10 of the best bulb planters
Prepare for a Spring with a useful planting tool.
Daffodils, tulips, snowdrops and crocus bring life and colour to spring borders and pots but whichever bulbs you choose, a bulb planter tool can make the job a little less hard work.
The sharp metal head of the planter should be able to cut out a neat core of earth for planting, and this will be a uniform size for every bulb. Many planters also include measurements along the side to help you plant each type of bulb at the right depth and if you need more information on this, we’ve put together a guide to bulb planting depths.
Bulb planters come in different sizes, depending on which bulbs you're planning on planting and there are also a number of different designs and styles available.
We’ve curated a list of the best bulb planters, including some of the best long handled bulb planters to help you avoid excessive bending and stooping while you work. We also explain how to use a bulb planter in our short, handy guide below.
Skip to how to use a bulb planter
And if you’re looking for spring garden design inspiration, we’ve also got advice on what to plant with spring bulbs to help you choose complimentary flowers to complete your display.
We’ve also got a number of helpful round ups of other tools and equipment for your garden, such as the best cordless lawn mowers to get the grass in shape and an essential gardening tools list if you’re new to the green-fingered scene.
10 of the best bulb planter tools
Browse our suggested bulb planters below;
Gardena Bulb Planter
This bulb planter by Gardena is made from steel coated to protect against corrosion and features an automatic grip trigger that releases the soil after planting, easily filling the hole back in again. There's also a handy depth scale and a 25 year guarantee from Gardena is included.
Price: £10.99
Buy Gardena Bulb Planter at Amazon
Darlac Long Handled Bulb Planter
This long handled bulb planter from Darlac is particularly useful if you're planting lots of bulbs in one area. The long hardwood handle and sharpened carbon steel head allow you to make planting holes standing up and then fill them with bulbs in one go. Great for easing strain on your back and keeping your balance.
Price: £21.99
Buy Darlac Long Handled Bulb Planter at Crocus
Spear & Jackson 3060EL Select Stainless Steel Bulb Planter
Resistant to rust and soil adhesion, this stainless steel bulb planter features depth measurements down the side to help you get the hole just right It also has a spring loaded, adjustable handle to make it easier and faster to release the soil back into the hole after planting.
Price: £14.49
Buy Spear & Jackson Stainless Steel Bulb Planter at Amazon
Spear & Jackson Traditional Stainless Long Handle Bulb Planter
This long handled bulb planter features a stainless steel head which has been mirror polished for easy cleaning and minimal soil adhesion. The extra long handle means less bending and it's made from weatherproofed hardwood, so it should be strong and durable. The T grip provides a comfortable hold and there are depth markings in both metric and imperial measurements on the side.
Price: £40.99
Buy Spear & Jackson Long Handle Bulb Planter at Dobies
Draper 3082 Bulb Planter
This bulb planter by Draper is designed for use in turf and heavy soil and features a spring-loaded handle to help release the earth when planting. The head is made from chrome-plated steel for durability and it features depth marking along the side.
Price: £7.72
Buy Draper 3082 Bulb Planter at Amazon
Bulb Planting Auger
This bulb planting auger is ideal for digging holes in heavier soils plus it's also useful for turning and aerating the compost heap. Designed to be used with a drill (18 to 24 volts), the auger should be able to loosen the soil and create space for a bulb in less time than by hand. Available in small, medium and large, each size is suitable for different bulbs and plants, from small snowdrops to larger bedding plugs.
Price: from £7.99
Buy Bulb Planting Auger at Crocus
DeWit Bulb Planter for Crocus and Snowdrops
This bulb planter from DeWit is made from carbon steel for strength and features a sharpened rim to slice through the soil cleanly. Designed to create uniform holes for planting smaller bulbs such as crocus and snowdrops it's fitted with a smooth ash wood handle for comfort.
Price: from £14.99
Buy DeWit Bulb Planter at Crocus
RHS Burgon and Ball Hand Bulb Planter
This bulb planter from Burgon and Ball is endorsed by the RHS so you can be sure it's a good design. The planting head includes a serrated blade for strong cutting and it's made from tempered stainless steel for durability and rust resistance. There’s a depth gauge to help you plant at the right depth and a five year guarantee is included.
Price: £19.99
Buy RHS Burgon and Ball Hand Bulb Planter at Crocus
RHS Burgon and Ball Long Handled Bulb Planter
This long handled bulb planter is also by Burgon and Ball and endorsed by the RHS. It has an angled, stainless steel blade to cut sharply and smoothly through the soil and a foot bar to help you push down into the ground. The FSC-certified ash handle has a wide T handle for easier handling and it comes with a lifetime guarantee.
Price: £34.99
Buy RHS Burgon and Ball Long Handled Bulb Planter at Crocus
DeWit Tulip and Daffodil Bulb Planter
Dutch gardening brand DeWit have crafted this long handled bulb planter to enable you to remove plugs of soil, ready for planting, without bending down. A handy foot peg helps you push it into the ground and the sharpened carbon steel nose cuts smoothly through the earth. The handle is made from oiled ash for long-lasting wear and it comes with a lifetime guarantee.
Price: £39.99
Buy DeWit Tulip and Daffodil Bulb Planter at Crocus
How to use a bulb planter
To use a bulb planter push the base into the ground, twisting as you apply pressure until you have reached the right depth for the bulb you're planting. Withdraw it to remove a core of earth and reveal a hole. Plant your bulb (pointed end up and roots at the bottom) and then place the bulb planter over the hole and release the soil back in to cover the bulb.
A long handled bulb planter can be used from standing and is helpful if you're planting a lot of bulbs in the same area. Rather than stooping and pushing the planter into the ground by hand, you drive down on the handle and use your foot to dig the planter into the soil.
Some models have a serrated end to help you cut into the ground while many feature a sprung handle which you squeeze to open up the planter and release the soil.
Bulb augers, which attach to a drill are ideal for planting in very congested or compacted ground. It helps to clear the auger as you go by lifting it out once or twice to remove the loosened soil before planting and check your drill has the right voltage for the auger and is on the recommended setting before you start.
If you would like further inspiration or help, see our guide how to plant bulbs in lawns for more information.