Gardening gloves are available in a range of designs, featuring waterproofing, added grip, cushioning, and breathable fabrics to help regulate hand temperature. The design and features you need will depend on the gardening jobs you intend to carry out and when you plan to do them. A range of materials is on offer, including leather, bamboo, latex, nylon, and recycled materials. Bamboo fibre is one of the more environmentally friendly options and is typically soft, close-fitting and flexible. Latex and leather are both tear-resistant and are often used to improve grip. Additional padding or cushioning can also be helpful. Look out for padding on knuckles, fingertips, wrists and palms for increased protection when performing manual tasks.

Our best gardening gloves to buy at a glance

Our 3 top-rated lightweight gardening gloves

• 4.8 stars: Best gloves for light work – Clip Gloves Bamboo Fibre £6.49
• 4.8 stars: Best value lightweight gloves – Showa 477 Insulated Winter Gardening Gloves £10.49
• 4.8 stars: Best lightweight winter gloves – Niwaki winter gloves £12

Our 5 top-rated heavy-duty gardening gloves

• 4.8 stars: Best budget heavy-duty gloves – Verve Nylon Gardening Gloves £2.50
• 4.8 stars: Top-rated heavy-duty winter gloves – Clip Gloves Warm 'n' Waterproof £12.99 
• 4.8 stars: Best gloves for heavy-duty work – Clip Gloves Shock Absorber £18.49
• 4.8 stars: Best heavy-duty gloves for summer use – Spear & Jackson Kew Gardens Collection High Performance £18.99
• 4.8 stars: Best heavy-duty gloves for wet-weather work – Gold Leaf The Dry Touch £22.99

Our top-rated gauntlet gloves

• 4.8 stars: Best men's gauntlet gloves – Kent and Stowe luxury leather men's gauntlet gloves £16.99

Also recommended

• 4.5 stars: Best lightweight gloves for everyday use – Clip Gloves General Purpose £14.99
• 4.5 stars: Best lightweight gloves for grip – Donkey Gloves £15.95
• 4.5 stars: Best lightweight gloves for versatility – Feverfew Garden Company £22.95
• 4 stars: Best lightweight gloves for waterproofing – Briers All Seasons Cosy Gardener Gloves £4.99

• 4.5 stars: Best heavy-duty gloves for winter use – Stihl ThermoGrip £7.75
• 4.5 stars: Best heavy-duty gloves for year-round use – Burgon & Ball Love the Glove £17.99
• 4.5 stars: Best heavy-duty gloves for comfort – RHS Gold Leaf Winter Touch Gloves £26.99

Jump to best gardening gloves:

• Our 3 top-rated lightweight gardening gloves
• Our 5 top-rated heavy-duty gardening gloves
• Our best gauntlet gloves

Jump to gardening gloves advice:

• How to choose the best gardening gloves
• How we tested gardening gloves
• Meet our testing panel

Our 3 top-rated lightweight gardening gloves

1: Clip Gloves Bamboo Fibre

Our best lightweight gloves for light work

RRP: £6.49

Our rating: 4.8 out of 5

Available from: Amazon men's (£14.99) and women's (£13.29)

Reasons to buy:

• Comfortable and light
• Second skin fit
• Breathable
• Feel strong
• Excellent value

Reasons to avoid:

• Bamboo snags occasionally

The Clip Gloves Bamboo Fibre are a good fit, and I found them easy to take on and off, comfortable and breathable. The gloves are washable and come with a carabiner for clipping them to your belt. They did snag occasionally, but they're great for delicate work and all-day wear in spring and summer. They're available in both men's and women's designs. Cinead McTernan

Read the full Clip Gloves Bamboo Fibre review

• Buy Clip Gloves Bamboo Fibre from Amazon men's (£14.99) and women's (£13.29) 

2: Showa 477 Insulated Winter Gardening Gloves

Our best lightweight gloves for waterproofing

RRP: £10.49

Our rating: 4.8 out of 5

Available from: Safety Gloves (£13.49) and Work Gloves (£13.49)

Reasons to buy:

• Well waterproofed – covers the whole hand
• Thick thermal lining
• Can clean exterior with water
• Size is labelled clearly on each glove
• Highly flexible
• Resistant to abrasion and tearing

Reasons to avoid:

• Industrial looking
• More expensive
• Waterproofing may diminish with thorn damage

I was impressed with the double-engineered nitrile coatings that cover the entire hand and are designed to prevent water, oils and other liquids from penetrating the glove. The acrylic terry liner offers insulation, but it’s also fixed and remains in place when the hand is removed. They’re also seamless for maximum comfort, and the sturdy construction ensures they will withstand a degree of abrasion and tearing. The nitrile foam palm coating provides long-lasting grip in wet conditions, while the wrist cuff keeps the glove securely in place.

These gloves replicate the natural curvature of the human hand, thus reducing hand fatigue and boosting flexibility. I found them sturdy and comfortable to wear, but they also felt flexible, warm and offered excellent grip in wet conditions. Jane Moore

• Buy the Showa 477 Insulated Winter Gardening Gloves from Safety Gloves (£13.49) and Work Gloves (£13.49)

3: Niwaki Winter Gloves

Our best lightweight gloves for winter use

RRP: £12

Our rating: 4.8 out of 5

Available from: Niwaki (£12) and Amazon (£12)

Reasons to buy:

• Fit well
• Warm and all, but cuffs are waterproof
• Bright, so you won't lose them easily
• Good value

Reasons to avoid:

• A little bulky
• Not thornproof
• Cuffs aren't waterproof

These gloves offer a great, snug fit and are very easy to get on and off thanks to their well-fitting elasticated cuff. Made from latex, acrylic and polyester, they moulded well to my hand, and although the bright orange fleece lining makes them a little bulky, they’re still soft and flexible and offer a good amount of dexterity. They’re ideal for a wide range of winter jobs, including finer weeding, and keep your hands really warm and dry.

However, the cuffs are not waterproof, so avoid getting them wet as they take a while to dry. Otherwise, the gloves dry well, though, and keep their shape. They won't completely protect you against thorns and brambles, but they don't tear the latex. I think they’re excellent value for the protection they provide. They’re available in small, medium, large, and extra large sizes. Cinead McTernan

• Buy Niwaki Winter Gardening Gloves from Niwaki (£12) and Amazon (£12)

Our 5 top-rated heavy-duty gardening gloves

1: Verve Nylon Gardening Gloves

Our best heavy-duty gloves for budget

RRP: £2.50

Our rating: 4.8 out of 5

Available from: B&Q (£2.65)

Reasons to buy:

• Tough, thorn-proof material
• Great for everyday medium- to heavy-duty work
• Hard wearing
• Great value

Reasons to avoid:

• Not very breathable
• Lack warmth
• Not water resistant

These gloves offer excellent protection for tough, thorny jobs at a very reasonable price. We also love that they can be recycled. Featuring a generously-sized elasticated cuff means they’re easy to get on and off, but as they’re made from textured latex, the palm isn’t a snug fit. While the latex is also waterproof, we found that moisture can seep in through the fabric on the back. Although they are great for cold and wet weather, these gloves aren’t lined, so you might need extra protection in harsh winter months. Wipe-clean after use, these tough, durable gloves represent excellent value for money. Available in small, medium and large. Cinead McTernan

Read the full Verve Nylon Gardening Gloves review

• Buy Verve Nylon Gardening Gloves from B&Q (£2.65)

2: Clip Gloves Warm 'n' Waterproof

Our best heavy-duty gloves for winter use

RRP: £12.99

Our rating: 4.8 out of 5

Available from: Fothergills (£8.45) and Robert Dyas (£10.99)

Reasons to buy:

• Comfortable and warm
• Waterproof
• Sandy texture for good grip
• Lots of dexterity

Reasons to avoid:

• No good for latex allergies

I found the Clip Gloves’ Warm ‘N’ Waterproof edition as warm and waterproof as their name suggests. They offer a great fit, and the fleece lining is excellent for keeping your hands warm in the chilly weather. The double-dipped latex also makes these gloves completely waterproof – working in damp conditions, I saw no sign of seep-through. The sandy latex covering on the palm and fingertips is excellent for grip, and the comfortably snug fit allows for very good dexterity, even though the thick lining can make your finger movements occasionally feel a little clumsy when it comes to finer tasks. The additional latex coating on the thumb joint offers extra protection for more heavy-duty tasks.

Like all other gloves in the Clip Gloves range, the carabiner clip is a handy addition to keep the gloves paired together. Great multi-purpose gloves, I found them ideal for working snugly through cold, wet winters rather than year-round use, as they’re a little too toasty for the summer months. They come in women’s small and medium sizes, and men’s medium and large. Cinead McTernan

• Buy Clip Gloves’ Warm ‘N’ Waterproof Gloves from Fothergills (£8.45) and Robert Dyas (£10.99)

3: Clip Gloves Shock Absorber

Our best heavy-duty gloves for heavy-duty work

RRP: £18.49

Our rating: 4.8 out of 5

Available from: Fothergills (£17.95), ManoMano (£16.99) and On Buy (£16.99)

Reasons to buy:

• Comfortable and well-fitting
• Good dexterity
• Sturdy and durable
• Good for heavy-duty jobs

Reasons to avoid:

• None

These gloves mould to the hand to provide good dexterity and an excellent fit, and I loved their well-thought-out materials. They're comfortable and durable, but not bulky. There's a carabiner to clip gloves to a belt and padding on the palms for extra protection. They come in both men's and women's sizes and designs. Cinead McTernan

Read the full Clip Gloves Shock Absorber review

• Buy the Clip Gloves Shock Absorber from Fothergills (£17.95), ManoMano (£16.99) and On Buy (£16.99)

4: Spear and Jackson Kew Gardens Collection High Performance Gloves

Our best heavy-duty gloves for summer use

RRP: £18.99

Our rating: 4.8 out of 5

Available from: Amazon (£13.98) and Tooled Up (£15.95)

Reasons to buy:

• Durable yet with good sensitivity
• Lightweight and cool
• The elastic wrist keeps debris out
• Suit most gardening tasks

Reasons to avoid:

• Thin backs are vulnerable to stings and thorns

These stylish gloves felt immediately comfortable to wear. My hands stayed comfortable, even in very hot weather, due to the use of non-padded leather with a polyester bacs that ensures breathability. They're well-made, with reinforcement on the wear points at the palms and fingers, and elasticated wrists to ensure a close, comfortable fit to keep out debris.

