We have enough to do in the summer months, from daily watering chores and weeding to keeping bird feeders full. So saving time wherever we can is always a win. The last thing a gardener needs is yet another maintenance task on that never-ending list when you’d rather spend more time enjoying the garden.

One of the best parts of creating your very own backyard oasis is attracting and watching birds. Along with providing food and shelter, adding a bird bath is one of the most helpful things you can do for feathered visitors. But as temperatures rise in summer, bird baths get dirty fast. Keeping on top of algae buildup, cloudy water, and frequent scrubbing turns this relaxing hobby into another chore.

Fresh water is vital for keeping birds happy and healthy, but luckily, there is a simple way to cut down on maintenance and give you more time to enjoy your backyard visitors. Say hello to the Mellbree Bird Bath Purification Disc. This affordable Amazon find harnesses copper's natural properties to help keep bird bath water cleaner for longer.

How Copper Bird Bath Discs Work

Inspired by the old trick of adding a copper penny to a bird bath, these discs offer a more effective way to help keep water cleaner. Copper is naturally antimicrobial and slowly releases tiny amounts of copper ions into the water. These can help inhibit algae and other microorganisms, so the bird bath stays cleaner for longer.

While it won't eliminate the need to periodically empty and scrub your bird bath, it can help keep the water cleaner and clearer between refills, reducing the amount of scrubbing needed throughout the summer.

Costing just over $10, it’s a budget-friendly solution, and this two-pack from Amazon offers even better value. Use both if you have more than one bird bath, or keep one and share the other with a neighbor or friend. Chances are, they don’t enjoy scrubbing bird baths any more than you do. It also makes a thoughtful gift for any gardener and is something they’re unlikely to already own.

For even better results, pair a copper disc with a small solar fountain, like this Mademax design. The moving water helps increase oxygen levels, making it more difficult for algae to establish while also attracting more birds to your garden.

A bonus is that moving water discourages mosquitoes from laying their eggs, creating a healthier and more inviting bird bath for your backyard visitors. Better yet, the copper disc won't interfere with bird bath fountain pumps or bird bath heaters, so you can use it year-round.

How to Install

I found the disc incredibly simple to install. It only takes a minute to set up, making it one of the easiest upgrades you can make to your bird bath.

Start by giving your bird bath a thorough cleaning, removing any algae, bird droppings, and debris such as fallen leaves. Refill it with fresh water, then peel off the blue protective film from the copper disc. Place the disc in the bird bath with the three raised nodules facing down so they rest against the bottom of the basin.

That's all there is to it. It's almost surprising how such a small, simple disc can make caring for a bird bath so much easier. With almost 3,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, it seems like many gardeners are happy with the results and appreciate how easy this little upgrade is to add to their backyard bird setup.

While the copper disc won't eliminate the need for some maintenance, it can help keep the water cleaner for longer, meaning you'll likely spend less time scrubbing during the summer months. Instead of frequent deep cleanings, routine maintenance may be as simple as removing leaves and other debris, giving the bird bath a quick rinse when needed, and refilling it with fresh water for your feathered visitors.

Compatibility

As a word of caution, while this copper disc is compatible with most bird bath materials, including ceramic, concrete, stone, and properly coated metal, there are a few considerations for metal basins.

If using the disc in a metal bird bath, the inner protective coating must be fully intact and free from scratches, peeling, or damage. Exposed metal surfaces, such as stainless steel, iron, or other alloys, may react with copper ions in the water and increase the risk of galvanic corrosion. A damaged or deteriorating coating can also accelerate copper oxidation, so it’s best to avoid using the disc in any metal bird bath where the protective finish is compromised.

Build a Better Backyard Bird Oasis

A bird bath is just one part of creating a welcoming space for backyard birds. To make your garden even more inviting, consider adding a few simple upgrades that can help attract more feathered visitors and create a backyard habitat they’ll enjoy.

Remember the very first time you used your lawn mower? Remember how easily it cut, and how great your grass looked afterwards? Do you feel like it's just not quite the same these days?

That's because it isn't! Lawn mower blades, just like any cutting tool, get dull with use, and after a season or more of mowing yours are probably well past due for a sharpening.

Dull lawn mower blades don't cleanly slice the grass. Instead they pull and tear at it, leaving behind jagged edges that make your lawn vulnerable to disease and messy looking. So it's obvious that you need to sharpen your lawn mower blades. But how best to do it?

VEVOR Lawn Mower Blade Sharpener

Say hello to the VEVOR Lawn Mower Blade Sharpener (Model KH-DM04). A fully integrated, standalone electric bench grinder station, it brings commercial-grade blade restoration directly to your workshop. It's a little pricier than hand-held options, so let's take a look at what makes it worth the extra spend.

Power

At the heart of this blade sharpener is a robust 2/3 Horsepower (500-watt) motor. It runs at a steady and optimized speed, which gives you a high-torque rotational force that can grind away nicks, rust, and dullness in minutes.

A lot of shop grinders run at over 3400 RPM, which can easily overheat. But the VEVOR sharpener is precision-tuned for blade metalwork. It removes tough material quickly without overheating, and your blades get sharpened without turning blue – a tell-tale sign of ruined heat temper.

High Efficiency

Instead of traditional aluminum oxide wheels that wear down quickly, this sharpener boasts a massive 7-inch, 60-grit ceramic grinding wheel.

Ceramic abrasives are much harder, cooler-running, and more heat-resistant than standard materials. The 60-grit composition strikes the perfect balance between aggressive grinding and a clean, smooth finish. Because the 7-inch wheel offers a large contact surface area, it requires fewer passes. This ensures symmetrical grinding, minimal metal loss, and a much longer lifespan for your blades.

Vibration-Free Construction

The VEVOR blade sharpener is a heavy-duty machine. Weighing in at a substantial 33.3 lbs (15 kg) with a footprint of roughly 17 x 12.6 inches, it has an integrated Q195 steel structure and a solid base. This heavy, rigid design is intentional. It anchors the machine firmly to your workbench, completely eliminating the vibration and wobbling that plagues lighter grinders. The result is a smooth, safe, and hassle-free operation that makes it ideal for handling large batches of commercial blades.

Built-In Blade Balancer

Sharpening is only half the battle; balancing is the other. If you grind more metal off one side of a mower blade than the other, it creates an unbalanced blade. Spin this at high speeds on your lawn mower, and you can destroy spindle bearings, crack mower decks, and cause costly engine crankshaft damage. Not to mention give yourself a very bumpy mowing experience.

VEVOR addresses this critical maintenance step by including a blade balancer. Right after grinding, just drop the blade center onto the balancer to instantly check its weight distribution. This ensures a smoother ride, quieter mowing, and maximum longevity for your mower's engine.

The Final Verdict

A lawn mower is only as good as its blades, so it's essential to take good care of them. You could always get a mount for your drill, or a handheld sharpener, but at the end of the day these aren't going to guarantee the balance and precision that your lawn mower really needs. So go ahead and get the VEVOR sharpener – your lawn will thank you.

Oh we know that the fourth of July is all about family barbecues, drinks in the sunshine and fireworks galore – but between all that, may we humbly suggest you spare five minutes to do some shopping for your garden? Because there are some absolutely cracking July 4 garden deals to be had!

