Autumn is bulb-planting season, and a decent bulb planter is one of the most quietly satisfying tools in the shed. The right one cuts consistent holes, lets you drop the bulb in and cover it efficiently, and spares your back and knees. Here are the best bulb planters in the UK, with long-handled and hand tools for every garden and budget.
How to Choose a Bulb Planter
There are two main types. Long-handled models work like spades and are used standing up. Hand or short-handled tools are used crouched or seated and give more control for containers and borders.
Key things to look for: – Stainless steel construction (easier soil penetration, less rusting) – Depth markings on the barrel – Serrated or tapered edges for clay soils – Wide, comfortable foot treads on long-handled versions
For bulk planting, consider a bulb auger that fits a cordless drill as an efficient alternative.
The Best Bulb Planters
Kent and Stowe Long Handled Bulb Planter – Best Overall
A former BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy, the Kent & Stowe Stainless Steel Long Handled Bulb Planter combines a polished stainless steel head with an FSC-certified ash shaft.
Key specs: polished stainless steel head; FSC ash shaft; serrated base; depth markings; wide foot treads; 15-year guarantee.
Pros: – Comfortable, well-built and durable – Serrated base cuts through turf and firm soil – Long guarantee
Cons: – Costs more than budget long-handled options
Best for: Most gardeners wanting one planter that lasts.
Spear and Jackson Long Handle Bulb Planter – Best for Taller Gardeners
The Spear & Jackson Traditional Stainless Long Handled Bulb Planter (4813BP) measures a full metre overall, giving taller gardeners a straighter posture.
Key specs: 1000mm overall length; mirror-polished stainless steel head; weatherproofed hardwood handle with T-grip; metric and imperial depth markings.
Pros: – Extra length reduces bending – Stainless head cleans easily – Depth markings for accuracy
Cons: – Longer tool is a little more awkward to store
Best for: Taller gardeners.
WOLF-Garten FHN Bulb Planter – Best Modular Choice
The WOLF-Garten FHN is a compact bulb planter with a fixed handle from the WOLF-Garten range, a brand known for its interchangeable multi-change tools.
Key specs: steel head; fixed handle; hand-held design.
Pros: – Compact and easy to store – Trusted garden tool brand
Cons: – Fixed handle, so it does not swap onto multi-change handles – Hand-held only, so more stooping
Best for: Gardeners already using WOLF-Garten tools who want a simple hand planter.
Kent and Stowe Hand Bulb Planter – Best Handheld
The Kent & Stowe Stainless Steel Large Hand Bulb Planter is a compact tool for pots, containers and densely planted borders.
Key specs: stainless steel barrel; comfortable handle; depth markings.
Pros: – Precise planting in tight spots – Stainless barrel resists rust
Cons: – Slow for large areas
Best for: Pots, containers and borders.
Burgon and Ball Bulb Planter – Best for Gifting
The RHS-endorsed Burgon & Ball Stainless Steel Bulb Planter is a handheld model with a comfortable grip and a well-finished stainless head.
Key specs: stainless steel head; RHS endorsed; handheld, about 29cm long.
Pros: – Attractive and well finished – Comfortable grip
Cons: – Hand tool only
Best for: Gifting and small planting jobs.
Draper Long Handled Bulb Planter – Best Budget Long-Handle
The Draper Long Handled Bulb Planter (5165) has a carbon steel head rather than stainless, so it needs an occasional wipe and light oiling. It is sturdy with usable treads and genuine value for occasional use.
Key specs: carbon steel head; long handle; foot treads.
Pros: – Budget-friendly long-handled option – Sturdy for the money
Cons: – Carbon steel needs wiping and oiling to avoid rust
Best for: Occasional planting on a budget.
Bulb Auger Drill Bit – Best for Bulk Planting
A spiral auger fits a standard cordless drill. You need a longer model (around 30cm) for planting in turf and a drill with enough torque. Drill to the desired depth, then drop the bulbs in.
Key specs: spiral auger; around 30cm long; fits standard cordless drills.
Pros: – Fast for bulk and naturalising – Very little bending
Cons: – Needs a drill with decent torque – Not suited to stony soil
Best for: Bulk planting and naturalising.
(Card pending: no verified Amazon UK ASIN.)
At-a-Glance Comparison Table
|
Bulb Planter |
Best For |
Type |
Price |
|
Kent and Stowe Long Handled |
Overall/durability |
Long-handled, stainless |
See card for current price |
|
Spear and Jackson 4813BP |
Taller gardeners |
Long-handled, stainless |
See card for current price |
|
WOLF-Garten FHN |
Compact hand planter |
Fixed-handle hand tool |
See card for current price |
|
Kent and Stowe Hand Planter |
Pots/borders |
Handheld, stainless |
See card for current price |
|
Burgon and Ball |
Gifting/style |
Handheld, stainless |
See card for current price |
|
Draper Long Handled |
Budget long-handle |
Long-handled, carbon |
See card for current price |
|
Bulb auger drill bit |
Bulk/naturalising |
Drill attachment |
Card pending |
When and How to Plant Spring Bulbs in the UK
Daffodils can go in from September; crocus, hyacinth and allium from September to November; tulips are best planted in November when cooler soil reduces the risk of tulip fire. As a general rule, plant bulbs at two to three times their own depth and roughly two bulb-widths apart, with the pointed end facing up. Heavy clay soils benefit from a little grit in the bottom of the hole for drainage.
For a natural lawn look, scatter bulbs and plant them where they fall rather than in rows. Long-handled planters excel here, lifting turf plugs, letting you drop the bulb in and refirming the plug.
Our Verdict
The Kent and Stowe Long Handled Bulb Planter is the pick for most gardeners thanks to its comfort, quality construction and 15-year guarantee. Taller gardeners should look at the longer Spear and Jackson. Container gardeners will get on well with handheld options like the Kent and Stowe or Burgon and Ball. For big planting projects, a bulb auger for your drill saves a great deal of effort.