I found they gave good grip and usability for a wide range of tasks, such as weeding, planting and pruning, but the reinforced fingers make them unsuitable for jobs needing fine dexterity like handling seedlings. There’s a small loop on the wrists for easy hanging and storage, and the gloves come in small, medium and large sizes. A donation to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, is made from the sale of these gloves. Cinead McTernan

Read the full Spear and Jackson Kew Gardens Collection high-performance gloves review

• Buy the Spear and Jackson Kew High Performance Gloves from Amazon (£13.98) and Tooled Up (£15.95)

5: Gold Leaf The Dry Touch

Our best heavy-duty gloves for wet-weather work

RRP: £22.99

Our rating: 4.8 out of 5

Available from: Crocus (£22.99)

Reasons to buy:

• Comfortable with good control
• Soft, high-quality leather
• Tough and long-lasting
• Water resistant
• Good investment

Reasons to avoid:

• Expensive

The Dry Touch gloves from Gold Leaf are tough, long-lasting and water-resistant. I found the gloves had a sturdy, yet luxurious feel, due to being made from soft, supple leather. They're available in both men's and women's sizes. Cinead McTernan

Read the full Gold Leaf The Dry Touch review

• Buy the Gold Leaf The Dry Touch Gloves from Crocus (£22.99) and On Buy (£29.93)

Best gauntlet gloves

Kent & Stowe Men’s Luxury Leather Gauntlet Gloves

Our best men's gauntlet gloves

RRP: £16.99

Our rating: 4.8/5

Available from: Amazon (£13.29) and ManoMano (£15.49)

Reasons to buy:

• Comfortable, warm and well-sized
• Good quality leather with strong stitching
• Excellent protection against thorns
• Great value

Reasons to avoid:

• Cuff a little snug
• Not waterproof
• One size only

I found these simple but tough gauntlet gloves provided excellent protection from thorns and prickles in both the thick, sturdy hand and the long suede cuff, although the cuff can be a little tight depending on the thickness of the coat you're pulling them over. Available in men’s large size only, they’re a good fit for large hands with the leather moulding well to the hand. They feel tough but flexible and comfortable, and there's enough dexterity to grip secateurs and loppers for regular pruning jobs, although these gloves are not for finer work like planting.

They’re also warm enough to wear throughout the colder pruning months of the autumn and winter. They’re comfortable, protective, sturdy and excellent value for money. Cinead McTernan

• Buy Stowe Luxury Leather Men's Gauntlet Gloves from Amazon (£13.29) and ManoMano (£15.49)

Also recommended: lightweight gloves

Clip Gloves General Purpose

Our best lightweight gloves for everyday use

RRP: £14.99

Our rating: 4.5 out of 5

Available from: Fothergills (£14.95), ManoMano (£13.99) and Robert Dyas (£12.99)

Reasons to buy:

• Snug, comfortable fit
• Padded and reinforced
• Great for everyday, medium-duty work
• Hard wearing

Reasons to avoid:

• Lack warmth
• Not water resistant

I liked the adjustable wrist strap, the extra padding, and the tailored fit of these Clip gloves. They may not be waterproof, but they dry well and keep their shape. Sizes range from small to large in both men's and women's styles. Cinead McTernan

Read the full Clip Gloves General Purpose review

• Buy Clip Gloves General Purpose from Fothergills (£14.95), ManoMano (£13.99) and Robert Dyas (£12.99)

Donkey Gloves

Our best lightweight gloves for grip

RRP: £15.95

Our rating: 4.5 out of 5

Available from: Amazon (£15.95)

Reasons to buy:

• Snug fit
• Good grip
• Well-designed
• Lightweight but sturdy

Reasons to avoid:

• Not lined, waterproof or water resistant

These well-designed gloves fit snugly, making them ideal for delicate jobs that require a good grip. While they don’t feature an adjustable strap, the stretchy wrist cuff made it easy for me to put them on and take them off, and there’s a helpful sizing guide on the website to help you choose the right pair. They are comfortable to wear and feature an elasticated, breathable polyester back and a soft suede-padded palm and thumb gusset, which offers extra protection when pruning and clearing borders.

They feel well-made and sturdy, but while the palm is water-resistant, moisture soaks through the back of the glove. That said, I found they dried quickly, and the suede palm stayed soft. Though warm, they’re not lined so won’t keep out the chill of wintery weather, but they’re a reliable, mid-priced option for everyday work. Available in a range of sizes. Cinead McTernan

Read the full Donkey Gloves review

• Buy the Donkey Gloves from Amazon (£15.95)

Feverfew Garden Company Gloves

Our best lightweight gloves for versatility

RRP: £22.95

Our rating: 4.5 out of 5

Available from: Feverfew (£22.99)

Reasons to buy:

• Robust
• Comfortable with a good fit
• Touch screen fingers work well
• Good all-rounder

Reasons to avoid:

• A little difficult to get on and off
• Not dextrous for fine jobs

These good-looking gloves by Feverfew are designed specifically for women’s hands, and our female testers found them a good fit once they’d softened with a few wears. The elasticated neoprene cuff and Velcro strap make them a little tricky to get on and off, but they’re snug once on. The gloves are stretchy and flexible, ideal for general gardening tasks such as weeding, pruning, and using tools.

They have reinforced fingers, so they’re not for fine work like seed sowing, but they have a padded, microfibre palm and spandex and foam back, so they’re comfortable and protective. They’re not waterproof, particularly on the palms, though they're water-resistant and best for spring and summer wear. They also have handy ‘touch screen’ forefingers and thumbs that work very well, so you can look things up or answer a call if you need to without having to take them off.

After use, the gloves can be wiped down or machine-washed at 30 degrees C or below, and there’s a useful clip to secure them together and hang them up. Available in four sizes, XS-L and in a choice of green or plum, they also come in a protective cloth bag, which is a nice touch. They may not be the cheapest gardening gloves, but they’re well-fitting, comfortable and durable. Cinead McTernan

• Buy Feverfew Garden Company gloves from Feverfew (£22.99)

Briers All Seasons Cosy Gardener Gloves

Our best lightweight gloves for waterproofing

RRP: £4.99 for one pair; £7.99 for two pairs

Our rating: 4 out of 5

Available from: The Range (£3.19)

Reasons to buy:

• Very affordable
• Well waterproofed with latex up to the knuckles
• Good wrist coverage
• Washable

Reasons to avoid:

• Thick latex gives poor tactility
• Feel rubbery on the inside
• No sizing evident on the glove itself, although different colours
• Waterproofing will diminish with thorn damage

These sturdy gloves are made for rough winter work, such as weeding in wet conditions, clearing debris and general gardening work. I liked the elasticated cuff and latex waterproofing covering much of the hand, including the entire palm and up to the knuckles on the back of the hand. They’re also washable, ideal for a winter glove, come with a one-year guarantee, and are very affordable.

The different colours correspond to different sizes, which makes it easier to tell your gloves and your partner’s gloves apart. However, the thicker latex, while offering sturdiness and excellent waterproofing, does diminish tactility, and the lack of a brushed lining could make them uncomfortable on a very cold day. Jane Moore

• Buy Briers Cosy Gardener Gloves M8 from The Range (£3.19)

Also recommended: heavy-duty gloves

Stihl ThermoGrip

Our best heavy-duty gloves for winter use

RRP: £7.75

Our rating: 4.5 out of 5

Available from: Sam Turner & Sons (£7.99)

Reasons to buy:

• Comfortable and snug
• Warm
• Good grip
• Good value

Reasons to avoid:

• Bulky

These thick gloves are very snug and designed to keep your hands toasty and warm in the winter months. Stihl's ThermoGrip gloves are sturdy with a knitted fit, and although their chunky thickness means they lack a little dexterity, they have a good grip and a waterproof latex layer. Cinead McTernan

Read the full Stihl ThermoGrip Gloves review

• Buy Stihl ThermoGrip Gloves from Sam Turner & Sons (£7.99)

Burgon and Ball Love The Glove

Our best heavy-duty gloves for year-round use

RRP: £17.99

Our rating: 4.5 out of 5

Available from: Amazon (£17.92) and Tesco (£17.19)

Reasons to buy:

• Comfortable and snug
• Good dexterity and control
• Strong and durable
• Attractive, quality materials

Reasons to avoid:

• Wrist strap fiddly for some

Made from artificial suede and tweed, with a leather trim, the Burgon and Ball Love the Glove are among the best ladies' gardening gloves I've tested. The materials are high-quality, and the gloves are breathable, tough, and provide year-round protection. The wrist strap is adjustable for a snug fit, but some may find it fiddly. They're available in two sizes - small/medium and medium/large. Cinead McTernan

Read the full Burgon and Ball Love the Glove review

• Buy Burgon and Ball Love The Glove from Amazon (£17.92) and Tesco (£17.19)

RHS Gold Leaf Winter Touch Gloves

Our best heavy-duty gloves for comfort

RRP: £26.99

Our rating: 4.5 out of 5

Available from: Amazon (£22.99) and Crocus (£26.99)

Reasons to buy:

• Waterproof and thermal
• Hardwearing reinforced palms
• Very comfortable
• Endorsed by the RHS

Reasons to avoid:

• Expensive
• No wrist closure, so draughty
• Not washable

These beautifully made gloves are designed for cold weather, featuring a warm Thinsulate lining and a waterproof, breathable membrane. They also feature a handy reinforced palm and thumb for extra grip and longevity when using heavier tools, and I loved the soft leather with a fabric back for extra breathability.

With their soft lining and quality leather, I found these gloves comfortable and pliable from the first wear, but they also moulded to the shape of my hands as they wore in over time. The wrist cuff is rather short, with only a small section of elastic to hold the glove in place and no velcro fastening, which allows draughts, especially when reaching. Jane Moore

• Buy the RHS Gold Leaf Winter Touch Gloves from Amazon (£22.99) and Crocus (£26.99)

Best of the rest:

Although some models didn’t quite achieve a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy award, they still have features that make them worth recommending. Browse our pick of the best of the rest on test:

Town & Country Premium Leather Gauntlets

RRP: £16.99

Our rating: 4.5 out of 5

Available from: Amazon (£16.99)

Reasons to buy:

• Soft and supple
• Generously-sized cuff for extra protection

Reasons to avoid:

• Not water resistant

While an extra-wide cuff made these gloves easy to put on, the overall shape felt loose and baggy. However, as you’ll use them for tackling rose bushes and other thorny shrubs, this isn’t too much of an issue, and the extra length in the cuff is more important than dexterity. Featuring a suede cuff and ultra-soft leather for the palm and fingers, these gloves are very supple. Still, there’s a seam at the base of the second and third fingers, which makes them uncomfortable to grip tools or branches, especially if you’re doing so for any length of time.