We've scoured the stores to find all the very best garden deals that are half price or better, and can be delivered to your door, so you don't have to take too much time out between star-spangled spritzers. And honestly, we were surprised to discover so many unmissable deals. It must be somebody's birthday or something…

Let's cut to the chase, shall we, and shop some awesome gardening deals!

Garden Bargains Under $10

Stylish Finds

Gardening Goodies

Great Gardening Gifts

Outdoor Living Lovelies

Room to Grow

Stylish Storage

Handy Garden Tools

Time to Relax!

Water Deal!

Decent garden storage doesn’t just make it easy to keep your outside space tidy, it means you can find your gardening tools when you want them. I like to think that spending on good outdoor storage actually saves me money because then I don't have to re-buy tools lost in all the shed clutter – and honestly, you don't have to spend much if you take advantage of the July 4th deals currently on. I don’t know if this heatwave has caused some kind of craziness at Target, because there are some cracking better-than-half-price deals on all sorts of affordable outdoor storage options.

From storage boxes to sheds, backyard cabinets to potting benches, there are so many stylish solutions to organize garden tools and accessories. I’ve only included great deals that offer a 50% or higher reduction, so you can get maximum outdoor storage for your money. I’ve also looked at different types of garden storage so there’s something so suit every backyard. Think about how you can customize whatever you choose to further fit your needs, too, because there are plenty of clever DIY ways to upgrade your garden storage.

If you’d love a garden with a place for everything and everything in its place, but don’t want to bust your budget getting it, here are Target’s very best deals on garden storage.

1. Waterproof Storage Trunks

An outdoor storage trunk is the best option to store patio cushions and throws, and pool toys. Available in a range of smart finishes, it’s an unobtrusive addition to a patio and makes that ‘Oh heck, it’s starting to rain’ garden dash to save non-waterproof cushions a breeze, and the large capacity means you can store most pool toys without deflating them first.

A backyard storage box also provides a handy surface for drinks and nibbles when you’re entertaining in your outdoor space. Do go for a sturdy option as someone – you included! – will inevitably use it as a bench at some point.

2. Potting Benches With In-Built Storage

We all dream of having a potting bench in the garden so we can potter happily with our plants! Choosing a bench with built-in storage brings the best of both worlds, giving you a sturdy work surface as well as a spot to store your most-used hand tools and garden knick-knacks.

3. Vertical Mini-Sheds

If you don’t already have a vertical mini-shed, you won’t know how useful they are to store those everyday tools and garden bits and bobs. Compact and cute enough to stand right outside your back door, a microshed means your kitchen countertop won’t forever be cluttered with a pair of hand pruners and a ball of twine!

Most vertical sheds have a combination of shelves and a full-height compartment to store garden tools, and are typically raised on short legs to protect the stored goods from ground moisture. Those made of wood mean it’s a simple DIY task to add hooks or customize shelving but will need retreating periodically, while metal microsheds are maintenance-free.

4. Benches With Built-In Storage

If you’re pushed for space, then a multi-tasking bench with built-in storage is a smart option. Great for storing throws, pool toys and other outdoor living bits and bobs, this brings plentiful storage without compromising on style. Armrests double as carrying handles, making a storage bench easy to move so you can position it by the pool through summer, then shift it to a sundowner spot for fall.

5. Squeeze-it-in Sheds

Sheds are necessary but ugly structures that take up a lot of space in your garden, right? Wrong! There are plenty of smaller, smarter shed designs that mean you can squeeze in this essential storage without it being a garden eyesore. Of course, finally getting around to decluttering your shed will help, and you can get creative to switch up your garden shed from drab to fab.

6. Temporary Storage Solutions

It’s really useful to be able to temporarily increase the storage capacity of your garden when you need to, without wasting garden space on permanent fixtures you won’t need for most of the year.

7. Stylish Garden Cabinets

There’s been a huge trend in stylish garden cabinets this year, and no wonder – we’re happy to give them pride of place on the patio, rather than trying to squirrel our outdoor storage away, out of sight. Cabinets are as practical as they are pretty, too, as the double front-opening doors make for good access.

Tall cabinets with shallow shelving let you organise hand tools and garden clutter where you can see it at a glance; unshelved cabinets with plenty of hanging space make it easy to wheel in a lawnmower, stack foldable garden furniture, or store pool hoses and long-handled tools.

The Napoleon Freestyle 425 has all the hallmarks of a premium grill, from its chic graphite grey porcelain enamel finish to its sleek design – yet it comes with a surprisingly affordable price tag. The question is, does it cook like a high-end grill too?

With four burners, the Freestyle 425 certainly has a generous cooking surface, capable of grilling up to 26 burgers at once. It also features two sizeable side tables for food preparation and holding dishes, along with three hooks for hanging your barbecue tools. And, unless you also want to invest in one of the best pizza ovens, you can even add a pizza stone to the grill for a perfectly crispy base. When the grill isn't in use, the side tables fold down to make storage more compact.

The stand features soft-close doors and sturdy wheels that enable you to move it around your yard with ease. The enclosed cabinet neatly conceals the gas bottle, keeping unsightly hoses and battered cylinders out of sight.

To find out how the Napoleon Freestyle 425 performs in the real world, I assembled it from scratch, noting how long the process took and how easy the instructions were to follow. I then put it through a series of cooking tests, grilling steaks, burgers, sausages, and vegetables, before roasting a whole chicken using the indirect grilling method (I didn't have the optional rotisserie attachment, which is sold separately).

Read on to find out how the Napoleon Freestyle 425 performed in my tests.

Napoleon Freestyle 425: Key Specs

Price & Availability

The Napoleon Freestyle 425 currently retails for around $629. You can pick it up on Amazon, at The Home Depot, or Lowe's.

If you're looking for a grill in a similar price range, the Weber Spirit E-425 Liquid Propane Grill, available at the Weber Store on Amazon, is a good option. Both brands also sell a smoker box for that classic 'barbecued' flavor.

If you're on a tight budget, the Cuisinart CGG-7400 Propane 54-Inch Full-Size Four-Burner Gas Grill is a couple of hundred dollars cheaper and has similar features. Keep in mind that the Napoleon grill has a 10-year warranty, which makes it a better value in the long run compared to the Cuisinart grill, which only has a three-year warranty.

Setting up the Napoleon Freestyle 425

The Napoleon Freestyle 425 gas grill is easy to set up. It comes with clear and concise instructions that make assembly a breeze, and the sturdy base has wheels that make it easy to move around. The grill is compact but not flimsy, making it ideal for smaller outdoor spaces, and the cookbox and lid are quite heavy and seem to be built to last with a 10-year warranty.

Premium Design

The graphite grey color of the Napoleon Freestyle 425 gas grill gives it a sleek appearance that stands out from other gas grills with black or stainless steel finishes. Its porcelain enamel finish gives it a premium look, and it is less prone to greasy finger marks compared to other gas grills.

Rounded edges make it easy to move around safely, thanks to the sturdy wheels on the base. A large warming rack offers extra cooking space for quickly cooking items, while the main cooking area is spacious enough to accommodate up to 26 burgers.

