Autumn is bulb-planting season, and if you have ever knelt on cold, wet soil pushing daffodil and tulip bulbs in one hole at a time, you already know why a decent bulb planter is one of the most quietly satisfying tools in the shed. The right one lets you cut a clean, consistent hole, drop the bulb in, and cover it over in seconds, saving your back and your knees in the process.
We have pulled together the bulb planters we think are worth your money in 2026, from sturdy long-handled models you can use standing up to neat handheld tools for pots and borders. Whether you are naturalising hundreds of crocuses in the lawn or tucking a few alliums into a raised bed, there is something here to suit your garden and your budget.
How to choose a bulb planter
Before we get to the recommendations, it helps to understand the two main types. A long-handled bulb planter works a bit like a spade: you position it, press down with your foot on the treads, twist, and pull out a plug of soil. These are the ones to reach for if you have a lot of bulbs to plant or if bending and kneeling are uncomfortable. A hand, or short-handled, bulb planter is a smaller tool you use crouched down or seated, and it gives you more control for pots, containers and tightly planted borders.
Beyond the shape, look for stainless steel where you can afford it. Stainless heads slide through soil more easily, shed mud better and will not rust if you forget to clean them, which, let us be honest, most of us do. Depth markings on the barrel are genuinely useful because most spring bulbs want planting at two to three times their own height, and a serrated or tapered edge makes a real difference in heavier clay soils. Finally, check the foot treads on long-handled models: wide, comfortable treads mean you can push down in wellies without your foot slipping off.
One last tip. If you are planting in bulk, say naturalising bulbs across a lawn, consider a bulb auger that fits into a cordless drill. It is not a traditional planter, but for hundreds of holes it will save you an enormous amount of effort.
The best bulb planters
Here are our picks for 2026, a mix of long-handled and hand tools across budget, mid-range and premium prices so you can match the tool to the job.
Kent and Stowe Long Handled Bulb Planter, best overall
The Kent and Stowe long-handled planter is a former BBC Gardeners World Magazine Best Buy, and it earns that reputation. It pairs a polished stainless steel head with an FSC-certified ash shaft, so it is both strong and pleasant to use. The serrated base bites into firmer ground, there are depth markings for accurate planting, and the wide foot treads make short work of a big planting session. Kent and Stowe back their stainless steel range with a 15-year guarantee, which tells you how much faith they have in it. Expect to pay around 30 to 35 pounds. If you want one tool that will last for years, this is the one we would buy.
Spear and Jackson Long Handle Bulb Planter, best for taller gardeners
Spear and Jackson long-handled model measures a full metre, roughly 5cm longer than many rivals, which makes a real difference if you are tall or simply want to keep your back straighter. It has a weatherproof hardwood handle joined to a polished stainless steel head, and the wide foot treads work even when you are wearing thick boots. It is comfortable, well balanced and typically costs around 28 pounds, making it excellent value for a stainless tool from a trusted British brand.
WOLF-Garten FHN Bulb Planter, best modular choice
If you already own the WOLF-Garten multi-change handle system, the FHN bulb planter head clicks straight on and off, so you can swap between a bulb planter, a rake and a hoe using the same handle. The head is stainless steel with a bright plastic collar that is harder to lose in long grass. Buying into the system costs a little more up front, but if you are short on storage space or like the idea of one handle for many jobs, it is a smart, tidy solution. Budget around 20 pounds for the head plus the cost of a handle if you do not have one.
Kent and Stowe Hand Bulb Planter, best handheld
For pots, containers and densely planted borders where a long-handled tool is too clumsy, this compact stainless steel hand planter is our pick. It has a soft-grip handle, a tapered stainless barrel that pulls clean plugs of soil, and depth markings so you can plant consistently. At around 12 pounds it is an easy addition to any tool bag, and the stainless head means it will still be going strong many seasons from now.
Burgon and Ball Bulb Planter, best for gifting
Burgon and Ball make some of the prettiest tools around, and their bulb planters are RHS-endorsed and finished to a high standard. This handheld model is as capable as it is good-looking, with a comfortable grip and a stainless head. It usually sits around 15 pounds and makes a lovely gift for a keen gardener, without sacrificing anything on performance.
Draper Long Handled Bulb Planter, best budget long-handle
If you want to plant standing up but do not want to spend 30 pounds, the Draper long-handled planter is a sensible choice at around 18 pounds. The head is carbon steel rather than stainless, so it is worth wiping it down and giving it a light oil after use to keep rust at bay, but it is sturdy, does the job, and the treads are perfectly usable. For an occasional planting session it represents genuine value.
Bulb auger drill bit, best for bulk planting
Not a planter in the traditional sense, but if you are putting in hundreds of bulbs a spiral bulb auger that fits a standard cordless drill is a revelation. You simply drill down to the depth you need and drop the bulb in. Choose a longer auger, around 30cm, for planting through turf, and make sure your drill has enough torque. At roughly 15 pounds for a decent one, it is a cheap upgrade that turns an afternoon of work into an hour.
At-a-glance comparison
| Bulb planter | Best for | Type | Approx. price |
| Kent and Stowe Long Handled | Overall / durability | Long-handled, stainless | ~30-35 pounds |
| Spear and Jackson Long Handle | Taller gardeners | Long-handled, stainless | ~28 pounds |
| WOLF-Garten FHN | Modular tool systems | Long-handled head | ~20 pounds (head) |
| Kent and Stowe Hand Planter | Pots and borders | Handheld, stainless | ~12 pounds |
| Burgon and Ball | Gifting / style | Handheld, stainless | ~15 pounds |
| Draper Long Handled | Budget long-handle | Long-handled, carbon | ~18 pounds |
| Bulb auger drill bit | Bulk / naturalising | Drill attachment | ~15 pounds |
When and how to plant spring bulbs in the UK
In most of the UK, daffodils go in from September, most other spring bulbs such as crocus, hyacinth and allium from September to November, and tulips are best left until November when the colder soil helps reduce the risk of the fungal disease tulip fire. As a rule of thumb, 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 to improve drainage, as sitting in cold, wet ground is the quickest way to rot a bulb over winter.
For a natural look when planting in a lawn, scatter a handful of bulbs and plant them where they fall rather than in neat rows. A long-handled planter really comes into its own here, letting you lift a plug of turf, drop the bulb in and firm the plug back on top.
Our verdict
For most gardeners, the Kent and Stowe Long Handled Bulb Planter is the one to buy: it is comfortable, superbly made and backed by a 15-year guarantee. Taller gardeners should look hard at the longer Spear and Jackson, while anyone planting mainly in pots will be happier with a handheld tool like the Kent and Stowe or Burgon and Ball. And if you are facing a really big planting job, spend 15 pounds on a bulb auger and thank us next spring when the garden erupts into colour.