They’re not lined, but the leather kept me warm, which was important when pruning roses in late winter. I like the quality of the leather and suede, which remain soft even after getting wet. To clean, remove dry mud with a suede brush. Available in two sizes: medium and large. Cinead McTernan

• Buy Town & Country Premium Leather Gauntlets from Amazon (£16.99)

Genus Waterproof Gardening Gloves

RRP: £25.00

Our rating: 4.3 out of 5

Available from: Genus (£25)

Reasons to buy:

• Flexible
• Totally waterproof
• Dry well
• Available in a wide range of sizes

Reasons to avoid:

• Loose fit at the wrists, and the fingers are long
• Liner loose
• Dexterity is tricky with fit

These well-made gloves kept my hands completely dry while weeding, planting, and working in wet weather. They’re well-made with synthetic leather palms, polyester backs and tough seams, and although they won’t completely protect you from thorns and brambles, they won’t snag or tear. They’re reasonably thin and better for fine rather than heavy work; however, despite measuring my hands before ordering, the fingers are long, which makes very fine, delicate work difficult.

The elasticated wrist is also quite loose, which I found a bit drafty, and it let in debris as I worked. But they are waterproof, and the fleecy lining kept my hands warm. Just watch when you take them on and off, as they do work loose. They're quite expensive, but if you’ve got wet work to do, like leaf raking or digging, they would be useful. They're available in sizes - XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL and 3XL. Cinead McTernan

• Buy the Genus waterproof gardening gloves from Genus (£25)

Town & Country Eco-Flex Finesse

RRP: £5.99

Our Rating: 4.3 out of 5

Available from: Tooled Up (£4.49)

Reasons to buy:

• Super light and comfortable
• Excellent dexterity
• Machine washable
• Made from sustainable materials

Reasons to avoid:

• Very thin
• Early wear and tear is evident
• Slippery fingertip coating

I found these gloves good to use in the spring and summer months. They’re extremely thin and breathable, and excellently suited for delicate potting and sowing, as you can still feel what you’re doing. However, I found the coating on the fingertips slippery, which is a shame when you’re attempting to tackle those finer, more fiddly tasks. Made from ocean-sourced plastic bottles, they have great sustainability credentials and are a bargain at £5.99. It’s also handy to have a machine-washable glove, and running them through a cold cycle left them mostly stain-free and ready to use again.

However, because of their thinness, they’re susceptible to ripping; just a small snag on a thorn or wayward branch results in holes on the back of the hand. They’re not a go-to, all-rounder glove, but if you’re looking for something to protect your hands while you do light work, they’re a nice addition to your collection. They’re available in the following sizes: extra small, small, medium and large. Cinead McTernan

• Buy Town & Country Eco Flex Finesse Gloves from Tooled Up (£4.49)

Town & Country Eco-Flex Pro

RRP: £8.99

Our Rating: 4.3 out of 5

Available from: Tooled Up (£9.95)

Reasons to buy:

• Good protection
• Comfortable
• Sustainable

Reasons to avoid:

• Not waterproof
• Fingers are a little loose

As with other gloves in Town & Country’s Eco-Flex range, these gloves are made from recycled plastic sourced from the ocean, and I thought the materials themselves felt great – the elasticated wrist is snug and comfortable, and the coated palm and fingertips offer sturdy protection when tackling more heavy-duty tasks, including handling thorny stems and clearing waste. The rubber coating is somewhat stiff and doesn’t soften with use, and it can feel a little strange when the glove snaps back to its resting position. This also makes you feel less dexterous when tackling more tactile tasks or handling secateurs.

The thin lining kept my hands warm, but the backs of the gloves soaked through easily and were unpleasant to wear when wet. It’s convenient that they’re machine washable, and they come out looking clean with no signs of damage from a 30℃ cycle. They’re a good pair of multi-purpose gloves for the price, and their sustainable credentials are a big plus. They come in sizes small, medium, large and extra-large. Cinead McTernan

• Buy Town & Country Eco Flex Pro Gloves from Tooled Up (£9.95)

Spear & Jackson’s Kew Garden Collection Gardening Gloves

RRP: £12.49

Our rating: 4.25 out of 5

Available from: Amazon (£7.98) and Tooled Up (£12.95)

Pros

• Easy to get on and off
• Comfortable and well-fitting
• Lightweight

Cons

• Not lined
• Not waterproof or water resistant

Spear & Jackson’s Kew Garden Collection Gardening Gloves feature an adjustable Velcro strap, so they’re easy to get on and off. Comfortable to wear, the palm is made using soft leather, so it doesn’t fit snugly, but you can feel what you’re doing and grip tools. The gloves have an elastane back, which makes them lightweight, breathable and flexible.

As they’re not lined, waterproof or water-resistant, these gloves are best for dry weather in spring and summer. With double stitching and additional leather reinforcement on the thumb and index finger, they feel sturdy and durable enough to tackle everyday medium work. Available in small, medium and large for men and women. Cinead McTernan

• Buy Town & Country Eco Flex Pro Gloves from Amazon (£7.98) and Tooled Up (£12.95)

Kent & Stowe Thermal Ultimate All Round Gardening Gloves

RRP: £5.99

Our rating: 4 out of 5

Available from: Amazon (£5.98)

Reasons to buy:

• Excellent grip and tactility
• Snug fit with good wrist coverage
• Well made
• Soft thermal lining

Reasons to avoid:

• Waterproof latex is very short on the fingers
• Wipe clean only
• No sizing evident on the glove itself
• Waterproofing may diminish with thorn damage

I liked these all-round gardening gloves. They’re a comfortable choice for their snug fit and soft brushed lining, and they’re also easy to slip on and off, sitting snugly around the wrist with a generous elasticated cuff. The latex palm and fingers offer a good grip in dry and wet conditions, though the waterproofing does not extend far up the outside of the fingers, which can lead to wet hands when weeding. Surprisingly, they’re not washable, and the lack of sizing on the glove could mean that they get mixed up if you have multiple sizes in use. Jane Moore

• Buy Kent & Stowe Thermal Ultimate All Round Gardening Gloves from Amazon (£5.98)

ClipGlove Pruners

RRP: £19.99

Our rating: 4 out of 5

Available from: Amazon (£5.95)

Reasons to buy:

• Soft leather with comfortable lining
• Good protection
• Water resistant

Reasons to avoid:

• Bulky
• Short cuff
• Leather catches and tears easily

With leather palms, a faux suede cuff and reinforced fingers and thumbs, I felt these pruning gloves from ClipGlove offered good protection, whether I was tackling roses or grappling with brambles. The leather softened quickly, and it's water-resistant, so they’re ideal for working in damp weather, but it catches and tears easily, meaning the gloves age quickly. A soft poly cotton lining gives extra warmth and protection, but unfortunately, it’s bulky, which makes the fingers feel thick and limits dexterity quite a bit.

I found the gloves easy to get on and off, and the cuff is wide enough to slip over most coats, but it's short, only coming halfway up the forearm, so although the gloves give you the confidence to grab even the thorniest stem, it would be helpful if the cuffs offered the same protection to the elbow. They come in women’s sizes small and medium, and men’s medium and large. Cinead McTernan

• Buy ClipGlove Pruners from Amazon (£5.95)

Kent and Stowe Luxury Leather Gloves

RRP: £14.99

Our rating: 4 out of 5

Available from: Electrical World (£14.62)

Reasons to buy:

• Soft and comfortable
• Thorn-proof
• Waterproof and warm
• Thick and shock absorbent

Reasons to avoid:

• Bulky

The Kent and Stowe Luxury Leather Gloves were easy to put on, offering a great fit that moulds to the hand and up the wrist, even though they don't have an adjustable strap. Made of leather with a warm polyester lining, these gloves are soft and comfortable, ideal for hard winter work. Though they’re only lined, not padded, these gloves are so thick that they still cushioned my hands when I was using a spade or a fork. The keystone stitches around the thumb make for extra durability, and I found lifting heavy rocks and logs comfortable. They’re thorn-proof and waterproof, and they don’t stiffen after getting wet, even after a good soaking.

However, these gloves are quite bulky and inflexible, which means you’ll struggle with more nimble work like pruning and weeding. In summer, they'll be far too hot to be comfortable, but they’re brilliant for wet work in winter. They’re a good-value pair of leather gardening gloves. They're available in ladies' small and medium sizes and men's medium and large. Cinead McTernan

• Buy Kent & Stowe Luxury Leather Gardening Gloves from Electrical World (£14.62)

Treadstone ClipGlove Recycled Bottle Gloves

RRP: £5.99

Our rating: 3.8 out of 5

Available from: Treadstone (£5.99)

Reasons to buy:

• Snug and comfortable fit
• Good for dextrous work
• Latex covering for a good grip
• Keen price

Reasons to avoid:

• Not at all durable
• Low level of protection

These gloves are well-fitting and comfortable, and I was impressed that they are made predominantly from recycled plastic bottles and coated with latex on the palms and fingers to give a good grip. With their snug fit, they're suitable for light tasks, including jobs needing reasonably fine dexterity. Although not waterproof, they dried quickly. The main drawback of these gloves is that the covering wears and starts to come off after only a short time. And, although they're made from recycled bottles, which is good from an environmental point of view, they can't be recycled once they wear out.

The latex covering is not suitable for people with latex allergies, but the packaging does note this. Like all Treadstone ClipGloves, they have wrist loops and a small metal carabiner so the gloves can clip onto a belt or bag when not in use or hang up easily. They come in sizes medium and large. Cinead McTernan

• Buy Treadstone ClipGlove Bottle Gloves from Treadstone (£5.99)

Kent & Stowe Luxury Leather Gauntlet Gloves

RRP: £16.99

Our Rating: 3.8 out of 5

Available from: Marshalls (15.99)

Reasons to buy:

• Attractive design
• Long protective cuff
• Easy to slide on and off

Reasons to avoid:

• Tough leather around fingertips makes fine work tricky
• Hard to clean
• Tough poppers
• Limited sizes available

With their lush yellow leather and classy herringbone backs, these gloves have a classic look, but unfortunately, I'd say style may have been favoured over substance. They’re incredibly easy to slide on and off, especially with the elongated leather cuff, which comfortably covered most of my lower arm and provided good protection when I was pruning thorny shrubs and climbers or tackling brambles and nettles. The fleece lining felt cosy, and these gloves are water-resistant when working in wet weather. However, even after significant wear, it’s hard to soften the leather around the fingertips, which reduces dexterity and makes it difficult to feel or grip fine materials.