The cast iron porcelainized enamel cooking grids feature Napoleon’s iconic wavy sear marks, while the temperature gauge has a retro look. An aluminum firebox aims to create a convective oven effect. On the right-hand side, the folding table is also home to three hooks to keep your tools within reach.

Grilling Performance

I experienced some trouble with the ignition system while using the grill, as I couldn't get the burners to stay lit initially. However, I eventually got the hang of it and didn't have any issues after that.

The grill heated up quickly, but I did notice that the temperature dropped rapidly when I opened the lid. On the other hand, it rose rapidly once the lid was closed again. There was a cooler spot towards the front of the grill, which could be problematic if you're trying to cook a large quantity of food at once.

In general, the grill cooked everything well, but it does burn quite fiercely. As a result, it may require some practice to get the temperature just right. Nonetheless, I was able to achieve a nice sear on my steaks, and I was also able to cook a whole chicken over indirect heat, which took around 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Maintenance

The tables of the grill can be easily folded down for storage. Once assembled, the barbecue is lightweight and easy to maneuver. When the tables are folded, the width of the grill drops from 55 inches to 33 inches, which is a significant difference when you need to move it to a confined place for storage. If you want to keep the grill outside, you can purchase a specific cover for this model on Amazon. I found some online offers that included a free cover with the grill purchase.

Napoleon recommends seasoning the cast iron cooking grids to prevent corrosion. After use, mild dish soap and water should be used to clean them, but they should not be put in the dishwasher. It is advisable to use a brass wire brush to clean the inside and underside of the cooking box and scrape the sear plates using a plastic putty knife, like this Skrapr design. To avoid any chips or scratches, plastic putty knives or scrapers should be used on all porcelain parts.

The Napoleon grill has a drip pan that can easily slide out for cleaning, which should be done after every fourth or fifth cook. It is recommended to clean the control panel only with soapy water and to avoid using abrasive cloths or cleaners. After cleaning, make sure to cover the equipment to protect it from the elements. This will help keep your grill in the best possible condition until you use it again. Although it may seem like a fiddly job, covering your barbecue is an important step in maintaining it.

Napoleon Freestyle 425 User Reviews

Online customer reviews of the Napoleon Freestyle 425 are overwhelmingly positive, with buyers praising its ease of assembly, reliable ignition, and even cooking performance.

On Amazon, the Freestyle 425 has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars, while Lowe's customers rate it 4.4 out of 5 stars. The Home Depot reviewers are even more impressed, awarding it 4.5 out of 5 stars, with 85% of customers recommending the grill.

Like me, many owners highlighted the grill's straightforward assembly, heavy-duty cooking grates, and generous warming rack. However, a small number of reviewers said it struggled to maintain high temperatures when much of the cooking surface was in use, making it harder to achieve a good sear across a full grill load.

Should You Buy the Napoleon Freestyle 425?

The Napoleon Freestyle 425 is a great grill that offers excellent value for money. It has a 10-year warranty, is well-built, and features a large cooking area with four burners. While it may not have all the fancy features found in premium models, it is a fantastic choice for those who want to cook for a large family or friends. However, it's important to note that this grill does not come with a side burner, which may not be suitable for some users.

How Does the Napoleon Freestyle 425 Compare?

While the Napoleon Freestyle 425 is a great option, there are plenty of other grills out there to consider too.

How I Tested the Napoleon Freestyle 425

To test the Napoleon Freestyle 425, I assembled it from scratch, timing the process and assessing how easy the instructions were to follow. I then put the grill through a series of cooking tests, grilling burgers, steaks, sausages, and vegetables, before roasting a whole chicken using the indirect grilling method.

During testing, I evaluated how quickly the grill heated up, how evenly it cooked across the four burners, how well it maintained its temperature, and how easy it was to control the heat. I also assessed the quality of its construction, the usefulness of its features, including the folding side shelves and warming rack, and how straightforward it was to clean after cooking.

To provide a more rounded assessment, I also considered long-term ownership factors such as the warranty, replacement parts, and customer feedback, helping determine whether the Napoleon Freestyle 425 offers good value for money.

The question of Greenworks vs Ryobi lawn mowers is an essential one for anybody looking to pick up a powerful, reliable lawn mower for their garden this summer. Though both brands have some serious influence in the gardening world, with plenty of different products, we’re breaking down exactly which mowers specifically will be best to opt for.

As summer reaches its peak, there are plenty of mowers on the market if you need a way to instantly neaten your lawn. Greenworks and Ryobi are titans when it comes to top-rated electric lawn mowers, including those designed to rival the sheer cutting power and performance of the best gas lawn mowers.

In our Greenworks vs Ryobi comparison, we look at both brands in terms of prices, the range of products on offer, and any noteworthy design innovations. Hopefully, this will help you narrow down the best choice for your backyard.

Greenworks vs Ryobi Lawn Mowers: Prices and Range

Greenworks mowers have plenty of variation when it comes to product range, with a whole selection of models to choose from. Whether you’re after an inexpensive corded walk-behind or a snazzy brushless battery-powered bad boy, Greenworks has you covered.

Prices range anywhere from $849.99 to $229.99, so no matter how much you’d like to spend, Greenworks is sure to offer you something you’ll like. On the price front, it’s also pretty helpful that Greenworks batteries are compatible with over 50 other products too, so you’re making an investment for your whole collection when you buy a new model.

What’s more, Greenworks also tends to benefit from much better sale prices, with its models frequently discounted on Amazon.

• Greenworks Pro 60V Self-Propelled Mower 2531502 (MRSP $849.99)
• Greenworks 40V Cordless Lawn Mower 2508302 (MRSP $379.99)
• Greenworks 12 AMP Corded Lawn Mower 25022 (MRSP $229.99)
• Greenworks Pro 60V Cordless Lawn Mower 2531902T (MRSP $499.99)
• Greenworks Pro 80V Brushless Lawn Mower 2501202 (MRSP $599.99)

On the other side of the Greenworks vs Ryobi debate, Ryobi offers less of a wide product range than its competitors, for generally a little higher price. It has walk behind, push, and cordless mowers to choose from, as well as a range of voltages and cutting paths.

Ryobi mowers all handily have a three-year warranty, which will allow you to feel secure in your purchase if you do opt for one. And as with Greenworks, all of the batteries from the brand are compatible with a number of other tools in its range, leaving you with less to buy in the long run.

• Ryobi 18V ONE+ Cordless Lawn Mower P1190 (MRSP $319.00)
• Ryobi 18V ONE+ Lithium Mower P1111 (MRSP $328.97)
• Ryobi 18V ONE+ HP Cordless Self-Propelled Mower PBLLM05K2 (MRSP $479.00)

Winner: For us, Greenworks wins out when it comes to prices and products, thanks to the wide range it has of both, especially with the likelihood of discounts thrown in.

It’ll be easier for you to find the exact type of mower you want if you opt for Greenworks here, whether that’s something a little more affordable or a more specialist mower for your lawn.

Greenworks vs Ryobi Lawn Mowers: Design  

The first thing to note when it comes to a distinction in design with Greenworks vs Ryobi lawn mowers is the difference in power. Ryobi has a range of popular 40V Lithium mowers, which are designed to provide gas-like power, thanks to the engineering of brushless motors.

