Whether you are an experienced gardener or a beginner…everyone can make use of a bulb planter. If you have a large bedding area or some small plant pots then you can still make use of a bulb planter! The basic point of a bulb planter is that it is a tool to help you plant your bulbs at the right depth and position – WHEREVER it will be that you are planting!
When you are planting your bulbs it is essential that they are planted correctly if you are wanting them to grow well and be around for a long time. But actually knowing the perfect way to plant your bulbs can be a little difficult, which is when a bulb planter is going to be there to help! We also like how easy a bulb planter is going to make it for you to get the job done. Trying to use a trowel (or even worse – your hands) can be so time consuming when you are trying to create holes for your bulbs to be planted in, whereas when you are using a bulb planter there is pretty much no digging involved.
If you are wanting a precise, clean and easy way to plant your bulbs this year then keep reading for all that you need to know about the best bulb planters on the market!
Best Pick – Kent & Stowe Long Handled Bulb Planter
- long handled bulb planter
Last update on 2024-12-12 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
In A Hurry?
If the bulb planting season has sprung upon you without you realising and you are in a rush to purchase a bulb planter then look no further – here are all the key features that you need to consider before you buy along with some of the best bulb planters on the market!
Up To The Task?
Different bulb planters are going to be able to cope with different levels of work and this is important to be aware of before you make your purchase. Some will be suitable for larger gardens where you are completing a lot of planting (over 15 bulbs a time) or for gardens where the soil is particularly tough and stony. Others will be better suited for work in pot planters with compost which will be much softer and put less pressure on the bulb planter.
You will normally find that this depends on the build materials that have been used and the size of the planter, but you will also find that many manufacturers will actually advise on the type of job that they will be suitable for!
TOP TIP: Serrated digging teeth are a great way to work in harder soil as they will cut into the ground much easier, reducing the amount of work that you need to put in. They will also stop clay and tougher soils from just compacting down instead of separating!
Best Bulb Planter Build Material
The first thing you need to think about when purchasing a bulb planter is the materials that your planter is actually made from. If you are wanting your bulb planter to last then you will need it to be made from materials that are easy to clean and durable so that they do not corrode quickly!
The two most common materials are going to be stainless steel and plastic. Plastic is obviously going to be less durable than metal and it is rare that you will find it for the actual penetrating part of the planter due to the strength that is required to push into the ground, but it is often found used for the handle. This is a good option as it will be softer to work with when you are planting multiple plants.
Stainless steel is the best option for the main part of the planter due to its strength and durability. It will easily be able to push into the soil to remove the soil that is preventing you from planting your bulb at the perfect depth and is nice and easy to clean afterwards too. You will also feel reassured to know that it will be a long time before the metal starts to rust and corrode (providing it is well maintained).
Best Bulb Planter Handle
The handle of your bulb planter is so important as this is the part that you are going to be in contact with the most. This will either be made from wood or metal – they are sometimes plastic coated too but rarely made JUST from plastic! Wood is going to give you that traditional appearance and just feel nicer to hold. It will also be long lasting but will require some TLC if you want it to stay that way and not cause splinters! Metal is going to be the most durable option and will be nice and light too, but it doesn’t offer the same grip and can be a less comfortable material to work with, which is usually why they are then coated in plastic as well.
You also need to look at the size of the handle on the bulb planter! This really comes down to personal preference as some people prefer smaller handles because they are more compact to carry around and are easier to use in tighter spots in your garden. However, they do mean that you have to basically be on all fours when planting in your garden which can get very uncomfortable. If this is going to be an issue for you then look out for a longer handle that will offer more flexibility in the ways that you work!
Best Bulb Planter Size
Must bulb planters are going to be relatively similar in size because they are all doing the same job, although we did find some variation in size. A bulb planter is actually one of those rare tools where we would say bigger is better! This will offer you much more flexibility in the types of bulbs that you can work with as you can always remove additional soil and then fill the gap back in but it is a nightmare to have to complete multiple soil removals in one place! The only real reason why you would opt for a considerably smaller option is if you are planting VERY small bulbs in a VERY tight space.
Most are going to range in height from around 22cm to 40cm. There are some models that are a little taller but these are usually models that have an extended handle so that you don’t have to bend down as much when working – these are particularly handy for anyone that struggles with back or shoulder pain. Although they aren’t going to allow you to plant your bulbs stood at full height, you will find much more flexibility in how you work and you won’t have to stoop down nearly as much! We would be wary of any bulb planter that is less than around 20cm, as we struggle to see how it is going to be able to get the bulb planted at the right depth.
Best Budget Bulb Planter – Draper Bulb Planter
- Versatile – Effortlessly planting bulbs in both turf or heavy soil depths ranging from 50mm to 100mm
- Efficient – Maximise performance with our Bulb Planter, boasting a diameter of 60 mm for seamless planting
- Resistant – Experience resilience with our Chrome-Plated Steel Transplanter offering durability against corrosion and wear
- Reliable - Draper 12 months parts and labour
Last update on 2024-12-12 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Best Bulb Planter Features
Once you know the main features that you need to consider when purchasing a bulb planter, you can start looking for the additional features that make the best bulb planter. We have listed all of these below to make your buying even easier!