An adjustable strap on the back of the gloves allows you to choose the fit, but the poppers are tough to snap on and off, and the difference between the two fits is negligible, so it feels more like an aesthetic offering than a practical one. The yellow leather also gets dirty quickly, which can add to its charm. They are available only in ladies' medium size. Cinead McTernan

• Buy Kent & Stowe Luxury Leather Gauntlet Gloves from Marshalls (15.99)

Looking for more garden gear? Consider our reviews of the best wellington boots, best mini chainsaws and the best garden kneelers. If your gardening equipment needs a refresh, consider our test of the best lawn mowers, and if it just needs a clean, why not try our expert review of the best pressure washers?

How to choose the best gardening gloves

Choosing the best gardening gloves for you will depend on the jobs you plan to do.

• Thin, lightweight gloves are best for duties where dexterity and being able to feel what you're doing is key, such as potting up, weeding and planting. They will protect your hands and let your skin breathe. Ideally, you’ll forget you’re even wearing them. Look for gloves with a nitrile coating on the fingers and palms, which will give you plenty of grip but also retain dexterity. If you’re working with tools, pruning or working in the cold, you might want a pair of lightweight gloves with a little more padding. They won’t offer as much flexibility, but will be comfortable and offer more protection
• Heavy-duty gardening gloves are essential for providing protection and support when using tools, doing hard landscaping jobs, or pruning roses or other thorny plants. There is a huge range of materials and styles of heavy-duty gloves to choose from. Leather makes a very tough glove; some are entirely made of leather, whilst others will have it added to the finger tips and palms for strength and durability. It’s also worth carefully considering the fit of heavy-duty gloves, as you may lose some dexterity if they don't fit well. An adjustable cuff can also help with the comfort of the glove and prevent debris from getting inside
• Gauntlet gloves are particularly useful for pruning shrubs, brambles, or roses. The long cuff of a gauntlet glove provides extra protection for the lower arms, preventing scratches and irritation
• Elasticated cuffs will provide a snug fit, prevent soil and plant debris from falling in and are easy to get on and off
• Finally, if you intend to use gardening gloves all year round, water resistance is helpful. This is often achieved using latex, leather or synthetic materials that can be specially treated to repel water

How we tested gardening gloves

Our experts trialled each pair of gloves throughout the gardening year, performing a range of tasks, from delicate work such as sowing seeds to more physical jobs like digging and heavy pruning. Once the test was complete, each product was rated out of five and the gardening gloves that really impressed our experts were awarded Best Buy status. The gloves were assessed according to the following criteria, with equal marks attributed to each:

• Comfort and fit. Looked at how easy they were to get on and off, and how they fitted. Were they flexible or bulky? Did they allow us to feel what we were doing?
• Materials. Focused on grip, reinforcing and padding? Were they breathable or water-resistant, and which seasons would they suit?
• Durability. Assessed how sturdy and strong the gloves were. Would they cope with getting wet or being washed?
• Value for money. Considered all of the above and any special features, overall design, quality and style, and the RRP

For more information on our testing process, see How we review

Meet our testing panel

Oliver Parsons, Strategic Projects Editor
Oliver is a gardener and magazine journalist of 20 years’ experience. He trained as a professional horticulturalist at RHS Garden Hyde Hall in Chelmsford and has also worked for Gardening Which?, as a freelance gardener and with the gardening team at Down House in Kent. He is now Strategic Projects Editor at BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine and GardenersWorld.com, heading up our reviews desk, Apple News output and weekly newsletter.

Kay Maguire, Magazines Editor
Kay trained at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and has been writing and making films about gardening ever since. She has written for websites and magazines, including The Garden and Amateur Gardening, was Horticultural Editor on BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine for five years, and has also written several books on a range of gardening topics from growing house plants to making the most of a small space. After several years as Reviews Editor, building up our reviews section into a leading resource for UK gardeners, she has now become Magazines Editor for BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine , responsible for all print output.

Harry Duncton, freelance powered tools tester
Harry has a wealth of experience, from being a language teacher to a tree surgeon, and has built this into a career writing about all things DIY and gardening. A passionate believer in self-reliance, his aim is to inspire others to give it a go themselves and not worry about making a few mistakes along the way. A regular contributor to popular DIY blogs and a recent addition to the BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine team, he loves tracking down the best new tools and writing about them.

Sue Fisher, freelance garden writer
Sue’s extensive horticultural career spans over 40 years, starting with a decade in the garden centre and nursery industry before developing into an accomplished gardening writer, designer and speaker. Sue writes regularly for BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine, GardenersWorld.com, and Garden Answers magazine. She has written 10 books on subjects including container gardening, plants for small gardens and designing with colour, and she has co-authored other books with some of the biggest names in gardening.

Emma Crawforth, Horticulture Editor
Emma holds the Kew Diploma in Horticulture and has been working in horticulture for 18 years, including roles in public gardens, a plant nursery supplying plants for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show and a training college for young horticulturists. She looks after an ornamental, fruit and veg garden at home and regularly undertakes trips to see plants growing in their natural habitats. She is the author of the Kew Publications book, Things to Do with Plants.

This article was last updated in February 2026. We apologise if anything has changed in price or availability.

Best Buy wellington boots at a glance:

Women's

• Best wellington boots for long walks: Joules Printed Wellies with Back Gusset
• Best wellington boots for everyday use: Merry People Bobbi Wellington Boots
• Best wellington boots for wider leg shapes: Aigle Chambord Pro Lady 2

Men's and Unisex

• Best all rounder wellington boots: Hunter Original Tall Wellington Boot
• Best men’s heavy-duty wellington boots: Skellerup Red Band Knee Length 
• Best wellington boots for cold weather: Le Chameau Vierzonord Neoprene Lined 

Jump to reviews:

• Best women's wellington boots
• Best men’s and unisex wellington boots
• The best of the rest

Jump to advice:

• How to choose the best wellington boots
• How to look after your wellington boots 
• Parts of a wellington boot
• How we tested

In every review we award the outstanding products our coveted Best Buy award. To see these and the others we recommend, browse our pick of the best wellington boots below:

Best Buy women's wellington boots

Joules Printed Wellies with Adjustable Back Gusset

RRP: £59.95

Our rating: 4.8 out of 5

Available from Country House Outdoor

Pros

• Comfortable and light for long walks
• Very easy to take on and off
• Good grip in muddy conditions
• Available in range of colours and patterns

Cons

• Need socks for warmth

Awarded a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy for long walks, these women’s wellington boots are made from 60 per cent natural rubber and 40 per cent synthetic mix, which makes them lightweight and flexible while offering good support. There’s a removable, shock-absorbing insole for extra comfort, and a moulded heel and arch, which holds feet in position. Fully waterproof, they have an elasticated back gusset with popper fastening so you can adjust for comfort and to tuck in trousers, and although they have a ridge rather than a kick spur, they’re easy to get on and off. A ridged sole and block heels means they offer plenty of grip in heavy mud, as well as on loose gravel on slopes. They’re also quick to clean as the ridges aren’t too deep, so the soles don’t clog with mud.

Despite not having toecaps, they’re suitable for digging as the heel and sole are strong and sturdy. However, they’re not well insulated so need a thick pair of socks for warmth in cold weather. Scuff-resistant, they come with a one-year warranty and are available in a range of different colours and patterns.

UK sizes: 3-9

Digital market & commerce executive, Angelica Wilson says:

‘I have high arches and struggle with very flat shoes, so I was really pleased these boots support my foot shape and feel comfortable.’

Buy the Joules Printed Wellies from Country House Outdoor

Merry People Bobbi Wellington Boots

RRP: £89.95

Our rating: 4.5 out of 5

Available from Oliver Bonas

Pros

• Very comfortable
• Made with tough, vegan materials
• Light, easy to wear

Cons

• Does not have protection above the ankle
• Tread not for very muddy conditions

Awarded a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy for everyday use, the Bobbi Wellington Boots are light, tough, and comfortable to wear. Easy to slip on and off, with two straps to help you get your feet in quickly, once slipped on, these boots are warm, thanks to a neoprene lining, and comfortable with good arch support. Made from natural vegan rubber, they're tough, waterproof, and very easy to wipe clean.

The Bobbi Boot’s tread has good general grip, and there's a chunky heel to help keep you up and out of the mud, but although these boots are great for everyday gardening, they don’t protect your legs from the mud, so they are not for wearing in very wet or muddy conditions. Available in a wide range of colours, they come with a one-year warranty. We recommend buying your normal shoe size, but rounding down if you’re at a half size.

UK sizes: 3-10

Buy the Merry People Bobbi Boots from Oliver Bonas

Aigle Chambord Pro Lady 2

RRP: £90.00

Our rating: 4.5 out of 5

Available from Amazon

Pros

• Soft, supple and flexible
• Excellent grip
• Good support
• Comfortable

Cons

• Big for size

These rubber wellington boots are handmade and easy to get on and off. They feel soft and supple and have a handy, quick-dry lining. They were comfortable to wear with generous room around the calves and feet, and had a firm grip underfoot. There is a two-year warranty included, and we awarded them a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy for wider leg shapes.

Sizes: UK 2-8

Reviews editor, Kay Maguire says:

‘Really easy to get on and off and great for tucking in your jeans so they stay clean and dry too.’

Read the full Aigle Chambord Pro Lady 2 review

Buy the Aigle Chambord Pro Lady 2 from Amazon

Best Buy men’s wellington boots and unisex pairs

Hunter Original Tall Wellington Boots

RRP: £120

Our rating: 4.8 out of 5

Available from Hunter

Pros

• Adjustable calf
• Foot support
• Good for digging
• Strong and sturdy

Cons

• Block heel unpopular

Hunter’s Original Rubber Wellington Boots offer a comfortable and flexible fit and are easy to get on and off. The boots don’t rub, making them ideal wellington boots for walking or digging in. There’s a good grip and a range of colours for both men and women. A two-year guarantee is included, and we awarded them a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy as an all-rounder choice.

Sizes: UK 3-12

Gardening editor, Emma Crawforth says:

‘Hefty price tag, but they’re sturdy, supportive and stylish.’

Read the full Hunter Original Tall Wellington Boots review

Buy the Hunter Original Tall Wellington Boots from Hunter

Skellerup Red Band Knee Length Farm Boot

RRP: £75

Our rating: 4.5 out of 5

Available from Granite Workwear

Pros

• Helpful kick spur
• Robust and heavy-duty
• Distinct heel and deep tread

Cons

• A bit big around the calves

Skellerup’s thick rubber wellington boots are cotton-lined and feature a kick spur so are easy to get on and off, although they are little big for size. The cushioned insole makes them comfortable while the reinforced toe ensures sturdiness. There’s a good grip, so the boots are ideal for muddy conditions and warmer weather. A one-year warranty is included, and we awarded them a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy for men’s heavy-duty wellington boots.

Sizes: UK 4-14

Deputy editor, Kevin Smith says:

‘They are wide around the calf (so good for those with bigger calves) but a little gappy around the ankle.’

