This Pocket Trowel is One of the Most Versatile Gardening Tools I've Seen – and it's on Sale Right Now
Multifunctional tools are the foundation of any gardener's kit, and this 5-in-1 pocket trowel is a real gem – it's compact, versatile and affordable
Like any keen gardener, I have a host of impressive tools on my wish list, but I always run into two problems: investing in a huge selection of kit isn't exactly budget-friendly, and I simply don't have the space to store it all.
With this in mind, I'm forever on the lookout for multifunctional equipment – and I recently stumbled across a real gem. It might look a humble hand tool, but the Kikkerland pocket trowel multi-tool (available at Amazon) has no fewer than five different uses.
Alongside a trowel, it also serves as a weeder, saw, root remover and pruning knife. At a length of just under 6 inches, it will fit neatly in your toolkit (or gardening apron) without taking up too much valuable space, and it even looks elegant thanks to its wooden handle. Plus, while essential gardening tools can be pricey, this one is just $20 right now.
Whether you're planting, weeding or pruning, this multi-tool is the perfect companion. It features a hard-wearing stainless steel blade and a handsome beechwood handle.
The Hidden Benefits of Multifunctional Garden Tools
Though I love spending my spare time gardening, I don't have much square footage to work with. In fact, there's a distinct lack of storage space in my small garden, which means I'm forced to be selective when it comes to new purchases.
Naturally, my dream space involves a sprawling shed full of shiny new equipment, but right now the best investment I can make is a multifunctional tool just like the Kikkerland pocket trowel. It may be impressively compact, but it really packs a punch.
While I was drawn in by the promise of five different tools in one, I was just as excited to find out that the trowel blade folds flat – so it can fit neatly in even the most crowded toolkits. (Mine, it must be said, is full to the brim.)
I love that this folding design also allows you to slip the trowel into your gardening belt or apron; after recently treating myself to a floral gardener's apron from Uncommon Goods, I can't wait to use it to proudly display my tools.
Upon first glance, you can hardly tell that this elegant piece of kit is far more than the sum of its parts. Yet hidden within the handle are four more tools that slide out seamlessly whenever you need them.
These fold-out tools are, of course, slimmer than their full-size counterparts, but their sturdy stainless steel construction ensures that they can tackle a range of gardening tasks efficiently. The weeder features a narrow pronged designed to help you pull up stubborn plants, while the root remover boasts a sharp, hooked end.
When it comes to the pruning knife and saw, both tools are particularly versatile: you can, for example, use the knife to open bags of compost or cut gardening twine, while the saw is the perfect choice for quick, light pruning jobs that don't require bulky kit.
To me, tools like these are a reminder that, while it's always tempting to splash out on bigger, flashier tools, there really is an huge selection of multi-use equipment to choose from.
If you are, however, looking for something more substantial – but you're still hoping to save space – it might be worth investing in a hori hori knife, like this one from Home Depot, which can assist with weeding, removing roots, and planting bulbs.
Ultimately, though, I really can't fault a pocket multi-tool like this one. It's lightweight, versatile, and effortlessly stylish; and at just $20, it won't break the bank.
Why Shoppers Love This Pocket Multi-Tool
If you're curious about how gardeners rate the Kikkerland trowel, it has a 4.2-star average rating on Amazon. (Plus, its sister product, the plant pruner multi-tool at Amazon, is just as popular.)
It's worth noting that a handful of customers questioned the durability of the trowel, with one mentioning that the tools struggled to lock into position when folded out from the handle. Most, however, still praised its versatility and usefulness.
What to Shop
These pruners are packed with useful mini tools, from a wood saw to a paring knife. They're even fitted with a bottle opener, which is ideal for hosting season.
This handy tool features notched measurements, a serrated blade, and a forked design. It's ideal for digging, weeding and transplanting.
This pruning saw is larger than one you'll find in a multi-tool, but it still helps you save space. It has a folding blade and an ergonomic handle.
If you really want to upgrade your toolkit this year, we've pulled together a list of tools that every gardener needs but neglects to buy. We've even looked into the best eco-friendly yard tools, if you're shopping with sustainability in mind.
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