We researched the best bulb planters that would help with planting efficiency and provide a comfortable user experience throughout the process. We also considered each product’s ease of use, handle length, blade type, and blade length. Our favorite planter is the Edward Tools Bulb Planter, which features a contoured handle, a soil plug release mechanism, and a 4-inch blade with depth markers. Read on for the best bulb planters on the market. The handle is rounded for a comfortable grip, and it squeezes to release the soil plug from each hole. This bulb planter is made from reinforced steel, so it can push through compact soil without collapsing or bending, but we don’t recommend using it on clay or rocky soil, as it may not be strong enough. We also don’t recommend this tool for anyone who has limited mobility or joint discomfort, because the short handle, paired with the squeeze mechanism, may not be comfortable to use. Price at time of publish: $12 The serrated edge and depth markers take all the intense labor and guesswork out of planting bulbs. Our favorite feature of this planter is the built-in peg hole, which allows it to be hung on a hook or peg board after each use. Just like our best overall pick, we don’t recommend using this tool for larger swaths of your yard, but it’s an affordable and well-designed option for smaller projects. Price at time of publish: $10 Although this design is more expensive, we think its innovative function justifies the higher price tag. Though this squeeze handle is still not ideal for users with limited mobility or joint discomfort, we think it overall improves the user experience of a traditional bulb planter. The shovel-tipped blades also make it easier to dig into the dirt than with a traditional cone blade. Price at time of publish: $21 The wide middle step plate makes it easier to keep your balance while pressing down on the planter. We also appreciate the wide handle on this tool, so you can grip it with both hands, since it is heavier than a short-handled bulb planter. Although this planter is 39 inches tall, it may not be tall enough to be comfortable for taller users. This tool’s design and size also make it one of the most expensive picks in our roundup, but we think its user-comfort-oriented design makes it worthy of a splurge. Price at time of publish: $35 If you have young helpers in the garden, this tool may not be the best for them to use. These drill bits fit most standard hex drill drivers (0.37-inch and 0.3-inch drivers specifically) and don’t require extensive effort to install or connect to your drill. Price at time of publish: $22 Rather than releasing soil plugs after each hole, this tool functions by collecting them in its central pole and can be dumped upside down to discard all of them once it’s full. Our only concern with this design is that crumbly, dry soil may not stay in the barrel of this tool, which would create more of a mess than help. However, we appreciate the labor-saving idea behind this tool’s design. The two blades on the bottom also act as depth markers for two and four inches. Pressing the planter into the ground until it’s flush with the step levers equals a 6-inch hole. Overall, we think this tool is a great option for gardeners who are looking for a tool that can weed, aerate, seed, and transplant plantings all with a single action. Price at time of publish: $40 The serrated edge makes it easy to insert into soil and swiftly pick up soil plugs with a twisting motion. The wooden handle is ergonomically carved, so you can comfortably grip it while working. We are slightly worried about the comfort of this handle while using it for extended periods of time, and it may deteriorate if exposed to harsh weather conditions. However, assuming you store it in a tool shed or deck box that covers it from rain and snow, we feel confident that this bulb planter is a great basic planting tool with clearly marked depth measurements. Price at time of publish: $24 While this bulb planter is very simple in design, its weight and durable construction make it a great option for harder soils. It is more expensive than other options on the market, but we think its effectiveness makes it worth the splurge, given the effort it saves you in combating difficult planting conditions. Price at time of publish: $42 Unlike our other picks, this tool does not have a serrated edge to penetrate soil, but we think it’s still fit for most grassy lawns with standard soil. To use this tool, simply press onto the foot bar until it’s flush with the ground—creating a 6-inch hole—and twist the tool to lift up the soil plug. It doesn’t get much easier than that, especially if you don’t have a power drill to use an auger bit. Price at time of publish: $49 A long-handled or stand-up planter is a great option for people who don’t want to bend over low-profile flower beds or work on their knees in a garden. “Stand-up bulb planters with T-handles work well for some applications, but look for one with a strong joint between the shaft and the bulb cylinder, as they are prone to bending,” adds Schanen. Long-handled planters pierce the ground as you step on them with your foot and then twist the handle to create a hole at your desired depth. While the first two options are more manual in labor, an auger drill bit can be added to a power drill (be sure to check your power drill’s appropriate bit size before purchasing) to truly speed up your planting process. “An auger is a much more efficient way of planting a lot of individual bulbs, and the best ones have thick shafts with a hexagon-shaped insert for the drill so they won’t spin in circles,” says Schanen. Drill bits come in a variety of lengths and widths, so you can be sure to find a size that works best for your flower bulb needs. “If you think you’ll be planting bulbs for years to come, investing in a good tool is well worth it,” says Schanen, “especially when you factor in how much more quickly you can plant bulbs with a tool like an auger or cultivator such as the Troy-Bilt TBC304 Garden Cultivator.”
Depth
Certain flower bulbs need to be planted at specific depths. Many of the bulb planters we’ve included in this roundup feature depth markings on their blades, which help to guide users when creating holes in their garden. You can find short-handled bulb planters that measure as deep as 6 inches, and even longer blades are offered on some stand-up versions.
Blade shape
“Bulb planting can be a joy or a dreaded chore, and the deciding factor can often come down to the tool you choose,” says Schanen. You can choose bulb planters with serrated or angled blades, which both work to cut through different types of soil. We recommend using an angled blade for thick, compact soil types like clay, or for rocky conditions. A serrated blade is great for short-handled bulb planters because they offer a little more digging power, since you don’t have as much leverage as with stand-up planters. Cone-shaped bulb planters with straight blades are great for creating precise holes in softer soil, like lawns or fresh flower beds.
Material
Most bulb planters are made from stainless steel or reinforced steel. We recommend selecting a bulb planter that has an ergonomic, or contoured, handle, which makes the tool more comfortable to hold for long periods of time. Some planters have rubber handles, which are even more comfortable than their plastic competitors.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Emma Phelps is an Updates Writer for The Spruce who has over two years of experience writing about all things home improvement, home decor, and home organization. Prior to working at The Spruce, she was a writer at Southern Living. For this roundup, Emma researched the highest-rated products on a variety of online retailers’ sites and then reviewed each product for its design, blade type, handle type, and length. Emma also considered the user experience with each tool and the type of soil each tool would function best in. “The rule of thumb is to plant a bulb two to three times deeper than the height of a bulb,” says Schanen. “Most bulbs will come with instructions that offer specific planting depths, but you can rely on that rule of thumb to help. There are a few specific cases where it can be helpful to lean toward one side of the equation, such as tulips, which may overwinter in future years more reliably if they are planted slightly deeper.” Erin Schanen also provided insight for this article about the best uses for a bulb planter and the top qualities a good one should have. Schanen is Troy-Bilt®’s gardening partner, a master gardener volunteer, and creator of The Impatient Gardener blog and YouTube channel.