Read the full Skellerup Red Band Knee Length Farm Boot review

Buy the Skellerup Red Band Knee Length Farm Boot from Granite Workwear

Le Chameau Vierzonord Neoprene Lined Wellingtons

RRP: £220

Our rating: 4.5 out of 5

Available from Le Chameau

Pros

• Exceptionally warm
• Shoe-like fit
• Easy calf adjustment
• Good support

Cons:

• Can be hard to get off

Made from a combination of rubber and neoprene, these wellington boots by Le Chameau are very warm and have an adjustable calf for a better fit. Although easy to slip on, the pair can be harder to get off. They have a comfortable fit with a shoe-like feel, although they may be snug for wider feet. There’s a wide range of sizes and colours, and they are available for men and women. There’s a two-year warranty included, and we awarded them a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy for cold weather.

Sizes: UK 2.5-15

Senior reviews writer, Cinead McTernan says:

‘Good fit and the lining of these boots keep feet warm and dry.’

Read the full Le Chameau Vierzonord Neoprene Lined Wellingtons review

Buy the Le Chameau Vierzonord Neoprene Lined Wellingtons from Le Chameau

The best of the rest

Although some models didn’t quite achieve a BBC Gardeners’ Magazine Best Buy award, they still have great features that make them worth recommending. Browse our pick of the best of the rest.

Niwaki Rubber Boots - Unisex

RRP: £69

Our rating: 4.5 out of 5

Available from Niwaki

Pros

• Steel-toe cap, so useful for heavy-duty jobs
• Washable inside and out

Cons

• Snug fit
• Comparatively expensive

Comfy, supportive and stylish, these heavy-duty boots are rubber-lined and a snug fit. The chunky soles grip well in muddy conditions and stony slopes, and given the substantial heel, work well when using garden spades and forks. They also feature steel-toe caps, which means they’re good for other practical gardening and DIY jobs, but are still light enough for walking.

There’s a soft rubber hood at the top of the boot, which is designed to make them watertight, but had a tendency to flop down on test, though this could be to do with calf size rather than design. We also like that they’re easy to wash, both inside and out, but you must remove the insoles first. Amongst the more expensive pairs on test, they come with a two-year warranty.

Sizes: UK 5.5-10.5

Senior digital reviews writer, Cinead McTernan says:

‘I love the look of these boots, and they’re also a practical option if you want a sturdy pair that’s ideal for all sorts of gardening jobs.’

Buy the Niwaki Rubber Boots from Niwaki

RHS Muckster II Boots

RRP: £99

Our rating: 4.3 out of 5

Available from The Original Muck Boot Company

Pros

• Easy to get on/off - so perfect for a backdoor boot
• Waterproof but breathable
• Sturdy toe protection
• Lightweight, so not tiring

Cons

• Slightly wide in the foot
• Soles could be sturdier to enable extended digging
• The pale colour may not age as well as a darker shade over time.

These half-height boots are easy to slip on and off, thanks to moulded heels and flexible neoprene boot cuffs at the top, which can be rolled down for ease of access but are high enough to tuck in for trousers. Lined and warm, even in cold weather, they’re reasonably true to size, and good for wider feet, so if you’ve narrow feet, you may want thicker socks. Sturdy and lightweight, they have a padded insole with some arch support, which makes them comfortable for a long day in the garden. They also have a band of reinforcement over the tips of the toes, for protection during lighter jobs.

However, they’re not cushioned enough for prolonged digging or distance walking, where you’d also want firmer ankle support, and shallow treads mean they lack good grip in muddy, wet conditions. Easy to clean - either sponging off or brushing clean where mud was left to dry, the uppers in a pale colour might stain in time, but after two months wear, they retain a near-new look despite wearing in winter mud. The rubber boots are waterproof, while the neoprene uppers repel water. Amongst the more expensive pairs on test, they come with a one-year warranty.

Sizes: UK 3-9

Former Editor, Lucy Hall says:

‘They are a good second boot for me - as they’re easy to keep by the back door, to kick on and off in a hurry, but the lack of a grippy sole means I’d always need a sturdier boot for extended digging, dog-walking or rambling over rougher terrain.'

Buy the RHS Muckster II Boots from The Original Muck Boot Company

LBC Explorer Ultralight Boots - Unisex

RRP: £54.99

Our rating: 4.3 out of 5

Available from Amazon

Pros

• Very lightweight, but built to last
• Removable lining
• Kick spur, so easy to put on and take off

Cons

• Wide fit, no support for calves or arches
• No toe cap reinforcement
• Only available in green and black

These short-style wellington boots from Leon Boot Company are surprisingly light. A great option if practicality is at the top of your wish list, they feature deep, thick soles that grip well, even in muddy conditions, a kick spur on the back to help remove the boots, and a removable liner. Made from a solid piece of rubber, they’re also completely waterproof, durable and simple to wash as there’s nowhere for mud to collect.

A loose-fit design, it’s easy to put them on and take them off; however, this generous sizing means they don’t support the calf, and as the heel is relatively low and the sole flat, people with high arches might find them uncomfortable. They also don’t have toe protection and aren’t breathable, which means feet can get hot and sweaty. They come with a one-year warranty for the boot, but the internal sock has no warranty.

Sizes: UK 3-14

Senior content creator, Miranda Janatka says:

'They definitely deliver on their promise - surprisingly lightweight and yet still feel strong, solid, and flexible.'

Buy the LBC Explorer Ultralight Boots from Amazon

Ariat Burford Waterproof Rubber Boots

RRP: £140

Our rating: 4.3 out of 5

Available from Amazon - women's and men's

Pros

• Very light and bouncy
• Breathable
• Toe protection

Cons

• Rub on the back of heel
• Adjustable calf is more for decoration

This pair of long wellington boots are light and springy to wear and ideal for walking. Made from a combination of rubber and leather, the pair offer good grip and support, although they can rub on the back of the heel for some wearers. There’s a choice of three colours available, and they are guaranteed for one year.

Sizes: UK 3-8

Buy the Burford Waterproof Rubber Boots from Amazon - women's and men's

Ariat Kelmarsh Rubber Boots

RRP: £100

Our rating: 4 out of 5

Available from Ariat

Pros

• Very bouncy and comfortable
• Very light
• Easy to get on and off
• Good grip

Cons

• The straps are hard to adjust and close
• The fit is wide around the foot and the ankle
• Colours won't be for everyone
• Expensive for lack of thermal lining

The new Kelmarsh rubber boot from Ariat come up a bit big and are quite wide in the foot and ankle, which, together with a slight but effective bump on heel, means they’re very easy to take on and off. There’s also an adjustable strap at the back, but it's quite awkward to use and needs both hands to close the clip fastening. Lightweight and bouncy - thanks to a cushioned, shock absorbing sole - these boots are comfortable for walking and prolonged use.

Strong and sturdy, they also grip well, and the soles don’t clog up with dirt as they push mud out to the edges as you walk. Fully waterproof, scuff-resistant, and warm, thanks to a jersey lining, they don’t feature toe protection. Disappointingly, there’s a choice of just two colours - blue or grey - as well as a large logo on the back, which might not appeal to everyone. Amongst the more expensive pairs on test, they come with a one-year warranty.

Sizes: UK 3-8.5

Reviews editor, Kay Maguire says:

‘These are bouncy and light and very comfortable even after a day in the garden, and are great for walking the dog too.’

Buy the Ariat Kelmarsh Rubber Boots from Ariat

Once you’ve ordered your wellies, why not think about storage? We’ve found the most practical, and stylish solutions in our best boot racks roundup, and while you’re at it, see our guide to the best boot scraper and brushes to help keep them mud-free. And if you’re searching for lighter footwear, we’ve also found some of the best garden shoes to wear in the garden.

How to choose the best wellington boots

• Make sure they’re comfortable to wear and fit well. In our descriptions of each pair of wellingtons, we’ve noted if the sizing is particularly large or snug. We’ve also highlighted features that we found improved or impeded the comfort of each pair.
• The material the boots are made from will also affect how they feel when worn. For instance, neoprene may make the boots more flexible, while fleece linings will improve comfort and warmth.
• Every pair will have a slightly different grip and heel size, and some may also have features such as reinforced toes, which are useful for heavy-duty work. In any wellington boot, a good, strong grip is important to keep you steady on your feet in wet, stony, or muddy conditions.

How to look after your wellington boots

Always clean your boots regularly, preferably after every use, but especially when they’re very muddy. Wash them with cold soapy water, make sure they’re dry, then store them out of direct sunlight, somewhere cool and dry. Don’t leave them near a radiator or fire to dry, or store them outside in a cold shed or garage, as this can cause shrinking, splitting and cracking. With rubber boots, consider investing in a silicone spray or boot buffer, which will help to prevent the rubber degrading

Excess heat or sunlight can cause blooming on rubber wellies – when a white powdery finish forms on the surface of the boots. It should come off by wiping a wet cloth downwards across the rubber, but if it doesn’t shift, then try a rubber buffer spray.

Parts of a wellington boot

Lining: can increase warmth and comfort. Cotton, quick-dry jersey, neoprene or leather are the most common.

Calf adjustment: a built-in adjustable strap at calf level helps boots fit a range of leg sizes.

Material: predominantly natural rubber, but can also be PVC, leather, and suede.

Kick spur: an extra spur of rubber on the back is a useful aid for getting the boot off.

Heel: gives extra grip but also helps support the arch of the foot for added comfort and to relieve strain on the back.

Sole: a deep grip or cleats will help boots to stay anchored on slippery surfaces and in mud.

How we tested wellies

We tested a range of women's and men's wellington boots for several months over the winter and into spring. They were assessed according to the following criteria, with equal marks attributed to each:

• Comfort. Looked at how easy they were to put on and take off, general size and fit, as well as suitability for a range of gardening jobs and walking.
• Sole and materials. Focused on grip and how well they coped with mud. We also assessed the heels and soles for digging, as well as if they featured toe caps, were warm and finally, if they were easy to clean.
• Durability. Assessed if the boots were sturdy and built to last, as well as if they were waterproof and scuff-resistant.
• Value for Money. Considered all of the above plus any special features, RRP and warranty.

For more information on our testing process, see How we review

Meet our testing panel

Oliver Parsons, Strategic Projects Editor
Oliver is a gardener and magazine journalist of 20 years’ experience. He trained as a professional horticulturalist at RHS Garden Hyde Hall in Chelmsford and has also worked for Gardening Which?, as a freelance gardener and with the gardening team at Down House in Kent. He is now Strategic Projects Editor at BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine and GardenersWorld.com, heading up our reviews desk, Apple News output and weekly newsletter.

