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Best Bulb Planters Reviewed & Rated for Quality
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Durability
One of the first qualities we always look for in any product is how durable it is. If the tool isn’t going to last, it isn’t worth the money. If used properly and as intended, any tool should last you years, so when we do our research we check to see if it’s been said to have issues. If it has we then take the time to see if those issues can be validated and/or a reasonable method can be used to either avoid or fix the problem. This can be anything from simply not having issues, to having a helpful and responsible company willing to replace or help repair your tool. If we can find a solution to the issue, we feel that the quality of purchasing said item increases and the durability is supported.
Ease of Use
If a product is not easy to use it loses a lot of value in our eyes. You shouldn’t have to work hard to get a result if the tool is being used as intended and is doing what it is made to do. If a tool cannot perform its desired task then obviously we don’t want to suggest you buy it. With this in mind, awards some companies have gotten or a consistent satisfaction from the majority of customers will have us really considering it for our top ten. The easier it is to use, the less stress and safer you will be when applying it to your workload.
Safety Hazards
Some tools are simply not made with safety in mind, to the user or anyone who might be around them. Safety is always something to consider when you go to purchase an item. The safer it is to use, and the safer it is to store, the higher it’s value becomes. After all, if you know you do not have to worry about an accident, it can make your gardening experience all that much more enjoyable and rewarding, and give value to every dollar you spend on your equipment.
Value
Sometimes a tool can have a great price, but the value of that object matches it a little too well. Low cost often equates to low quality and therefore less value, making what you spent on it worthless. When you purchase any item you want to know that your dollars were spent wisely and that you won’t end up just having to go back out and make repeat purchases to fill the gap of a broken item. Spending less on a low-quality item can mean spending more than you would on one that was simply higher quality and would last.
Like buying paper plates instead of plastic or glass will mean over only a few months you may very likely have spent more replacing the throw away’s then you would have on the ones that would only cost you a trip to the sink. It may take work to care for a great tool, but it’s always worth it when the tool provides you years of activity versus only part of a season.
Materials
The material is important not only for the blade part but for the handle as well. It's obvious that you want the blade that digs into the ground to be sharp and hard, but it's also vital that the handle is softer and comfortable otherwise you'll end up with a bunch of blisters. You also want the materials it is made from to be weather resistant as well. It's not likely that you'll be using it in the rain any time soon, it is very likely that you'll be getting your tool wet and dirty. If the metal isn't treated and the material around the handle is not made of quality material, it'll rust and crack.
10 Best Bulb Planters
1. ProPlugger 5-In-1
If versatile is what you're looking for then this is the tool for you. This little beauty can help with something as simple as placing the proper hold depth for your bulbs or as complicated as prepping your lawn for sod.
Depth Plugs
Anyone who gardens can understand the concept of different plants having different requirements. Not just the soil itself but how you plant them. With this product, there is no need to worry about using that yardstick to be sure you're doing things correctly. There are two different depth plugs so you can be sure your Zinnias are not bombarded by the roots from your Tulips.
Ease of Use
A lot of garden tools out there, even the small ones, end up being a huge pain to get used to. You have to make sure you tweak everything just so and by the time you are done your back, knees, and hands are done. You can leave all that behind with this garden tool. Standing at thirty-two inches high it is at a great level for you to be able to see and follow your garden lines without having to do all the work of marking or staking.
Cost and Value
Overall this seems to be a great value for your money. Anything that can make a gardeners life easier just ups the fun value for most of us. This is also something you could let the kiddies help you with by letting them stand on the lower brackets so they can help push it into the ground. Potentially this could make gardening a more family oriented event if you wanted it to, and minimalize the amount of dirt you drag into the house afterward. Based off what we have seen this little beauty is more than worth its weight in seeds.
2. Fiskars Transplanting Spade
Who needs a shovel? Well most of us think of a shovel as a spade-shaped tool used to dig stuff up that eventually, we forget to put away and let the handle rot in the elements. When you have a well put together tool like this one though we think you may change your mind.
Super Durable
Coming in at number two on our list we find Fiskars 46 inch steel D-handle transplanting spade. We have more than once come across the issue of needing a shovel for various jobs but the standard spade shape or wooden handle just couldn't get the job done. That is no longer an issue for us since finding this little gem. Nothing says "Get off my lawn" better than a tool strong enough to make something even as tough as getting through roots a breeze. Say goodbye to those pesky plants that you just can't seem to uproot and hello to the lawn of your dreams. You will also never have to fear the handle giving out as it is steel and won't weaken under the typical wear and tear a wooden handled shovel collapses under.
