What Tools Do You Really Need to Start a Garden in Denver?
A no-fluff guide from your local garden coach (hi, that’s me 👋)
Starting a garden can feel like stepping into a whole new world... and then immediately being hit with a wall of “you need this!” and “don’t forget that!” advice. I’ve seen the overwhelm so many times, and I’ve lived it too.
But here’s the truth: you don’t need a garage full of gear to grow good food. You just need the right tools - ones that actually help in our very specific Denver conditions. (Hello, compacted soil and random hailstorms!)
So today, I’m sharing the essential tools I recommend for anyone just getting started with a Denver kitchen garden. Whether you're planting in raised beds, containers, or a scrappy corner of your backyard, these are the tools that’ll make your life easier—and your garden way more successful.
Get our free Denver Kitchen Garden Tool Checklist now!
1. A Really Good Hand Pruner
My pick: Felco 6 Pruners
If you only splurge on one thing, make it this. I’ve used cheap pruners before and... let’s just say they’ve all ended up in the donation pile. Felco 6s are made for smaller hands, stay sharp forever, and make clean cuts that don’t stress your plants.
You’ll use them for everything, cutting back herbs, pruning tomatoes, even snipping flowers for your kitchen table.
Get This Tool: Felco 6 Pruners
2. A Weeder That Actually Works
My picks: Stirrup Hand Hoe + Japanese Weeding Hoe
Denver weeds are no joke—especially when they pop up in rock mulch, flagstone cracks, or that one corner you forgot to mulch. These two tools handle it all.
The Stirrup Hoe is my go-to for rocked or bark-covered areas. It slices weeds off at the root without tearing up your soil.
Get This Tool: Stirrup Hand Hoe
The Japanese Weeding Hoe slips into every crack and pulls out root systems like a champ. It’s lightweight and weirdly satisfying to use.
Get This Tool: Japanese Weeding Hoe
3. A Soil Prep Tool You’ll Thank Yourself For
For: garden prep and compost mixing
My pick: Soil Cultivator Hand Rake
Before you plant anything in Denver, you need to loosen up your soil—our clay-heavy beds can crust over fast. This tool helps you break up the top layer (I like 2" deep) so compost and water can do their thing.
Get This Tool: Soil Cultivator Rake
Pro tip:
I use this every spring before I plant anything. It makes a huge difference in drainage and root health.
4. Something to Haul All Your Stuff
My pick: TubTrug Buckets
Forget the clunky wheelbarrow—you’ll reach for these soft, flexible buckets constantly. They carry compost, harvests, weeds, tools... even your iced coffee if you're into that kind of multitasking. 😄
And no, not all garden buckets are created equal. The TubTrug is the one I’ve used (and abused) for years without a single crack.
Get This Tool: TubTrug Buckets
5. A Basic Raised Bed or Container Setup
Not technically a tool, but it’s your foundation—and it matters.
If you’re building your own raised beds, this DIY kit is a good place to start:
And if you’d rather not spend your weekends sawing lumber, I offer custom garden installs—designed to fit your space, sun, and lifestyle.
Want the Full List of my favorite Denver kitchen garden tools?
This is just the tip of the trowel! I put together a full, beautifully designed checklist of all my favorite gardening tools—perfect for beginners or anyone wanting to simplify their setup.
It includes soil tools, weeding gadgets, harvest helpers, and even my favorite freezer containers.
Get the free garden tool checklist!
Ready to Start Your Denver Garden?
Get our Denver Garden Growing Guide for the step-by-step!
Give Your Garden the Best Start This Year!
Whether you’re starting from scratch or you’re a garden pro, let us support you in your garden this season. We’ve got something for everyone!
🌱 Want to learn exactly what to grow (and when) in Denver?
Check out our Denver Growing Guide for in-depth advice, planting tips, and planning strategies! Let’s start planning your best garden yet.
🌱 Need help designing a garden that works for YOU?
We offer consultations, custom garden and landscape designs, and maintenance packages. Sign up for a consultation today and let’s create a space that nurtures both your plants and your well-being.
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**This post may contain affiliate links, which means I earn a small profit if you click on the link to make a purchase. Other links are not sponsored, because I also like supporting small, local businesses.**
Meet the Gardener
I’m Elisa Mack - a mom and Denverite who went from being a green-ish thumb to a kitchen garden fanatic simply by dedicating myself to the study of all things Colorado gardening.
Landscapers don’t design. And nurseries don’t make house calls.
We take a more full-service approach, from designing your dream garden to keeping it beautiful year-round.
And as your coach, I’ll help eliminate the guesswork through every season, no matter your level of knowledge.