Kay Maguire, Magazines Editor
Kay trained at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and has been writing and making films about gardening ever since. She has written for websites and magazines, including The Garden and Amateur Gardening, was Horticultural Editor on BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine for five years, and has also written several books on a range of gardening topics from growing house plants to making the most of a small space. After several years as Reviews Editor, building up our reviews section into a leading resource for UK gardeners, she has now become Magazines Editor for BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine , responsible for all print output.

Harry Duncton, freelance powered tools tester
Harry has a wealth of experience, from being a language teacher to a tree surgeon, and has built this into a career writing about all things DIY and gardening. A passionate believer in self-reliance, his aim is to inspire others to give it a go themselves and not worry about making a few mistakes along the way. A regular contributor to popular DIY blogs and a recent addition to the BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine team, he loves tracking down the best new tools and writing about them.

Sue Fisher, freelance garden writer
Sue’s extensive horticultural career spans over 40 years, starting with a decade in the garden centre and nursery industry before developing into an accomplished gardening writer, designer and speaker. Sue writes regularly for BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine, GardenersWorld.com, and Garden Answers magazine. She has written 10 books on subjects including container gardening, plants for small gardens and designing with colour, and she has co-authored other books with some of the biggest names in gardening.

Emma Crawforth, Horticulture Editor
Emma holds the Kew Diploma in Horticulture and has been working in horticulture for 18 years, including roles in public gardens, a plant nursery supplying plants for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show and a training college for young horticulturists. She looks after an ornamental, fruit and veg garden at home and regularly undertakes trips to see plants growing in their natural habitats. She is the author of the Kew Publications book, Things to Do with Plants.

This review was last updated in January 2026. We apologise if anything has changed in price or availability.

Whether you have a large country garden or a small outdoor space in the city, there are compost bins to suit all tastes and requirements. To help you choose between the hundreds available on the market, we've tested several to provide a broad range of compost bins to inspire your next purchase. We've also got some useful information regarding the different materials that compost bins can be made of, how to choose the best compost bin and what to put in your compost bin.

Best Buy compost bins to buy at a glance:

• Best budget compost bin: Blackwall Green Compost Converter
• Best large compost bin: Modular compost bin
• Best compost bin for versatility: Green Johanna 330 Litre Food & Garden Waste Compost Bin
• Best compost bin for speed: HOTBIN 200 litre composter

Jump to:

• Best compost bins in 2026
• Best of the rest
• What materials are compost bins made of?
• How to choose the best compost bin
• What to put in a compost bin
• Trouble-shooting - what to do if your compost doesn't look quite right
• How we tested

In every review, we award the outstanding products our coveted Best Buy award. To see these and the others we recommend, browse our pick of the best compost bins below.

The best compost bins in 2026

Blackwall 220 Litre Green Compost Converter

RRP: £42.99

Our rating: 4.25/5

Available from B&Q

Pros

• Low price
• Made from 100 per cent recycled materials
• Optional base plate to site on hard surface
• Long warranty

Cons

• Thin, non-ventilated construction
• Slowest to compost
• Only one access hatch

The Blackwall Compost Converter is a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy for the best budget model. Made of recycled plastic, it consists of a one-piece cone-shaped body with a snug-fitting removable lid and a single hatch. It's very quick to set up - just stand it on the soil, and you're good to go. It's a great option for those who want a simple and affordable compost bin. However, because of its thin sides, it was one of the slowest composters on test, so if you want results quickly, you may want one of the other models featured here.

Read the full Blackwall Compost Converter review

Buy Blackwall Compost Converter at B&Q, The Range and Robert Dyas

Suttons Modular Wooden Compost Bin

RRP: £199.99

Our rating: 4.5/5

Available from Amazon

Pros

• Simple, tool-free assembly
• Insulated cover sits directly in the compost
• Planks slide out for easy filling/ access
• Accessed from any side
• Extends with additional three-sided modules

Cons

• Cover lets in some rain

This traditional wooden compost bin has a huge 573 litre capacity, earning it a BBC Gardeners' World Magazine Best Buy award for the best large compost bin. Made from sustainably sourced Scandinavian softwood, the planks easily slot into upright grooves on the corner posts, and the bin can be accessed from every side. Thanks to its plastic cover, it produces the highest internal temperature of any of the wooden bins on test, guaranteeing fantastic compost. However, you should note that this cover lets in a little rain.

Read the full Suttons Modular Wooden Compost Bin review

Buy the Suttons Modular Wooden Compost Bin at Amazon and  Suttons

Green Johanna 330 Litre Food & Garden Waste Compost Bin

RRP: £144.99

Our rating: 4.5/5

Available from Amazon

Pros

• Compost food and garden waste
• Made from 100% recycled plastic
• No need to pre-mix waste
• Good capacity for price

Cons

• Can't harvest compost when the winter jacket is on

Awarded a BBC Gardeners' World Magazine Best Buy for the most versatile compost bin, the Green Johanna 330-litre Hot Composter has a good capacity and works effectively for all types of food and garden waste. It does not require pre-mixing and is made from 100 per cent recycled plastic.

Read the full Green Johanna 330 Litre Hot Composter review

Buy Green Johanna 330 Litre Hot Composter at Amazon, B&Q and The Range

HOTBIN 200 litre Composter

RRP: £255

Our rating: 4.25/5

Available from Crocus

Pros

• Quickly composts food and garden waste
• Self-contained and comes part assembled
• Achieved the highest temperature in our test

Cons

• Waste needs pre-mixing
• Made from virgin materials
• Cam straps make compost access awkward

If you want quick compost, look no further - the Hotbin Mk. 2 Composter is a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy winner for being the fastest to compost. A good option for small spaces, it has a built-in carbon filter to absorb smells, a temperature gauge on the lid and a tank in the base to collect the liquid produced during composting. That said, all waste needs mixing before going into this composter, and it can be a little tricky to access the compost.

Read the full HOTBIN 200 litre composter review

Buy the HOTBIN 200 litre composter at Crocus, Thompson & Morgan and Dobies

The best of the rest

Although some models didn't quite achieve a Best Buy award, they still have various features that make them worth recommending. Browse our pick of the best of the rest on test.

Hozelock EasyMix 2-in-1 composter

RRP: £134.99

Our rating: 4/5

Available from Amazon

Pros

• Smart and compact, made from 90% recyclable plastic
• Takes both food and garden waste
• Easy to fill and empty
• Tank to collect/dispense liquid
• Makes compost quickly if regularly turned

Cons

• Lots of assembly
• Heavy to turn when fuller
• Needs regular attention for fast composting
• A household would need more than one composter
• High price

This compost bin is a ‘tumbler’ type, designed to enable the frequent turning and mixing of waste material, and produces compost much faster than a traditional compost bin due to the high level of aeration. It’s smart and well-made, from 90% recycled plastic, and its vermin-proof design enables the composting of both food and garden waste. Thanks to its compact size of 60 x 50 x 65cm, it’s also easy to site almost anywhere. Both adding and emptying waste is straightforward, as the hatch is large and opens and locks smoothly with a chunky knob. There are also plenty of grip points to rotate the drum with relative ease, although once the tumbler is around two-thirds full, this becomes quite hard to do due to the weight. One of its best features is that when the compost is ready, you simply roll the drum off the base to a convenient emptying place in the garden. The nutrient-rich liquid that drains during the composting process is also collected in a tank, which clips onto a garden hose, allowing this useful plant tonic to be easily dispensed when watering.

However, while this bin is clearly solidly made and the product of a carefully thought-out design, there are drawbacks. The cost is high in comparison to the amount of waste it can process and the subsequent amount of compost produced. Another is that it needs ‘tending’ to tumble the waste: not in itself an arduous task, but to produce compost rapidly, this does need regular attention, ideally daily. The air vents do allow small flies to enter, and during warm weather, these fly out in clouds when the hatch is first opened, so opening it and standing back for a minute is advisable. Any garden waste, such as stems and woody material, isn’t suitable to use in this compost bin if the aim is to produce compost in a period of weeks. However, the chief drawback is that this can’t be the only composting solution because the waste needs to be left for a period of a month or so without adding fresh material. This, therefore, necessitates either having two of these composters or an alternative composting solution. It comes with a three-year warranty.

Buy the Hozelock EasyMix 2-in-1 composter from Wickes and Amazon

Lacewing Easy-Load Wooden Compost Bin

RRP: £84.99

Our rating: 4/5

Available from Primrose

Pros

• Good size capacity for the price
• The removable front makes it easy to add waste and harvest compost
• Long warranty

Cons

• Drill required for assembly
• No lid or cover
• Waste is composted more slowly at the front and top

The simple construction of this wooden compost bin allows for a whopping 718 litres of volume. It's made from slats to allow air circulation around the compost, and the front ones are removable, making filling up the bin much easier and allowing lots of room to get at the compost when it’s ready. However, we found that these wide gaps meant that it composts relatively slowly. Made from pressure-treated pine, the slats have a smooth, planed finish and are guaranteed against rot for 15 years.

Buy Lacewing Easy-Load Wooden Compost Bin from Amazon, Primrose and The Range

Harrod Horticultural Slot and Slide Wooden Compost Bin

RRP: from £199

Our rating: 4/5

Available from Harrod Horticultural

Pros

• Very sturdy construction
• Planks slide out for easy filling/access
• Accessed from any side
• Extends with additional three-sided modules

Cons

• Lots of assembly and requires a powered screwdriver
• Screws for the lid rails are too short

Producing some of the best and fastest compost on test, this composter is for serious gardeners. It's designed to be modular, so you can add multiple units for extra capacity, and it is very sturdy as it's made of sustainably sourced wood with aluminium fittings. The planks slide out smoothly, so it's easy to add waste and remove compost. However, the lid isn't included, and this composter needs a lot of assembly with power tools, so if DIY isn't your bag, you may want to look elsewhere.

Buy the Harrod Horticultural Slot and Slide Wooden Compost Bin from Harrod Horticultural

Garantia 400 Litre Thermo-King Composter

RRP: £94.99

Our rating: 3.75/5

Available from Crocus

Pros

• Insulated and vented sides
• Two-part hinged lid for easy filling
• Made from 100% recycled plastic
• An optional base plate means this composter can be sited on a hard surface

Cons

• Multiple lugs make assembly and hatch replacement tricky
• Connectors don't feel very durable

This plastic compost bin has a great 400-litre capacity. On test, its foamed plastic walls and carefully designed ventilation system helped it handle this volume quickly, producing excellent compost. It's made from 100% recycled materials and includes a wide two-part hinged hatch for easy filling. However, it's a little tricky to assemble.

