Women’s gardening gloves, and Heavy Duty Rose pruning gloves.
9. Wheelbarrow or Garden Cart
Don’t haul soil or mulch by hand. A sturdy wheelbarrow or garden cart with solid wheels can handle rough terrain, especially if you’re working in sloped Toronto yards. Rely on these tools for moving around soil or mulch or plants and avoid having to carry heavy bags or take multiple trips.
10. A Good Tool Storage Solution
Proper storage prolongs the life of your tools. A compact shed, wall hooks, or waterproof storage benches keep everything organized and protected from Toronto’s freeze-thaw cycles.
Final Thoughts
Having the right tools doesn’t just make gardening easier—it helps you enjoy the process. With Toronto’s changing seasons and varied soil types, investing in a curated set of reliable quality tools will help you keep your landscape healthy and beautiful year-round.
Whether you’re planning a garden refresh or a full backyard renovation, Master in the Field Landscape Design can help you elevate your outdoor spaces. Get ready to change the way you live outdoors with landscape designs that are as practical as they are beautiful—tools and all!