Plus, Ryobi mowers also tend to have an easy single-point adjustment system to allow for choosing your cutting position conveniently. On the models with 40V batteries, you can expect up to half an acre’s worth of cutting time, making these mowers a solid choice for small gardens.

Ryobi also stresses that the design of its engines means that you’ll have full power until the end of the charge, rather than a faltering performance. Though there are 40V models available from Ryobi, there are also lots of models with only single battery systems, which pack less of a punch.

Greenworks mowers have a similar overall design going on, with its 48V Lithium models for example, which promise to give up to a third of an acre’s mowing time. This is a little less than Ryobi’s batteries of the same type, though, with these Greenworks mowers capable of delivering 45 minutes of run time, there should still be enough time for you to work with. Greenworks batteries are also designed to deliver ‘fade-free power’, with the brand saying they have no memory loss after charging.

Winner: Greenworks and Ryobi both use extremely similar systems as part of their designs, with lithium batteries which essentially operate the same. For that reason, it’s difficult to pick a standout winner when it comes to design.

Greenworks vs Ryobi Lawn Mowers: Features  

When it comes to breaking down the features of these mowers, one important thing is how easy they are to operate. Ryobi prioritizes push-button starts with lots of its mowers, which will enable you to get going quicker with your gardening tasks, while Greenworks have the same system, sometimes accompanied by pulling a safety key.

There’s a range of both Greenworks and Ryboi lawn mowers which also have features to make packing them away nice and easy. Greenworks models often have foldable handles for compact storage, while Ryobi also has clipping bags that are convenient to pull away, so you can clean up after mowing faster.

Greenworks batteries can be used to charge up more than just your mower too, with a USB port so that you can get some juice on your iPhone or iPad, like a portable charger. Lots of Ryobi models also have LED headlights, so that you can mow at dawn or dusk, and fit more hours into your gardening day.

Winner: Greenworks take the crown when it comes to features with its battery system and foldable traits, but Ryobi is just at its heels.

Greenworks vs Ryobi Lawn Mowers: User reviews

Greenworks, thanks to the vast number of products it has, has a lot of reviews that allow you to get an idea of the buying experience from the brand. For example, the most popular Greenworks model, the 40V 21-Inch Brushless Mower MO40L02, has a 4.4-star rating out of 5 on Amazon, gathered from 700 user reviews.

Generally, based on these reviews, when it comes to service, Greenworks is the subject of mixed opinions. While some were prepared to hold out for the manufacturer to get to a resolution: “be prepared to be on hold for ~60 minutes, but once we got customer service they were very helpful”, others were unimpressed with their entire experience. One user commented “Good product - nonexistent customer support”, explaining that their “lawnmower was missing a single bolt”, and they were “#60 in line one day” when they called and “#44 a second day”.

On the other hand, despite the somewhat lackluster reviews on service, even those with complaints were quick to comment on their favorable opinion of Greenworks mowers and their outstanding performance. One reviewer commented that the MO40L02 was a “remarkable” mower, saying they had “nothing but praise for the ease of use, maneuverability, the effectiveness of mulching, and evenness of cut”.

And of course, as with Ryobi, one of the crowning achievements of Greeenworks mowers is its sustainable edge thanks to battery power. As well as being the intelligent choice for the planet, many reviewers prefer these mowers thanks to their lack of maintenance, with one reviewer commenting: “In summary, this is SO much better than a gas-powered walk-behind mower--so quiet, smooth-running, virtually no maintenance and no fumes to breathe”.

Ryobi, as with its product range, has less to analyze when it comes to reviews. The 13-inch 11 Amp Electric Mower only has 49 reviews on Amazon, though still scores an impressive 4.2 stars out of five. Over on Home Depot, however, the same model has a 4.2-star rating out of five gathered from 4,751 reviews.

Reviewers on Home Depot’s website seemed overall to be pretty satisfied with the customer service they received after buying their mowers from Ryobi. One simply commented “awesome service”, with another saying “I am 89 and deaf. I received outstanding service and could not be more pleased. Mower got here sooner than I expected. It does a good job for me. I am 100% satisfied”. Another pointed out that even when they were unimpressed with its warranty services, Ryobi impressed when it came to customer service, saying “Although I was disappointed the mower needed service after one year, the customer support Alex and Ryan showed cemented my recommendation of this product”.

Another model, the Ryobi ONE+ 18V Cordless Battery-powered mower, also gained positive reviews from a number of customers on the Home Depot website due to its great gardening performance. One user summed up the benefits of this mower, saying “If you have a small lawn area or want a mower that is easy to use and light-weight, this mower is for you”. They also added that the mower was ultra-quiet and easy to store away,

Winner: Though there are plenty more of them, Greenworks user reviews tend to be more of a mixed bag when it comes to customer service, more so on Amazon than on Home Depot. This may be a difference in the service that’s provided seller to seller, so watch out and perhaps head over to Home Depot if this is really important to you. Ultimately, Ryobi take the crown for its all-around performance with user reviews.

Greenworks vs Ryobi Lawn Mowers: Which Should You Buy?

If you’re hunting for an excellent quality lawn mower deal this summer, then there’s little doubt that a Greenworks mower will be your best option, with much more of a likelihood of finding a money-off deal.

But if you’re looking for a gardening investment and don’t mind bumping up your budget, then Ryobi is an equally good choice, with very similar models to its Greenworks counterpart, especially on factors like design and features. Greenworks is the brand to go for if you need more choice, but Ryobi mowers will still provide a great mowing experience if one of its models draws you in more, with the benefit of excellent customer service too according to reviews.

Amazon Prime Day may be hogging the headlines this week, but Walmart is running its own summer patio sale, and some of these products are super impressive. While Prime Day deals tend toward gadgets and appliances, Walmart’s competing event leans more into outdoor living items like furniture, lighting, fire pits, and other accessories that actually make you want to hang out in your garden.

Whether you're starting from scratch or filling in some empty gaps, here are 12 picks that are worth adding to your cart before the sale ends. It's the simplest way to turn your patio into a stylish outdoor living space.

Outdoor Dining

Eating outside is one of summer's great pleasures, but it requires a table and chairs that can handle the weather without warping, rusting, or requiring you to drag them inside every time it rains (that’s just no fun).

Outdoor Seating

The centerpiece of any good patio is a comfy place to sit, and Walmart's sale has options across every style and budget, from statement lounge chairs to full conversation sets.

Shade & Lighting

Once you have somewhere to sit, the next priority is staying comfortable in the sun and being able to stay outside once it goes down.

Fire Pits & Outdoor Warmth

A fire pit can extend the season quite a bit. Even on cooler summer nights, it keeps the garden usable well after dark, and the social pull of an open fire is hard to beat.

Investing in one of the best pizza ovens is a great way to make the most of your outdoor space, whether you're hosting friends or simply want restaurant-quality pizza at home. Better still, pizza ovens aren't just for pizza. Many can also be used to roast vegetables, cook meat and fish, bake bread, and even whip up desserts, making them a versatile addition to your patio ideas that will raise your cooking game.

Before you buy, you'll want to think about your budget, the type of fuel you'd prefer to use, and how much cooking space you need. Just like the best grills, pizza ovens come in gas, wood-fired, electric, and multi-fuel models, each with its own advantages.