Buy the 400 Litre Thermo-King Composter at Crocus, Homebase and Robert Dyas

Thermo Compost Bin Komp 420

RRP: £208.88

Our rating: 3.75/5

Available from Amazon. Also available in 250L and 700L

Pros

• Insulated and vented sides
• Hinged lid, easy to fill
• Compost accessed on any side
• 100% recycled plastic

Cons

• The assembly is hard to align single-handedly
• Comparatively high price

With a robust, sectional design and made from thick recycled plastic, this bin is easy to access thanks to a wide hinged lid. Insulated and vented sides help it compost quickly, and it's available in a range of sizes, from 250L to 700L (pictured). However, we found that it's fiddly to assemble without help, and it comes at a relatively high price.

Buy the Thermo Compost Bin Komp 420 on Amazon

Aerobin 200L Composter

RRP: £199.99

Our rating: 3.75/5

Available from Amazon

Pros

• Compost food and garden waste
• Produced compost in a reasonable time
• Finished compost is easy to access

Cons

• Waste needs pre-mixing for high temperatures
• Leachate tank is hard to access
• Made from virgin materials

Our tester liked this high-tech compost bin, which, thanks to its internal ‘lung’ to circulate air and a rigid recycled plastic outer shell, produces compost quickly. It's easy to access, but the bin needs a regular supply of ready-mixed waste to maintain temperature, as well as a drainage hose, which isn't supplied. The leachate tank is also tricky to access.

Buy the Aerobin 200L Composter from Amazon and Water Butts Direct

Forest Garden Beehive Composter 250L

RRP: £189.99

Our rating: 3.5/5

Available from B&Q

Pros

• Durable, with an effective lid
• FSC wood
• Long anti-rot warranty
• Looks good

Cons

• Lengthy to build
• Needs a prop to hold up the lid
• Hard to harvest from the hatch
• Slow to make compost

This attractive wooden, beehive-style compost bin makes a stylish feature in the garden. Made from FSC pressure-treated softwood, it arrives flat-packed, and took our tester a lengthy two hours to slot together and build. It has a hinged lid and a hatch at the base for accessing the compost, and tools, including a drill and screwdriver, are needed to attach both of these. The bin holds 250 litres of compost, although this is more accurately 230 litres when you allow for a gap at the top for air circulation. It’s easy to add material, as long as you’re strong enough to lift the lid with one hand. Our tester fashioned their own prop to hold the heavy lid up while they worked, and it’s a shame that, given the price, one isn’t included with the bin, as it makes a massive difference to ease of use. It’s also awkward to harvest compost from the hatch as material needs to be regularly turned, and so you end up turning and using the compost at the top.

The quality of compost was as you would expect with a cold composting system of this size, and it took 18 months before we had a good crumbly mix. The bin is well aerated, and the secure lid prevents compost from getting soggy from the rain. The bin is also open at the bottom, so it’s ideal for placing directly on the soil, but this does mean that rodents can burrow up into the compost. The bin feels very durable once built, and it comes with a 15-year anti-rot warranty, which, as the wood is in direct contact with the damp ground, is reassuring. The build quality and looks of this bin are its best features, but it’s not for gardeners who lack strength or don’t want to spend time putting it together.

Buy the Forest Garden Beehive Composter 250L from Amazon, B&Q and Robert Dyas

If you're new to composting or would like more practical tips and information, see our guides on how to make compost and how to make a composting trench. We also have a handy trouble-shooting video on common problems with composting. For tested tools to help with the process, check out our guides to the best spades, electric garden shredders, border forks, gloves, wheelbarrows and best cordless mowers.

What materials are compost bins made of?

Compost bins come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and are made using different materials:

• Plastic compost bins: Ideal for a small space, the plastic sides and lid retain moisture and heat to encourage rapid decomposition, as well as blocking out light to stop weeds from growing. This type of bin should ideally be placed on grass or earth.
• Wooden compost bins: Typically 1 square metre, but the biggest wooden bins can produce hundreds of litres of compost. They're often modular, so you can fit several together and cycle compost throughout the year to ensure a steady supply. Usually open to the elements, you can also increase their efficiency with a wooden lid or plastic cover.
• Hot compost bins: Insulated with a close-fitting lid, these are designed to allow decomposition at a much higher temperature and therefore higher speed than other composters (30-90 days, compared to around six months). They also result in a finer compost. Roughly the size of a wheelie bin, they need to stand on a hard surface.
• Wormery bins: These work similarly to compost bins, but are slightly different. They're designed for the small-scale composting of kitchen waste, and use tiger worms to break down material instead of decay. These specialised worms mix and break down the compost quickly and produce a nutrient-rich liquid for use as a fertiliser. Compost worms can also be added to larger bins. However, not all waste is suitable for a wormery, so you’ll still need a compost bin too.
  For more info, check out our expert tests of the best wormeries or read our guide on how to set up a wormery.

You can also make your own compost bin using wooden pallets or corrugated iron. Enclosing the sides will retain heat, which speeds up the rotting process – the larger the pile, the more heat. The ideal minimum size is 1m x 1m and, if possible, make more than one, so it's easier to turn the compost. For more help, take a look at our advice on how to build a compost bin and our guides to the best multi-tools, best cordless drills and best hammers, should you attempt to build your own.

How to choose the best compost bin

When choosing a compost bin, consider the size of your plot, the design of your garden and the amount of compost you'd like to produce.

• Where will it go? Location is likely to influence your choice of bin. A site in full or part shade is best for successful composting. Most bins need to be placed on soil to achieve good drainage and boost microbial action, but the Aerobin and Hotbin must be on a level, hard surface. If you want a cheaper compost bin but only have hard surfaces, look for a model with the option of a base plate to create good drainage and aeration
• Which design is best? If you only want or have room for a single bin, choose a design where finished compost can be easily harvested from the bottom so you can keep filling from the top. This applies to all the plastic composters in our trial
• How fast is compost produced compared to the work involved? Composting in traditional (non-insulated) bins takes 6-12 months on a ‘fill and forget’ approach. You can speed up the process by emptying out, turning and refilling to incorporate air and up the temperature, but obviously, this takes time and effort. The easiest is two bins, so one rots while the other fills. A lid or cover will help retain heat and moisture, and keep out excess rainfall, so cover open bins with a piece of plastic or old carpet. Material and thickness also influence compost speed by retaining more heat. Wood is a good insulator, while thin plastic has the poorest qualities. Highly insulated or ‘hot’ composters are most expensive but do have the potential to make compost in just a few weeks, as the composting process is faster at higher temperatures. This type of bin suits a ‘little and often’ mode of filling: note the Aerobin and Hotbin require a weekly supply of pre-mixed waste to work at their most effective
• What do you get for the money? Consider the length of warranty, particularly with wooden bins and the eco-credentials of the bin, which can vary – some are made from FSC wood or totally from 100% recycled plastic, while others contain none

What to put in a compost bin

Most garden material is compostable, including grass clippings, annual weeds, leaves of perennial ones (not roots, they’ll keep growing) and soft prunings. This ‘green’ material, as it’s often called, would become airless and soggy on its own, so for effective composting, mix with around the same amount by volume of ‘browns’ like chopped-up woody stems, brown cardboard and non-shiny paper. Raw vegetable scraps, teabags, coffee grounds and cut flowers can go in any type of bin, but cooked food, meat and fish must only go in an enclosed vermin-proof design.

Trouble shooting

Balance is key when adding materials to the compost bin, but if your heap doesn’t look quite right, follow these tips:

• Compost too dry?
  This might be down to too much brown waste and pruning waste that’s not been broken down sufficiently. Make sure cardboard is ripped up, and prunings are shredded. And ensure you’re mixing regularly and adding enough green waste
• Compost too wet?
  If you add too much green waste, the compost may get too wet and potentially smelly. Keep the balance and add more brown waste if you notice it’s becoming too wet. Make sure green material is added in small amounts, for example, adding a pile of grass clippings in one go may cause problems
• Compost isn’t rotting down?
  If your compost is taking too long to break down, check your balance of green to brown waste, and turn the heap more regularly
• Too many flies?
  It’s natural to have fruit flies, fungus gnats and other small flies in your compost – they are a key part of the ecosystem. But fly infestations are more likely if the compost is too wet or has too much green waste. Keep a good balance of material, or place a layer of cardboard or soil at the top of the heap

How we tested compost bins

The bins were assembled and sited according to instructions, and then tested over several months. They were given the required type of waste, and similar bins were given the same mix of waste at the same time. They were assessed throughout the testing period, using the following criteria, with equal marks attributed to each:

• Design & setup. Looked at ease and clarity of instructions, siting restrictions, and how well the design worked and extra features
• Ease of use. Assessed the simplicity of adding waste and then removing compost from the bin
• Compost quality & speed. Focussed on the speed the waste rotted down (including checking the temperature using a compost thermometer) and the quality of the finished compost
• Value for money & eco credentials. Considered the value relative to the above, including warranty and RRP and as well as eco credentials such as type of material and, if plastic, whether virgin or recycled

For more information on our testing process, take a look at how we review.

Meet our testing panel

Oliver Parsons, Strategic Projects Editor
Oliver is a gardener and magazine journalist of 20 years’ experience. He trained as a professional horticulturalist at RHS Garden Hyde Hall in Chelmsford and has also worked for Gardening Which?, as a freelance gardener and with the gardening team at Down House in Kent. He is now Strategic Projects Editor at BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine and GardenersWorld.com, heading up our reviews desk, Apple News output and weekly newsletter.

Kay Maguire, Magazines Editor
Kay trained at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and has been writing and making films about gardening ever since. She has written for websites and magazines, including The Garden and Amateur Gardening, was Horticultural Editor on BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine for five years, and has also written several books on a range of gardening topics from growing house plants to making the most of a small space. After several years as Reviews Editor, building up our reviews section into a leading resource for UK gardeners, she has now become Magazines Editor for BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine, responsible for all print output.

Harry Duncton, freelance powered tools tester
Harry has a wealth of experience, from being a language teacher to a tree surgeon, and has built this into a career writing about all things DIY and gardening. A passionate believer in self-reliance, his aim is to inspire others to give it a go themselves and not worry about making a few mistakes along the way. A regular contributor to popular DIY blogs and a recent addition to the BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine team, he loves tracking down the best new tools and writing about them.

Sue Fisher, freelance garden writer
Sue’s extensive horticultural career spans over 40 years, starting with a decade in the garden centre and nursery industry before developing into an accomplished gardening writer, designer and speaker. Sue writes regularly for BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine, GardenersWorld.com, and Garden Answers magazine. She has written 10 books on subjects including container gardening, plants for small gardens and designing with colour, and she has co-authored other books with some of the biggest names in gardening.