Lifetime Warranty
Nothing and we mean nothing beats free. We don't mean to imply that this transplanting spade is free of cost, however, a lifetime warranty is a great leveler. If anything goes wrong while this is being used properly all you have to do is contact the manufacturer and get a new one sent to you. That in our eyes is a great endorsement.
Cost and Value
A more powerful tool, able to withstand more use, and less likely to give out due to the elements. What a great combination. This is far from the most costly item on our list and has easy availability, making it an even better buy. If for some reason your still not sure head out to your local gardening supply store and give it a test feel. We think in this case you won't be disappointed.
3. Power Planter
If you have never used an auger you are in for a treat. When we found this we saw auger and immediately images of a huge drill-like structure that could dig a hold in anything and needs to be wielded by two men came to mind. That is not the case. This dirt devil can help you get the depth and circumference you need to plant your roots at a beautiful starting point.
Easy to use
This tool will fit into most 3/8" drills and has a 5/8"non-slip hex drive. That means you get more power with less elbow grease since it is less likely to spin on you and come undone. You want to use it slowly in case you come across rocks in your soil but that would be with any tool of this style.
Don't have to sharpen
We found that when using any bladed tool you need to keep up with sharpening the blades otherwise you end up with a pusher, not a digger. When used properly this auger doesn't lose its edge as quickly as some other tools and therefore won't require you to risk your hand constantly sharpening the blade.
Cost and Value
By all accounts, this is a great buy. Any auger can make your digging day easier but to have one this size and easy to manage alone is almost too good to be true. The biggest trick is to be sure when you're using this you use it slowly and let it do the work. Watch out for roots and larger rocks and you should have no issues. Hours worth of work can be done is less than half the time and you will not only have the garden of your dreams but your back won't go out on you either.
4. Edward Tools
In at number 4 of our top 10 list comes one of the least costly. This is a nice little manual number that can help you make those perfectly shaped holes for your starter plants. This is a tool made for those of us that enjoy coming in from the garden and looking like we accomplished something without anyone having to go outside.
Size isn't everything
At between 5-6 inches wide and only 8-9 inches tall, this is not our largest product. However, if you are someone that likes to get down and get your hands in the soil this is the one for you. It is not overwhelming like some other styles and does not require a power tool to use.
Depth Marker
Apparently, all holes are not created equal. The fact that this product had a depth marker is wonderful for the gardener that does not want to risk eyeballing the depth for the pickier plant varieties. Just push down to the desired depth and a little squeeze releases the soil.
Cost and Value
This manual option is one of the least expensive on our list. If your looking to save yourself some money and are someone who enjoys really getting into your gardening this is the tool for you. It enables you to kneel down and get face to face with what you're doing. Some of us enjoy having the feel of the soil on our hands and maintain a certain pride in that approach. This tool will help you accomplish that without breaking your allowance for the week.
5. Yard Butler
We found that this product is a little higher on the price range. It seems a good tool overall but might not be perfect if you have virgin soil or are looking to expand into a more exotic style bulb like the oriental lilies. Don't let that worry you though. If you are looking to make your replant easier this could be what you’re looking for.
Great for Replanting
If you're someone who plants bulbs in spring and fall both this would be great for you. Simply put the tool where you want the hole and push down. After that, just a small twist and pull to give you a 6" deep 3" wide hole ready for daffodils and tulips. You may need to give it a second hit if your going for something like a lily that requires a slightly deeper depth for the cold months but otherwise this will do the job.
Not just for bulbs
Most of us have more than one hobbyist in the family and we have discovered a secret to share with you. If you have a nice stretch of earth that you are not using to make more beautiful or feed the bees this tool can also be used to cut small practice cups for your golfing short game. The size is just right for a typical putting hole and once you are done just fill it back in with the soil removed. A nice firm press of the shoe will tamp it down and we won't tell your spouse a thing.
Cost and Value
At this point in the list we are looking not just at the standard uses but overall worth of the product. When we noticed that this not only is great for your gardening but can be used to improve your short game without damaging your lawn we were hooked. Overall this product seems to be a nice affordable tool for the gardener in you. We could even call it your "ace in the hole".
6. Jisco JB24
We have recently discovered that we enjoy a good shortcut as much as the next person. This handy device, when used properly, can save you a load of backbreaking labor and help you get through that pesky clay soil. We have all seen what happens when you come with a standard manual tool to hard soil but with this product, you just might be surprised.
Good in Rocky/Clay Soil
Yes...we spoke to the gardening gods and they have answered. The Jisco JB24 Bulb Planter had the length and sharpness needed to penetrate that nasty clay with almost no work on your part. Simply make sure you're using the correct drill or impact driver and be amazed as what you need appears before your eyes.