- Weight – We would definitely recommend looking at the weight of the bulb planter that you are considering. Although they are all going to be relatively light we did find that weights actually ranged from around 100g up to around 500g. If you suffer with arthritis or wrist pain then you will be wanting to opt for a model that is as light as possible!
- Varying depth options – Different bulbs are going to need different depths to be able to grow successfully! This normally requires you to figure out the different depths for yourself, which can be a bit of a guessing game. Whereas other bulbs planters will specifically give you guidelines on the different depths that you are planting to. Some will vary in planting depths between around 50mm up to 200mm.
- Ruler – Continuing on the same theme, we really like bulb planters with rulers engraved on the side so that you can plant to the perfect depth every time!
- Powder coated or chrome plated metal – If you are wanting a bulb planter that is going to last and be rust free then look out for a powder coated or chrome plated model as these will be safe from corrosion.
- Spring loaded handle – If you are wanting a quick and easy to use bulb planter then look out for one with a spring loaded handle. With these models you will literally be able to squeeze the handle together and it will “pull” the soil out leaving the perfect space for your bulb.
- Bulb Planting Drill Bit – If you aren’t wanting to invest in a full blown bulb planter then there are drill bits that you can get that will allow you to create the hole that you need to plant your bulbs! Obviously these are only going to be compatible with certain drills but if you have a compatible drill then they could save you money and will get the job done even quicker!
- Foot rest – If you decide to opt for one of the considerably bigger bulb planters then look out for one that comes with a foot rest as these are a great way to add extra force when working on harder ground or just for extra support.
How To Use A Bulb Planter?
Hopefully by now you will have found a bulb planter that is going to be right for you, but now you need to know how to actually plant your bulbs using your bulb planter!
- Make sure to check when you need to plant your bulbs and the depth that you need to plant your bulbs to. This is usually going to be in early winter but is always worth checking for.
- Measure out the space in your garden so that you have a space of around 4 inches between each hole.
- Position your bulb planter directly over the top of the hole that you are wanting to create and then plunge the bulb planter into the ground with force. The more force the better as otherwise you could find yourself having to redig into the ground which just adds to the work and effort that you have to put in.
- If you have opted for a spring loaded planter then use the spring handle to “grab” the soil and keep it in the bulb planter whilst you complete the next step. This reduces the amount of mess that you create when working!
- Insert your bulb into the hole.
- Cover the bulb with the soil you have just removed and gently press the soil into place.
- Water periodically until your bulb begins to spout and push through!
Best of the Rest
- ✅3-in-1 BULB PLANTING SET: All you need to give your bulbs the best start. Our kit includes a bulb planter, a dibber and a transplanter, optimally suited for the effortless insertion of flower bulbs. TABOR TOOLS Hand Tools are especially compact and easy-to-use. The specially shaped handle allows tire-free work and pleasant handling.
- ✅1. TRANSPLANTER: This tool is ideal for transplanting small plants and flowers. The padded soft grip ergonomic handle provides exceptional grip and comfortable use. The gradation marks on the blade make it easy to measure depth for perfect transplants and the polished cast-aluminum head resists rust and won’t bend or break while digging.
- ✅2. DIBBER: This metal dibber has a sharp, pointy spike for puncturing the ground to make deep precise holes. It is made to last from strong metal, lacquered with Duroplast to prevent rusting.
- ✅3. BULB PLANTING TOOL. This is a great tulip, daffodil, lily and dahlia bulb planter. The spring-loaded handle has an automatic soil release mechanism, which allows for quicker planting. The reinforced steel prevents bending in heavier soils. The bulb planting tool includes depth marker for more consistent planting. Planter measures approximately 9" tall with a 5" wide handle and 2.5" diameter base.
- ✅ORDER WITH CONFIDENCE. Customer satisfaction and service quality are the basic criteria for TABOR TOOLS. Good service is a result of flexibility, reliability and trustworthiness. We will fix any problem quickly and answer to your need every time. We are always available to help our customers; our service record is unmatched!
Last update on 2024-12-12 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
- Stainless steel head with leading edge for easier insertion into the ground
- Mirror polished for rust resistance, Minimal soil adhesion and easy cleaning
- Weatherproofed hardwood shaft for strength and durability
- Wide T grip handle for comfort and ease of use
- Extra long handle reduces the need for bending and helps to minimise back strain
Last update on 2024-12-12 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do bulb planters come with a warranty?
All good quality bulb planters will come with a decent warranty so that you know you are getting a good quality product. This usually ranges between around 3 and 5 years however we did find some with a lifetime warranty.
What bulbs can you plant with a bulb planter?
You can plant pretty much any flower bulbs with a standard bulb planter, including tulips, daffodils and lilies. If you have some particularly large bulbs or bulbs that require a very deep planting then it may be worth checking with the manufacturer details whether it is going to be compatible.
What time of year should you plant bulbs?
Planting your bulbs between October and December is recommended if you are wanting a garden full of flowers in the Spring! It is always worth checking if you are due any frost in your area, as best practice suggests that bulbs should be planted at least six weeks before any serious frost! However, you also don’t want the weather to be too warm as this could confuse your bulbs into growing too quickly!
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