Best rake

Whether it’s for preparing beds and borders for planting, clearing up fallen leaves, or tending the lawn, a rake is a must-have for every gardener. You’ll find there are different types of rake for various garden jobs, so you may need more than one ready to hand. You can pick from those with metal or plastic teeth, and the handles are made from different materials, too, each of which has its benefits. Discover the rake or selection of rakes you need for your plot among our picks of the best.

It’s important to clear up fallen leaves from lawns and beds, and this rake will make lighter work of the job. It’s also suitable for raking up lawn clippings, so it’s handy for a range of tasks. I like that the width of its head can be adjusted as it makes it easier to get into smaller areas. At 59 centimetres, it will reduce the number of passes you need to make for faster results. However, you can decrease its width to 18 centimetres to work in tight spaces. A long handle will help spare your back, but it can be reduced in length so kids can help with the gardening. This is a lightweight design at just 0.62 kilograms enabling comfortable working for longer. 

Prepare beds and borders for planting, whether you’re growing your own vegetables or planting a colourful array of flowers with this soil rake. It’s made in classic style with a hardwood shaft that’s comfortable to hold, and it’ll suit you if you’re a fan of wooden-handled tools like me. It’s weather-proofed for longer life. The stainless-steel head is mirror polished to resist rust. The finish will also stop the soil from sticking to the tines and slowing your work down. 

Make sure you can rake up leaves, grass cuttings, and weeds from busy beds, borders and hard-to-reach areas of the garden by adding this hand rake to your tool collection. It has a loop for hanging tidily when it’s not in use so that you won’t lose track of it in the shed. I like that the handle is a soft grip design to avoid the fatigue that comes with extended hours in the garden. The length gives you leverage to work effectively, too. The fan-shaped head has seven tines and is made from stainless steel for durability. 

With plastic tines and a weight of just 0.6 kilograms, this rake won’t prove a burden to use. The head will be kind to the grass, too, and a 53-centimetre width makes for a speedy clear up. The tines are designed to avoid items sticking in them as well, which means less pausing to remove material from them. The handle is made from durable steel and is powder-coated to prevent rusting. It can be extended to suit your height plus provide long reach and, with the handle shortened, the rake takes up less space in your shed. 

If you’ve chosen artificial rather than natural grass for your garden, this rake can help maintain its appearance. Specifically designed for this type of grass, it’s a better option than a conventional rake or a broom, lifting grass tufts that have been flattened by the whole family’s feet, pets, and rainfall. The rake’s bristles also remove any moss that’s starting to make its home in your lawn, as well as stones, leaves, and any other debris. Like some of our designs for real grass, this model has an extendable handle for better comfort, while the head is 45 centimetres in width to get more up in one pass. It’s also light to hold to help prevent fatigue while you’re working.

Thorough lawn care involves clearing up grass clippings and any other debris that will damage the grass, along with removing moss, and this rake will help you keep up with all these tasks. The carbon steel head is heat treated and powder coated and promises both strength and durability. It’s also resistant to rust and damage and the humidity of the lawn to ensure your purchase lasts. The shaft is made from tubular steel, so it’s strong as well, and I like the long grip, which accommodates different hand positions and provides a soft feel. 

Our verdict

Tend and tidy your plot with the best rake to suit its elements and its size. Our number one is the Jardineer telescopic garden leaf rake which will clear up lawn clippings along with fallen foliage and can be adjusted to access narrow spaces.

And whether you’re preparing beds for veggies or flowers, the Spear & Jackson traditional soil rake will help you in your task.

Why trust us?

At GardeningEtc, we recommend the best products to enhance your life. As expert curators, we handpick products based on quality and usefulness to positively impact your day-to-day, from cart to doorstep. We take our responsibility seriously – testing products, reading reviews, and sourcing knowledgeable outlets to ensure our selections are worthy of your time and money. We deliver detailed product overviews, balancing objective information with subjective opinions, so making the best choice for your home and lifestyle is as easy as possible.

Why trust me?

As both a gardener and gardening writer, I’d recommend a selection of rakes to anyone who has more than a container garden to care for in order to take care of each task in the most efficient way possible.