How our gardening experts test products

Every month popular garden tools and pieces of kit are reviewed by our expert testers. From mowers to gloves and hoes to hand trowels our testers put them through their paces to see how they fare.

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Our process – BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine
Testing a hedge trimmer

Reviews

Our process – BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine
A range of mowers, ready for testing

We research the market thoroughly to ensure we include all the popular brands and cover a range of budgets and design. We ask companies to send samples in to us or we buy them anonymously ourselves to trial, but no company can influence our testing process. Products are always tested independently and impartially to ensure you get the best advice to help you make an informed decision.

All our testers are experienced gardeners and use the tools just as you would, in the garden in a range of conditions. We rate everything according to a strict set of criteria, awarding marks for each to produce a final score out of five.


Best Buy Awards

Best buys – BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine
Our Reviews editor, Kay Maguire.

In every review, if the products are deserving, we pick our outstanding winners.
These are awarded our coveted Best Buy sticker and whether it’s according to price, situation or user they are always voted the best by all testers and are only the products that really stand out.

All Best Buy recommendations are completely impartial and independent and are always awarded according to our strict testing criteria.

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Buyer’s Guides

Cordless tool systems - Buyer's Guide video from BBC Gardeners' World Magazine
Cordless tool systems - Buyer's Guide video from BBC Gardeners' World Magazine

Our videos offer advice on what to look for and what to think about before you buy a gardening tool or piece of kit.

We explain what the tool is, how it works and explain all the different features to consider when choosing the tool that’s right for you and your garden. The films end with advice on how to use the tool correctly and how to prolong its life with the correct maintenance routine.


Product guides

Best Plant Markers - BBC Gardeners' World Magazine
Best Plant Markers

Gardening and spending time outdoors is an increasingly important part of many people’s lives and we are always looking for products to help you make the most of your beloved outside space. We regularly put together product guides, from parasols and playhouses to shoes and wildlife gifts to help you choose the next accessory for your plants or plot.

Discover more reviews and product guides:

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