To help you choose the right one, our team has tested bestselling pizza ovens from leading brands including Ooni, Gozney, and Solo Stove. We assessed each model for ease of use, heat-up time, cooking performance, build quality, and value for money, making plenty of pizzas (and trying a few other dishes along the way) to find the best options for every budget and cooking style.

The Quick List

The Best Pizza Ovens: Expert Reviews

There's no shortage of choices when it comes to pizza ovens; electric, countertop ovens are super easy to use and will fit nicely in your kitchen while some higher-end gas and wood-powered ones can cook your pizza in as little as 60 seconds. To help narrow down the options, we've tested the best pizza ovens on the market, assessing everything from ease of use and heat-up times to cooking performance and value for money.

The Best Pizza Oven Overall

The Pi Prime pizza oven from Solo Stove is the latest in their wide range of high-quality outdoor furniture. It combines a lot of great features with an affordable price tag, making it easy to rate it as the "Best Overall" pizza oven for most people.

Design: The circular design of the Pi Prime keeps the overall size of the oven relatively small, which means it can fit almost anywhere in your backyard. It's even small and light enough to make it portable, so you can have pizza night at a friend's house or even at the campground. It's not quite as small and light as the Ooni Karu, but it's quite manageable. The best part is there's hardly any setup involved. Simply insert the stones and connect your propane tank, and you're ready to go.

The stainless steel construction makes it durable, so you can leave it outside without having to worry about it getting damaged. If you don't have a covered porch or other weather-proof place to store it long-term, I'd recommend picking up the cover for it, but it will still last even without it.

I do wish there were a built-in temperature gauge, but it's not the end of the world.

Performance: I was most impressed by how quickly the Pi Prime heated up. Every other oven I've tested took at least 25-30 minutes to be ready to cook, but the Pi Prime was ready for pies in about 15 minutes. And once preheated, nearly every pizza was fully cooked in about 90 seconds.

Luckily, we didn't have to sacrifice quality to get that speed. Every pizza I cooked, from plain cheese to tomato-basil, was exceptional. The thin crust on the bottom was nice and crisp, and the edges had that light, airy texture you get from restaurant-quality pizza.

Value: My favorite thing about the Pi Prime is that you get all of this - a great design, fast cook time, and excellent flavor – all at a very affordable price.

Reviewed by Jason Cockerham

Buy it if

✅ You want to cook pizza fast: The Pi Prime can be preheated in about 15 minutes. And once it's ready, you can crank out hot, fresh, delicious pizza in about 90 seconds. That's the quickest prep-to-serve time of any pizza oven we've tested.
✅ You want to cook on a budget: Solo Stove is known for its high-quality yet affordable fire pits. Now, you can get the same great quality in a pizza oven that won't break the bank.
✅ You want great taste without a lot of work: The best part of the Pi Prime is how easy and hassle-free it is to use. Using propane means there's no wood or ash to deal with, and the whole thing can be set up in minutes.

Don't buy it if

❌ You don't like guesswork: There's no built-in temperature gauge on the Pi Prime, and while the flame adjustment knob has a recommended setting indicated on it, you'll still need a separate thermometer to know for sure.
❌ You're looking for that authentic, wood-fired flavor: The base version of Pi Prime runs only on propane. So if you really want a more classic wood-fired flavor, you'll have to pay more to upgrade.

The Best Indoor Pizza Oven

Cuisinart is no stranger to kitchen appliances, so it makes sense they would make a solid, kitchen-ready pizza oven. The Cuisinart Indoor Pizza Oven is compact, so it fits well on the kitchen counter, and it's incredibly easy to use.

Design: Cuisinart's design language here is pretty smart in that it's quite inconspicuous. It doesn't stand out too much and honestly looks like any other large toaster oven might. That means it fits quite comfortably into any aesthetic and the silver, black, and red colors can match pretty much any decor.

With a simple dial for setting the temperature and a basic timer on the side, there's not much to think about when it's meal time. And the big front window and oven light let you watch the pizza cook in all its glory. They've even included some suggested temperature settings right on the window for you.

Best of all, they include all the accessories you need, and aside from the pizza stone, they're all dishwasher safe, so cleaning up is a cinch.

Performance: I was impressed with the results of the pizza oven, particularly considering it's not gas or wood-fired. I noticed it does tend to cook a little hotter on one side than the other (not uncommon for pizza ovens), so I recommend turning it halfway through cooking.

The crusts fluffed up nicely, and the pepperonis had those nice crispy edges. Deep-dish pizza cooked just as well, but just be aware the deep-dish pan is quite heavy when full, so you'll need two hands.

Value: The price isn't too unreasonable because you're really getting a completely uncomplicated pizza oven. The convenience and simplicity of it alone make it a great option for your first pizza oven.

Reviewed by Jason Cockerham

Buy it if

✅ You want a hassle-free pizza oven: The Cuisinart Indoor Pizza Oven is incredibly easy to use. It's essentially a big toaster oven so you set the temperature, slide in the pizza, and you're ready to go. There's no fuel or anything to worry about.
✅ You have limited space: Not everyone has a great outdoor space to set up a pizza oven which makes this pizza oven a great choice. It sits comfortably on the kitchen counter so you can cook in any weather, and it's compact so you'll still have plenty of room for everything else.
✅ You want a great value: It's hard to argue with what you're getting here. It's easy to use, compact, and well priced.

Don't buy it if

❌ You prefer a quiet kitchen: While it's not disruptively loud, you'll certainly notice this pizza oven while it's on. So if you plan on having a lot of guests over or you just don't like lots of chaos in the kitchen, you might look elsewhere.
❌ You don't have a lot of prep time: This pizza oven can take as long as 30 minutes to be preheat, and potentially another 15-20 minutes to actually cook, so you'll need to plan ahead.

The Best Compact Pizza Oven

The Gozney Arc is a stylish pizza oven from one of the top names in the business. They've brought their extensive experience of building commercial pizza ovens into your backyard with a compact, premium-designed pizza oven that can cook delicious pizza in as little as 60 seconds.

Design: The Gozney Arc looks similar to what you might find in a professional pizza kitchen, and for good reason: it's heavily inspired by Gozney's own commercial-grade pizza ovens. Unlike the professional-grade ovens, however, there's very little setup or installation required for the Arc. Once it's out of the box, there are a few small pieces to slot in place, and that's it. The unique dome shape allows the flame to 'arc' up and across the entire roof of the oven, which cooks every pizza quickly and evenly.

The Arc is also the most premium-looking oven we tested. It looks stunning in the backyard and will be certain to turn some heads at your next pizza night. It's easy to tell how well crafted the Arc is, and that quality design language extends to Gozney's accessories as well. The serving peel, turning peel, pizza rocker, and cutter our tester received were all high quality as well.

Performance: I was quite impressed that Gozney's claim of being able to cook a pizza in 60 seconds held true. Once it was fully preheated to the desired temperature, the pizza was fully cooked in just one minute. The big downside here is that to reach that peak temperature of 950°F, the oven had to preheat for a full hour. But the results were well worth it as the pizza was cooked perfectly every time with a thin, crispy bottom crust and a delicious, airy edge.

The design of the Arc allows for much more than just pizza to be cooked in it, and I also had great success with cooking a steak, veggies, and homemade tortillas for tacos.