Emma Crawforth, Horticulture Editor
Emma holds the Kew Diploma in Horticulture and has been working in horticulture for 18 years, including roles in public gardens, a plant nursery supplying plants for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show and a training college for young horticulturists. She looks after an ornamental, fruit and veg garden at home and regularly undertakes trips to see plants growing in their natural habitats. She is the author of the Kew Publications book, Things to Do with Plants.

This Review roundup was last updated in January 2026. We apologise if anything has changed in price or availability.

What are the Spear and Jackson Kew Gardens Collection High Performance Gloves like?

The Kew Gardens Collection High Performance Gloves are immediately comfortable to wear. The leather soon moulds to the hand, whilst the attractively patterned polyester backs ensure good breathability to keep hands comfortable in even very hot weather. Most of the glove is made from non-padded leather and reinforced on the wear points of the palms and fingers, giving good grip and usability for a wide range of tasks. However, they're not suited for jobs needing fine dexterity, like seedling handling due to the reinforced fingers. Elasticated wrists ensure a close, comfortable fit to keep out debris, and it just takes a bit of a wriggle to get them on when hands are hot and sticky. There’s also a small loop on the wrists for easy hanging and storage. The only slight drawback is that the good palm and finger protection leads to a false sense of security and gives you the confidence to tackle weeds such as nettles and brambles, which unfortunately the thin backs cant protect you from and did lead to stings and prickles on the backs of the hands. A donation to Kew Gardens is made from the sale of these gloves.

Will the Spear and Jackson Kew Gardens Collection High Performance Gloves last?

These gloves are sturdy and well made with reinforced fingers and extra stitching, so they feel durable and made to last. to warranty, but the gloves are covered by the manufacturer’s guarantee against defects.

Are the Spear and Jackson Kew Gardens Collection High Performance Gloves good value for money?

While not cheap, these gloves are very comfortable and are well made using good quality materials, so they do represent good value for money.

Who are the Spear and Jackson Kew Gardens Collection High Performance Gloves most useful for?

These gloves are versatile and comfortable to suit a wide range of tasks including planting, weeding, and pruning.

This review was last updated in September 2023. We apologise if anything has changed in price or availability.

What are the Donkey Gloves like?

These gloves are made with an elasticated, breathable polyester back and a soft suede-padded palm and thumb gusset, which offers extra protection if you’re pruning and clearing borders. Though warm, they’re not waterproof or lined so won’t keep out the chill of wintery weather. They are designed to be unisex and are available in sizes small, medium, large and extra large.

Will the Donkey Gloves last?

The gloves feel well-made and sturdy, but it’s worth noting that while the material on the palm is water-resistant, moisture soaks through the back of the glove. That said, they dry quickly and the suede palm stays soft. They feel tough and made to last.

Are the Donkey Gloves good value for money?

These gloves are a well-designed, mid-priced option for everyday work that we think are good value for money.

Who are the Donkey Gloves most useful for?

Donkey gloves are ideal for everyday use with a range of gardening jobs, from pruning to digging as well as clearing and lifting. These gloves are unisex and come in a good range of sizes and while they don’t feature an adjustable strap, the stretchy wrist cuff means they’re easy to get on and off, so they should fit most gardeners. There’s also a helpful sizing-guide on the website to ensure you choose the right pair.

Not the right gloves for you? Read our other reviews of the best gardening gloves.

For help choosing other gardening essentials see our review of the best wellington boots, the best wheelbarrows and the best kneelers.

This review was last updated in August 2022. We apologise if anything has changed in price or availability.

What are the main features of the Vonhaus 78L wheelbarrow?

With a black steel frame and robust plastic tray that has a 78 litre capacity, this dual wheeled barrow has two pneumatic tyres. It has a single looped handle rather than two and this has a soft, cushioned grip along its length.

What’s the Vonhaus 78L wheelbarrow like to use?

This barrow needs assembling before use but it’s easy to put together, apart from attaching the tray which is quite fiddly. Once built, it may look like a heavy workhorse but the combination of steel frame and plastic tray make this wheelbarrow surprisingly lightweight. Despite the double wheels it’s also nimble to manoeuvre, and easily copes with awkward angles, in fact, the dual wheels help to stabilise the wheelbarrow when the tray is fully loaded. The looped handle is a great feature, as unlike two separate handles, it allows you to push and steer with just one hand. The barrow feels comfortable and well-balanced and tipping out the contents of the tray is easy too. The pneumatic tyres act as shock absorbers, so it’s smooth to push, even over stony ground.

Who is the Vonhaus 78L wheelbarrow most useful for?

Ideal for transporting heavy loads as well as nipping around with your tools this wheelbarrow is particularly useful for gardeners who suffer from back pain or have weaker wrists, as it maintains its balance well and has a useful looped handle that takes the strain out of pushing.

Is the Vonhaus 78L wheelbarrow good value for money?

More expensive than single wheel barrows but at the lower end for double wheeled, this easy to use and super stable barrow feels well designed and made from good quality materials – nothing feels flimsy. Spare wheels are available, it comes with a two year warranty and we think it’s great value for money.

Our experts have tested some great kit to give you a helping hand if you're tidying the garden. Our round up of the best leaf blowers and leaf vacuums might be of use, and if you're keen to get composting see our guide to 13 of the best compost bins: which is the best?

For more tools, read our best garden spades and best border forks guides.

This review was last updated in November 2021. We apologise if anything has changed in price or availability.

What are the main features of the Draper Garden Caddy?

This plastic, basket-style, upright barrow is made from plastic and has a capacity of 65 litres. It has solid plastic wheels, a wide handle and a plastic tool clip for holding a broom, rake or other tools.

What’s the Draper Garden Caddy like to use?

The caddy has a solid construction and it feels robust and well balanced when moving loads around but as it’s more of a basket on wheels it’s better pulled behind rather than pushed. Despite the solid wheels they move easily over smoother surfaces including lawns and gravel paths, although on rough ground or wet soil they drag a little and can get clogged up. They’re sturdy enough for light loads but this barrow isn't designed for shifting multiple heavy loads. The fixed handle is a good length for easy manoeuvring but may be a little low for taller people. The tool clip is handy but feels quite flimsy and may not last as long as the rest of the caddy. Assembly is straightforward although the manual could be clearer and a screwdriver is needed to attach the tool clip.

Who is the Draper Garden Caddy most useful for?

Ideal for everyday gardening jobs this is great for pulling alongside you when weeding and pruning. It’s best suited to smaller gardens and is useful where storage is limited. Taller gardens should check it's height as the fixed hande may mean it's not suitable

Is the Draper Garden Caddy good value for money?

This is perfect for gardeners with small gardens or who are short on space and for the low price and with its lifetime warranty this caddy is excellent value for money.

Our experts have tested some great kit to give you a helping hand if you're tidying the garden. Our round up of the best leaf blowers and leaf vacuums might be of use, and if you're keen to get composting see our guide to 13 of the best compost bins: which is the best?

For more tools, read our best garden spades and best border forks guides.

This review was last updated in November 2021. We apologise if anything has changed in price or availability.

What is the Dewit Cape Cod Weeder like?

A traditional hand forged tool, this hand weeder has a sharp, high-carbon steel head and a wooden ergonomic handle. The tang – between the handle and the head is long, and the head is hooked and gently angled. It has a hanging hole at the end of the handle.

Is the Dewit Cape Cod Weeder comfortable to use?

Only for right handed use this weeder is light and nicely weighted, sitting well in the hand and the shaped handle feels particularly snug.

Does the Dewit Cape Cod Weeder perform well?

Crafted from a single piece of tough, carbon steel the perfectly angled head of this tool slices and cuts through the ground sideways clearing it with ease. It’s hard working and particularly suited to weeding in confined spots between established plants as well as prizing out weeds from between paving slabs.

Is the Dewit Cape Cod Weeder value for money?

This weeder falls at the top of the price range in our test but it’s well made and long lasting with a tough, carbon steel blade. It comes with a lifetime warranty and we think it’s excellent value for money.

Read the full list of the best hand weeders

This review was last updated in July 2021. If you spot anything that has changed in price or availability please get in touch at website@gardenersworld.com

What is the Corona ComfortGel Weeder like?

This weeder has a sturdy, stainless steel head that is lightly curved for leverage. It’s wide at the top, tapering to a narrow, forked end and is sharply serrated on one side. The bright red handle has a finger guard at the base to protect the hand in use and the tang – the neck that connects the handle and the head, is reinforced and wide.

Is the Corona ComfortGel Weeder comfortable to use?

The soft gel handle is nonslip with great grip and sits comfortably in the hand, particularly when applying pressure to shift deep rooted weeds. It feels strong and capable, and the finger guard offers extra protection if needed.

Does the Corona ComfortGel Weeder perform well?

Well thought out this hard-working tool is robust enough to tackle any weeding job. The curved head gives good leverage to prise out stubborn weeds and the forked end helps it cut through the ground, even stony soil, with ease. The sharp serrated edge gives added strength and helps you cut through the soil and weed roots, however this is a tool for right handed gardeners. If you're left handed the serrated edge wouldn't work so well.

Is the Corona ComfortGel Weeder value for money?

A great all round weeder that will help with any weeding task, this well designed tool has extra features and comes with a lifetime warranty. We think it’s excellent value for money

Read the full list of seven the best hand weeders

This review was last updated in July 2021. If you spot anything that has changed in price or availability please get in touch at website@gardenersworld.com

What is the Fiskars Xact Extractor hand weeder like?

This weeder has a long, soft plastic handle with inbuilt grip and a hanging hole on the end for easy storage. The blade is stainless steel which tapers gently towards the tip and has one bevelled side and one serrated side.

Is the Fiskars Xact Extractor hand weeder comfortable to use?

The plastic handle has good grip and feels soft and comfortable in the hand. It goes into the ground smoothly with no jarring and the leverage removes stubborn weeds effortlessly.

Does the Fiskars Xact Extractor hand weeder perform well?

This weeder feels strong and solid and there’s no fear of it bending as you root out difficult weeds. It copes well with a lot of force and pressure when tackling established weeds and the combination of a long handle and long blade gives excellent leverage for tackling really long tap roots and deeply rooted weeds.

Is the Fiskars Xact Extractor hand weeder value for money?

Falling within the middle price range of the weeders in our test, this hard-working weeder is just the thing for tackling problem weeds. Only lacking a hanging strap it comes with a 25 year warranty and we think it’s excellent value for money.

Read the full list of seven of the best hand weeders

This review was last updated in July 2021. If you spot anything that has changed in price or availability please get in touch at website@gardenersworld.com