You may not need to buy much to get going. A small trowel and bucket may be enough for many tasks!
If you do think you could benefit from some different tools and equipment, we have recommendations below plus some of your helpful tips. Try any new equipment before you buy if possible, so you check it is comfortable to use.
As well as our articles in Get Gardening, we have a range of leaflets, fact sheets and books. Some are free and some have a small cost.
Most are available in a range of formats, including large print, audio CD and Braille versions. Find them here.
Bright colour tools
If you have some vision, choose tools with bright handles so they are easier to find. Or, paint the handles of existing tools white.
Multi-change tools
Many blind or visually impaired gardeners like to work close to the soil at ground level. Short handled tools are essential for this. You can also find a range of ‘multi-change’ tools, which have interchangeable heads.
These tend to be high quality, but you may want to make sure you can comfortably switch the different heads around.
Other useful items
Sound beacon. This can be used to guide you back to where you were working in the garden. A small radio left playing can also do the job. It can also be useful when mowing.
Kneeler seat with handles or gardening knee pads with straps. These take pressure off joints when working at ground level. A kneeler seat can also be used as a stool.
Bright coloured tape. Useful for marking edges, like the outside of a garden tidy tray, tool handles and garden tables.
Right angle guide. This is a home made guide that can be lain on the ground. It can be useful in large areas, for example when digging or sweeping. They are not very simple to make, though. Find a link at the bottom to instructions.
Adjustable rake. Choose a lightweight version with an adjustable length handle.
Dustpan and brush. Useful for clearing debris from patios. Choose a brightly coloured version with a large collection pan.
Garden cart with seat. This specialist wheeled item allows you to load up with tools, then work from a seated position
Wheeled garden caddy. This is a bit like a bucket on wheels and may be easier to transport debris than a regular bucket.
Garden tool belt. For organizing and transporting smaller tools.
Lightweight border fork. A border fork is slightly smaller and lighter than a traditional garden fork.
Lightweight hand fork. If you are working at ground level, this may be a good option for breaking up soil.
Hand rake. For breaking up soil. If you garden from a standing position, look for a lightweight full length steel rake.
Hand cultivator. This uses a claw action to break up the soil. You may find it easier than a fork.
Lightweight hand trowel. A hand trowel can be useful for many gardening jobs.
Bulb planter. This can be useful for removing deep rooted plants like dandelions.
Lightweight full-length hoe. If you stand to weed, there is a large variety of full-length hoes available. Look for a lightweight version that is comfortable to use.
Modular seed tray. Sowing seeds into a seed tray with sections means you do not have to do the fiddly ‘pricking out’ step.
Garden tidy tray. Very helpful for keeping everything in one place. Place bright coloured tape around the edge to better define the working area.
Seed sowing dispenser. Helps sow seeds one at a time. You could also just use a piece of folded paper to do this.
Seed tape. This is paper tape pre-prepared with seeds. You may find it easier than sowing individual seeds from a packet.
Self-watering propagator. May make it easier to care for newly planted seeds and seedlings.
Brightly coloured string line. To help guide seed planting outside / planting out
Easy read plant labels. You can find bright coloured and extra large plant labels. The RNIB also has tactile buttons and braille labelling products.
Watering can. A lightweight plastic model with flat sides may be easiest to carry.
Expanding lightweight hose. If you use a cane, you may find a hose easier to manage. An expanding version may be lighter to use than a conventional one and springs back into place when done.
Water butt(s) and standpipes. Place water butts and standpipes at convenient spots around the garden. This reduces how far you need to walk to collect water.
Hi-Lo hanging basket pulley. Allows you to bring hanging baskets to your height without over reaching.
Automated watering system. There are a number of types of automated systems that can be set up around the garden. These can be costly and fiddly to begin with, but can save effort and water in the long-run.
Cut and hold secateurs. These have a gripping device that locks onto and holds plant stems. They stop pruned material falling to the ground, making it easier to dispose of.
Brightly coloured bamboo cane toppers / old plant pots or yoghurt pots. Place these on cut stems for protection from sharp ends.
Manual push mower. This may be the easiest type to manage.
Lightweight battery-powered lawnmower. Avoid mains powered versions, which have cables to deal with.
Robot lawn mower. Good for small lawns. The technology has improved, and these can now produce a decent all over mow.
"I put bright yellow insulating tape around tools to make them easier to find. I also keep tools well organised for the same reason."
"I recommend using a single-handed wheelbarrow, which can be pulled with one hand, thus allowing one hand free for a cane or dog for navigation."
"There is nothing more valuable to me than my white secateurs, they don’t get lost as often as other tools do. Now that I am older, my next biggest asset is my ratchet secateurs."
Gardening can be fantastic for our wellbeing. If you are blind or visually impaired, there are ways to adapt your space and technique so you can keep enjoying time in nature.