Value: The Gozney Arc is expensive, but for someone look to spend a little extra for a top-tier pizza experience, it's worth the investment.

Reviewed by Jason Cockerham

Buy it if

✅ You want to cook pizza fast: Thanks to the unique design of the Arc, you can have hot fresh pizza ready to serve in as little as 60 seconds. You'll need to stay close so you can turn it when needed, but it's all part of the fun.
✅ You want to class up your backyard decor: There's no denying the slick design of the Gozney Arc. It looks unlike anything else on this list and will be sure to turn heads at your next backyard gathering.
✅ You want a cleaner cooking experience: The Gozney Arc is powered by propane or natural gas which means there's hardly any mess to worry about. There's no ash to deal with and it's much easier to regulate the temperature without trying to figure out how many logs or pellets to add.

Don't buy it if

❌ You don't have much time to prep: While the Arc's design helps it cook quickly and evenly, the downside is that it can take up to an hour to fully preheat, depending on the temperature you need. If you don't often have that kind of time before dinner, the Arc may not be for you.
❌ You're on a budget: The premium design and cooking experience of the Arc doesn't come cheap. While this is the least expensive Gozney pizza oven currently available, it's still one of the more expensive we've tested.

The Best Electric Pizza Oven

The Volt 2 is the successor to Ooni's first electric-powered pizza oven, the Volt 12. As you'd expect, the quality is just as impressive as the rest of the brand's lineup.

Design: The Ooni Volt 2 takes inspiration from Ooni's other pizza ovens with its trapezoid-like shape. It differs from the others in that it has no chimney (thanks to electricity) and no long legs to stand on. Despite packing in all the electrical components, the Volt 2 has a noticeably smaller footprint than its predecessor while retaining the same cooking capacity. It also retains heat incredibly well and is safe enough to use indoors.

Even with its sturdy build, it's also the simplest Ooni to use. The entire thing is operated with just three dials and is perfect for anyone just starting out on their pizza-making journey. The controls are granular enough that you can even adjust the balance between the top and bottom heating elements while your pizzas are cooking.

Performance: Our tester, Dan, could not say enough great things about the quality of the pizza cooked in the Ooni Volt. He was impressed with how well the electrically powered oven was able to match the quality of other wood- and gas-fired ovens he's tested.

Aside from a classic cheese pizza, he tested cold meats like prosciutto, salami, serrano ham, pepperoni and, of course, plenty of veggies. Everything he tested cooked perfectly evenly without needing any adjustments to the oven during the process – certainly not something that can be said for every pizza oven.

Value: The Volt 2 remains one of the most expensive pizza ovens we've ever tested. Even premium gas-powered ovens like the Gozney Arc cost less, and Ooni's own wood-fired pizza ovens can produce exceptional pizza for hundreds of dollars less.

That being said, it's hard to argue with the combination of convenience and quality offered by the Ooni Volt 2. Sure, it's expensive, but it's also one of the easiest ways to make incredibly good pizza at home.

Reviewed by Dan Fauzi

Buy it if

✅ For stone-baked flavor without the hassle: The Ooni Volt 2 cooks delicious, restaurant-quality pizza at the turn of a dial, with no external fuel required.

✅ You want to make pizza indoors year-round: Designed for indoor use, the Volt 2 lets you enjoy restaurant-quality pizza whatever the weather.

✅ You want good pizza, fast: The Volt 2 heats up quickly and, with Pizza Intelligence™ presets and responsive controls, can cook authentic pizza in as little as 90 seconds once it's up to temperature.

Don't buy it if

❌ You want something portable: The Ooni Volt 2 needs to be plugged into a power outlet, making it far less portable than gas or wood-fired pizza ovens.

❌ You want an outdoor-only pizza oven: The Volt 2 is designed for indoor use, so if you're after a traditional outdoor pizza oven experience, a gas or wood-fired model will be a better fit.

❌ You're looking to save money: The Ooni Volt 2 is one of the most expensive pizza ovens we've tested. While its convenience helps justify the price, there are excellent gas and wood-fired alternatives available for much less.

The Best Premium Pizza Oven

The Breeo Live-Fire Pizza Oven will elevate your pizza night in almost every way possible. From the incredible quality and durability of the oven itself to the wonderfully delicious pizza you get every time, it's hard to go wrong with it. It's not hard to see how much care, thoughtfulness, and intention go into Breeo's products, so you know you're getting what you pay for.

Design: The simple, modern design of the Breeo Live-Fire Pizza Oven (and accompanying fire pit) will add plenty of elegance and beauty to any backyard. The stainless-steel construction means it not only cooks well, but it can also withstand the elements and retain its clean, industrial look for years to come.

The thicker pizza stones help retain more heat, so there's less reheat time between pizzas, and the temperature gauge on the side means you've got everything you need to start cooking great pizza (you'll still need a pizza peel, of course).

Performance: The great build quality extends beyond just the looks of the pizza oven. Every pizza we cooked in it came out hot, fresh, and delicious. The open window at the bottom gave us easy access to the fire below, making it easy (and fun) to adjust the temperature of the fire as needed.

The design of the oven contributed to every pizza being cooked quickly and evenly, without too much charring on the bottom, even after almost an entire half of the pizza toppings were spilled on it.

Value: There's no getting around how expensive the Breeo Live-Fire Pizza Oven is. Especially as you can't even use it without a Breeo fire pit, which is also a tad pricey.

That being said, you certainly get quite a lot for the price. The Breeo pizza oven will last for years to come and give you delicious pizza consistently, every time you use it. Plus, the live-fire cooking experience is truly enjoyable.

Reviewed by Jason Cockerham

Buy it if

✅ You already own the fire pit: The Breeo Live-Fire Pizza Oven is only compatible with the brand's existing fire pit.
✅ You don't want to deal with any setup: It comes fully assembled in the box. Just slide in the pizza stones, set it on top of your fire pit, and that's it.
✅ You want unbeatable craftsmanship: Every Breeo pizza oven (and fire pit) is handmade in the USA, and it shows. You can clearly see the exceptional craftsmanship and durability in every inch of the pizza oven.
✅ You want an authentic, wood-fired cooking experience: Cooking in the Breeo Live-Fire Pizza Oven is a truly enjoyable experience. It takes some work to get the fire going and manage the temperature, but that's all part of the experience.

Don't buy it if

❌ You want something more compact: The Breeo Live-Fire Pizza Oven is quite large and the stainless steel makes it heavy too. It's not something you'll want to move around a lot, especially since the compatible fire pits are heavy as well.
❌ You don't want to spend a lot: The pizza oven by itself is already quite expensive, but to make matters worse, it only works with a Breeo fire pit, which are also quite expensive.
❌ You want something easier to use: There's a fair amount of work involved in using the Breeo pizza oven. You need to build the fire, and continually maintain or adjust it as needed throughout the cook.

The Most Versatile Pizza Oven

The Ooni Karu 12 is one of our tried-and-tested favourites, offering the flexibility to cook with wood, charcoal or gas. It's one of the most versatile ovens we've tested, although the optional gas burner is sold separately.

Design: The Karu 12 is compact, lightweight and easy to assemble, taking just a matter of minutes to get up and running. It weighs only 12kg, making it easy to move around the garden or pack up for trips away, and the folding legs and removable chimney make it even more portable. Like the old Fyra model, you can either buy a bespoke portable table for your Ooni to live on or place it on an existing outdoor surface.