Sturdy Construction
We realize one of the most common issues with gardening tools is the wear and tear. This device makes that less of an issue. Made of sturdy metal this mini auger will get the job done over and over. We found almost no issues with dulling after years of use and not one comment on the auger breaking even in hard soil.
Cost and Value
This is an extremely useful and strong tool that is sure to keep being useful for a long time after purchase. Based on cost alone, we feel this is one of the best purchases on our list and highly recommend the Jisco JB24 Bulb and Garden planter to anyone who wants to save their back without breaking their wallet. We had a hard time finding anything negative to say about this tool and feel safe in saying you will definitely get more bang for your buck.
7. Bond 9509 Garden
This model is tiny but is a great design. Perfect for fitting over those pesky sprinkler heads the Bond 9509 is a fantastic little planter for those looking for an easy time planting their garden.
The Name is Bond… Plymouth Bond
Aside from sprinklers, the real trick is the digging, which this product excels at, and as it should. The circular design of the blade is fantastic for cutting through pesky roots and weeds and cuts through harder soils with ease.
Hard Rock is Dead
The sturdy construction of this model makes dealing with pesky stones and rocks much easier. Without fear of taking much damage, the Bond 9509 will remove them with a modicum of elbow grease. This can’t be said for many similar products, so it truly is something to look at and consider if the terrain you live in is good for plants- if you can dig the hole.
Cost and Value
With these factors considered it is amazing to think that this little guy is fairly cheap compared to some other of the same caliber. It is a true standout model and will stand up to all your future gardening jobs for years to come.
8. Esschert Design
This product is, in effect, a large spike, but that may be selling it short, or long as the case may be since the steel portion is 5 inches in length.
Nooks and Crannies
The smaller stature of this tool is excellent for getting into the small crevices and spots between rocks and roots and the leverage you have with the lengthy spike makes shoving dirt out of the way a breeze. A gouge here and another gouge there will have your bulbs in the ground in no time flat.
With a Ribbon
This item comes in a very sturdy box that spells out the attention to detail Esschert gives to their customers. It would not be unfair to say that it would fit perfectly under a Christmas Tree, even though one might have to wait a few months before they can use it. At least it will look nice hanging out until you use it.
Cost and Value
Due to its superior quality and ease of use, it is impressive that this item is so inexpensive. And the lifetime limited warranty is especially nice. Well worth the money for the amount of work you can get out of this exceptional tool. It will easily earn back what you spend on it within a short amount of time.
9. Flexrake LRB120 Adjustable
If you need a product that can help you whisk through the gardening process you need look no further. This option from Flexrake is built to make gardening easy and help you plant your flowers with little effort.
Speedy Work Process
With the easy to grip handle and perfectly designed digging end, this product offers you quick and easy digging power for planting your flower bulbs. The chrome-plated steel material also adds strength to your dig that many other products not on this list simply might not live up to.
Easy Clean up
Not just easy to clean, this tool makes it easy for you to remove the soil as your digging so that your hole remains a perfect fit every time. With its hinged section to allow easy soil removal, you can quickly make several areas to plant bulbs in less time than it takes to use a traditional spade for the same process.
Cost and Value
With so many good features it’s hard for us to believe that this took has the added luxury of being easy on your wallet as well. The value of this product due to its longevity and easy to use parts, already makes it worth every penny and more. For those of us in the US, we get the added value of knowing the product is made locally and helps to support the workforce by keeping jobs alive.
10. Bully Tools 92381
Need something that won’t tear up your muscles or your skin? Want to plant that perfect tree without having to get down on your knees to make the hole? This product has a long handle and gives you the ease of digging you are looking for without having to get down and dirty.
A Warranty!
With a Lifetime Limited Warranty, you are guaranteed help with any problem the tool has that falls under normal use and is the fault of the quality of how it was made. This means that if you are using the tool properly and it breaks due to weak area’s in the build, they will pay for either repair or replacement of the item- and all you have to do is return to where you purchased it and prove that you bought the item, Bully Tools will take care of the rest for you!
Comfort
With an easy to use design and a comfortable grip handle, this tool is bound to make any gardener happy! No one wants to either throw their back out or end up with blisters when seeing to the garden they love, so Bully Tools has provided you comfort and ease to make your gardening plans grow and blossom throughout the season.
Cost and Value
A little pricier than some on this list, what you add in dollars, though you can guarantee you are getting back twice as much in value. When used as intended in the correct conditions (soil good for planting) you will find that this tool will last you through many seasons of planting. Even if you are still worried if you are in fact getting the bang for your buck, just remember, this comes with a Lifetime Limited Warranty and that can make all the difference between an item worth getting, and one that will cost you more in the long run.
