Every Gardener Needs a Proper Gardening Bag

When you first start gardening you might wonder what tools you will need and if you ask your gardening friends they are all likely to suggest a range of tools which they class as being absolutely vital to have so that you can work well in your garden.

If you were to make a list I’m sure it would include a good pair of gardening gloves, a sharp pair of secateurs, a narrow trowel, a hand fork, some garden ties, twine, plant labels, a kneeler . . . wow the list could go on and on and there is a valid reason for all of these tools. So the question then becomes, with all the tools you need to garden, how can you ensure you have what you need to hand when you are out in your garden?

The answer is you need a sturdy, practical bag in which you can keep your tools organised, protected from the weather and ready to move to where you are working easily and efficiently. You need a proper gardening bag.

What makes a good garden bag?

There are a number of things you need to consider when selecting a garden bag to hold and carry your tools, including the size, what material it’s made from, its type of carrying handle, the number of pockets and finally the style. If we look at all these features, we can help you when selecting a gardening bag . . . and you’ll want to get it right as it will be a workhorse in your garden for years!

What size garden bag do you need?

Just like selecting a handbag, a rucksack, a shopping bag or a suitcase, garden bags come in lots of different shapes and sizes. Don’t be tempted to buy the largest gardening bag that you can find . . . you don’t need to fill it with all your tools, rather just the tools you will be using that day. If you find a big bag and fill it with everything you have, you’ll just be wasting energy carrying lots of things around that you won’t need. 

Find a bag large enough to carry your essential tools, which should include a pair of gardening gloves, ball of twine with snips or scissors to cut to length, a pair of secateurs, pocket tool sharpener, a narrow hand trowel, a hand held cultivator or weeding tool and a clean cloth to wipe your hands and the blades of your tools. Then any extra tools you need for the specific tasks in hand, which could include seeds and plant labels if you're sowing, bulb planter or dibber when you're planting, water bottle and sunglasses if you're out all day and it’s a glorious sunny day! 

If you want to get a practical gift for a new gardener then our Gardener’s Complete Tool Bag Bundle includes a durable, generously sized bag together with a kneeling pad and apron. To make this a comprehensive set we’ve also included a hand fork and trowel and pruners so you can get started straight away. 

How easy will it be to carry your garden bag around?

One of the main reasons for getting a gardening bag is to make it easy for you to transport lots of tools at the same time. So you need to take a look at the type of handle it has so that it's comfortable for you to carry.  A good quality gardening bag will have a handle made from durable material which is resistant to stretching and may include a padded or leather strap to make it comfortable to carry even when it’s full.

A great example of this is our Canvas Gardening Tool Bag which has a central leather strap to hold the bag handles together. This bag also includes extra reinforced stitching where the handles join the bag and rivets to make sure the handles are superbly secure.

How does a garden bag keep you organised? 

With a practical garden bag you will find lots of pockets have been included - usually all the way around the outside of the bag. These pockets are designed to hold individual garden tools for you to keep one item in each pocket - so they are easy to locate, use and put back. In this way everything is kept tidy and organised - you won’t forget anything and nothing will be left behind as you move about your garden.

Take a look at the pockets on our Denim Garden Holdall Tool Bag. These are large enough for you to tuck a pair of gardening gloves, and a studded leather strap above them ensures that tools with handles, like hand forks or trowels, can be securely held in place as the bag is carried.

How do I know my garden bag will be hard-wearing?

When you are deciding on which garden bag to choose, have a look at the material it’s made from as you want something which is strong, can withstand all weathers and can be wiped clean after it's been sat on soil.

Denim is known for being durable and able to withstand wear and tear so a bag made from this strong fabric is great for a garden tool bag which needs to survive rough handling and repeated use. Whilst our Canvas Gardening Tool Bags are made from water-repellent waxed canvas, making them durable enough for the Great British Weather!

Can a stylish garden bag be practical?

With so many types of garden bags available, you will find many which combine a stylish design with practical features. The perfect example are the Sophie Conran Tool Bags which combine stylish striped materials with sturdy webbing handles which are securely attached with lots of stitching and rivets.

In addition, the pockets along the length of the bag include mesh bottoms to allow any dust to fall out, edged tops making them strong and long lasting and an elastic restraining strap above the pockets to keep tools securely in place. On either end of the bag are taller pockets so you can easily accommodate larger tools like topiary shears.

Want to sit down whilst you garden?

If you are planning to spend a long time working in your garden or at your allotment, what you’ll need is somewhere where you can sit down and have a rest, and maybe a cuppa! So the ultimate garden bag should be one that comes with a seat so you can sit in comfort, no matter where you are.

Take a look at our Clever Garden Tool Stool 2-in-1 Stool Tool Bag, which comes complete with a foldable, strong metal-framed stool. Whilst the garden tool bag clips neatly under the stool so everything is close to hand at all times.

Ready to select the best garden bag for you?

You should now be well equipped with everything you need to look for when selecting a garden bag but if you need any extra advice simply contact us and we will be happy to help.

If you are buying a gardening bag for a new gardener or an experienced gardener we’ve got a wide range for you to select from so you are sure to find the perfect one! We will also gift wrap it for you just let us know when you are ordering.