Performance: In terms of ease of use, the Karu 12 is as straightforward as it gets. Keep an eye on your pizza as it cooks and rotate it every 20 seconds or so for a perfectly cooked crust and bubbly mozzarella. We found the wood-fired mode delivers plenty of authentic flavour, but our gas-cooked pizzas were easier to control and therefore more evenly cooked, making the optional gas attachment a worthwhile investment. Once up to temperature, the Karu 12 can cook pizzas in as little as 60 seconds.

Value: The Karu is one of our favourite pizza ovens, but its higher price tag means it's a little disappointing that the gas attachment doesn't come included. The Woody has just pipped it to second place on our list because of price comparison (despite this getting a slightly higher score) – it costs the same amount as the full Woody kit before you shell out for the peel, thermometer, gas attachment and cover. That said, if you value the flexibility of switching between traditional wood-fired cooking and the convenience of gas, the Karu 12 remains an excellent investment.

Reviewed by Millie Fender

Buy it if

✅ You want the flexibility of multiple fuel types: The Karu 12 can cook with wood, charcoal or gas (with the optional gas burner), so you can choose between authentic flavour and fuss-free convenience.

✅ You want a portable pizza oven: Weighing just 12kg with folding legs and a removable chimney, the Karu 12 is easy to transport and store.

✅ You love authentic wood-fired cooking: The Karu 12 delivers delicious smoky flavour when cooking with wood, while still giving you the option to switch to gas for easier temperature control.

Don't buy it if

❌ You don't want to buy extra accessories: To get the most from the Karu 12, you'll need to budget for extras like a pizza peel, infrared thermometer and, if you want gas cooking, the optional gas burner.

❌ You're on a tight budget: By the time you've added the gas attachment and essential accessories, there are better-value pizza ovens available.

❌ You want the easiest pizza-making experience: While the Karu 12 is straightforward to use, wood-fired cooking takes more practice than a dedicated gas or electric oven, and you'll need to manage the fire as you cook.

We think the Ooni Koda 16 is the ultimate gas pizza oven, serving up 16in sharing pizzas that are perfect for feeding a crowd in just 60 seconds.

Our reviewer was impressed by how sleek and modern the design of the Koda was, and she had no problem connecting the hose and regulator to the gas cylinder. She found the L-shaped flame took a little getting used to, but once she'd perfected the technique of rotating the pizza every 20 seconds for an even cook, the results were well worth it. That said, you will need to buy a pizza peel separately, as Ooni doesn't include one in the box, and it's essential for getting your pizza in and out of the oven, as well as rotating it once it's in to cook. This is the same with most other ovens though, so it's likely you'll have that expense whatever oven you buy.

Once tried and tested, we loved the Ooni Koda 16's performance, our only other gripe being the lack of in-built thermometer which makes it hard to guage when the oven has reached the optimum temperature for pizza cooking. Again, you can buy this separately, but we would have liked to see one included in the build which is why this oven didn't quite achieve full marks. However, it still makes a great investment for your outdoor kitchen in our book.

Gardeningetc rating 4.5/5 stars – read our full Ooni Koda 16 pizza oven review

The Best Gas-Powered Pizza Oven

The Ooni Koda 16 is the ultimate gas pizza oven, serving up 16-inch sharing pizzas that are perfect for feeding a crowd in as little as 60 seconds. Its extra-large cooking surface and sleek, modern design make it a standout choice for outdoor entertaining.

Design: Our reviewer was impressed by how sleek and modern the Koda 16 looked, and she had no problem connecting the hose and regulator to the gas cylinder. Assembly couldn't be simpler – just unfold the legs, insert the pizza stone, and it's ready to use. That said, you will need to buy a pizza peel separately, as Ooni doesn't include one in the box, and it's essential for launching, turning and removing your pizzas. An infrared thermometer is also a worthwhile extra, as there's no built-in temperature gauge.

Performance: The L-shaped flame took a little getting used to, but once she'd perfected the technique of rotating the pizza every 20 seconds for an even cook, the results were well worth it. We loved the Koda 16's performance, producing beautifully crisp pizzas with evenly cooked toppings in around 60 to 90 seconds. Its generous 16-inch cooking surface also makes it ideal for larger pizzas and feeding a crowd.

Value: The lack of a built-in thermometer meant the Koda 16 just missed out on full marks, but it remains one of the best gas pizza ovens we've tested. While you'll need to budget for a few essential accessories, it's a worthwhile investment if you regularly entertain or want consistently excellent pizza with minimal fuss.

Reviewed by Laura Crombie

Buy it if

✅ You regularly cook for a crowd: The generous 16-inch cooking surface is perfect for making large sharing pizzas and feeding family and friends.

✅ You want a gas pizza oven that's easy to use: The Koda 16 is quick to set up, heats up in around 20 minutes, and cooks pizzas in as little as 60 seconds.

✅ You love entertaining outdoors: With its sleek design, spacious cooking area, and consistently excellent results, the Koda 16 is a fantastic centerpiece for an outdoor kitchen.

Don't buy it if

❌ You want a lightweight, portable pizza oven: Te Koda 16 is one of Ooni's larger models and is better suited to staying in one place.

❌ You don't want to buy extra accessories: You'll need a pizza peel to get started, and an infrared thermometer is highly recommended as there's no built-in temperature gauge.

❌ You're on a budget: The Koda 16 is a premium gas pizza oven, and there are smaller or multi-fuel models available for less if you don't need the extra cooking space.

The Best Portable Pizza Oven

The Gozney Roccbox is a compact, portable pizza oven that delivers outstanding results and premium build quality. While it can cook with both wood and gas, we found it performed best using the included gas burner.

Design: The Roccbox seriously wowed us from the moment we took it out of the box. We tested the green version, although it's also available with a grey silicone jacket. The silicone exterior stays warm rather than hot during cooking, making it safer to touch than many rival pizza ovens. Despite its sturdy build, it's compact enough to transport and store with ease.

Performance: We found the wood-fired fuel box a little small and it took around 40 minutes to reach cooking temperature. Switching to gas transformed the experience, with the oven heating up much more reliably and producing beautifully cooked pizzas in just over a minute. The Roccbox consistently delivered crisp bases and evenly cooked toppings, making it one of the easiest portable pizza ovens to use.

Value: While the Gozney Roccbox sits at the premium end of the market, it includes a gas burner as standard, which is often sold separately with competing multi-fuel pizza ovens. If you value build quality, portability and consistently excellent results, it's well worth the investment.

Buy it if

✅ You want a premium portable pizza oven: The Roccbox is compact, durable and easy to transport, making it ideal for gardens, camping trips and cooking on the go.

✅ You prefer cooking with gas: The included gas burner makes the Roccbox quick to heat up, easy to control and capable of cooking pizzas in just over a minute.

✅ You value premium build quality: From its silicone outer jacket to its sturdy construction, the Roccbox feels exceptionally well made and built to last.

Don't buy it if

Don't buy it if

❌ You want the best wood-fired experience: The wood-fired fuel box is quite small and takes noticeably longer to heat up than when using gas.

❌ You're on a budget: The Roccbox is one of the pricier portable pizza ovens, even if the included gas burner helps justify the cost.

❌ You want to cook large pizzas: The Roccbox is designed for pizzas up to 12 inches, so it isn't the best choice for feeding larger groups.

How to Choose the Best Pizza Oven for You

If you're considering a pizza oven, there's a few things you'll want to keep in mind during you're search for the best one for you:

What Size Pizza Oven Do I Need?

Most pizza ovens we tested will cook about the same size pizza (12-14 inches), which suits most families. If you entertain a lot, then size up to 16 inches with the Ooni Koda 16 or Gozney Arc XL.

Don't forget, you can also cook a great deal more than pizza in a pizza oven, so if you want to be able to cook a wider range of dishes, you may want to go for a bigger pizza oven size.

Bear in mind that the physical size of the pizza ovens themselves varies quite widely. The first thing you'll need to find is a place for your oven to live. Some indoor ones will fit well on a kitchen counter, while others will need a dedicated spot outside. It's a good idea to find a good place for it first, so then you'll have an idea of how big an oven you can get.

Which Fuel Type is Best for Pizza Ovens?

The fuel source is critical to your decision. Some pizza purists would say there is no other way to cook it than in a wood-fired oven, and the authentic smoky taste imparted to the crust is one reason why.

Cooking with wood and wood pellets provides a fun experience, and wood can also reach higher temperatures than gas. You can try out different types of wood to experiment with the flavors a bit.

While gas may bring your oven to temperature faster, you get a more ferocious flame with wood or charcoal. That said, reaching this temperature and tending to the fire is one major reason many choose gas. Wood takes time and effort to manage – you need to constantly top up the fuel between pizzas – but you simply turn on the gas, much like an indoor oven, and let it do the rest.

When it comes to running costs, wood pellets are generally the most affordable fuel option, followed by propane gas. Cooking with hardwood logs or lump charcoal can cost more, especially as logs burn relatively quickly and need topping up more often, while pellets and lump charcoal tend to provide a steadier burn.

Upfront prices vary too, but rather than focusing solely on fuel costs, we recommend choosing the pizza oven that best suits your cooking style. If you value convenience, a gas or electric model may be worth the extra expense, while wood-fired ovens offer a more traditional cooking experience. Can't choose? Select a multi-fuel option like the Ooni Karu or Gozney Roccbox above for flexibility.

How Much Should You Spend on a Pizza Oven?

As you've seen from our list here, the prices for pizza ovens vary quite a lot so knowing your budget is one of, if not the first, step in your buying process. While the lowest end of the spectrum starts at around $150, our recommendations start at closer to $300–$350.

Look out for what is included with the pizza oven. All will include the stone and oven but you will always have to buy fuel separately, so factor this in. Often multi-fuel ovens require you to buy the gas attachment on top of the cost of the oven, too.

Some pizza ovens come as a kit including a peel and thermometer. These aren't essential but it is much harder to get the right temperature without a thermometer and very, very hard to put a pizza in an oven without a peel, so see where they are included. Finally, a cover is a nice extra. It will mean you can protect your oven outdoors over summer.

For our part, we found that every oven we tested cooked good pizza (certainly better than most fast-food pizza shops) with the differences being mainly in the time it took from start to finish and the versatility of the oven.

What Build Quality Should You Look For?

When buying a pizza oven you want something that is built to last. Look for an oven with a thick stone floor, at least 3/4 inch thick. While you can pick up a generic pizza oven for a reasonable price at your local DIY store, you’re better off investing a little more money (or a lot, depending on your budget) on a brand that specialises in them.

Brands like these will have spent a lot of time and money on developing the look and design of their pizza ovens, so not only will they look great, but they’ll have been built with quality materials that ensure years of use.

Should You Go for a Built-in or Portable Pizza Oven?

Nearly all of the pizza ovens on our list are portable to some degree. Many are small enough to set up on a table (or other heat-proof surface) and then put away at the end of summer. These are not space hungry (although you will want room to store in a shed or garage), and they can be taken camping or to a friend's house if you want a pizza party elsewhere.

A built-in pizza oven is a much bigger commitment. For one, you need a large enough space – safely away from fencing or trees – to build your pizza oven in. You also need to be pretty sure you are going to give it plenty of use. That said, many will double as an outdoor fireplace, so a trattoria-style brick pizza oven could be a wonderful focal point in your outdoor dining area.

How to Clean a Pizza Oven

One of the best things about pizza ovens is that there is typically very little cleaning or maintenance involved, but there's still some, depending on the type of oven you purchase. For the most part, you'll need to brush or gently wash down the stone(s) along with the peel, and that's about it. Just be careful to never use soap on the pizza stones, as that can cause them to crack and break. Warm water and/or a steel brush are all you need.

For fire-burning ovens, you'll need to clean out any ash left every so often, and for the gas ones, just make sure you have enough propane for your next cook. That's essentially it.

How We Tested These Pizza Ovens

Trust us: it isn't hard to find willing pizza oven testers on our team. Every pizza oven in this guide was tested in a real home backyard over the course of several weeks. Our reviewers assembled each oven themselves, timed how long it took to heat up, and cooked multiple pizzas to assess how easy it was to achieve an evenly cooked crust, bubbling cheese, and crisp base.

For multi-fuel ovens, we tested every available fuel type to compare heat-up times, ease of use, and cooking performance. Where appropriate, we also experimented with cooking foods beyond pizza, including vegetables, meat, and baked dishes, to see how versatile each oven really was.

As well as judging the quality of the finished pizza, we looked at how straightforward each oven was to set up, operate, and clean. Some models were as simple as plugging them in and turning a dial, while others required more hands-on fire management and temperature control. Neither approach is necessarily better – it simply depends on the type of cooking experience you're looking for.

Because these ovens are designed for home cooks rather than professional pizzaiolos, our testing team includes reviewers with a range of experience levels, from complete beginners to seasoned outdoor cooks. This helps us judge how approachable each model is straight out of the box.

Finally, wherever possible, we continue using the products long after the review has been published. That allows us to assess long-term durability and update our recommendations if our experience changes over time.

The Expert Testers

There’s a certain stubbornness that comes with sitting outside when it’s 95 degrees, insisting you're fine, even though you’re sweating through your dress and melting into your garden chair. For years, the only patio shade ideas I relied on were a parasol and small shade trees, but after trying a patio misting system, I don’t know how I ever managed without one.

The science of it is actually pretty simple: fine water droplets evaporate the second they hit the air, pulling heat with them and taking the temperature around you down by up to 20°F. You don’t even need electricity, just a standard garden hose. Even better, the mist raises the humidity around heat-sensitive plants and creates a cool, damp microclimate that things like basil and lettuce thrive in.

The One That Convinced Me

This is perfect for those who have never installed a misting system before. HOMENOTE's 26FT system connects to a standard garden hose and fastens to umbrella canopies, railings, and covered patio roofs. This means that for you, setup takes less than 10 minutes and doesn’t require any tools, hiring a plumber, or even going down a YouTube rabbit hole looking for a tutorial.

The 26-foot line with seven brass nozzles is the right size for an average patio or deck, producing a fine, barely-there mist rather than that aggressive kind of spray that soaks your furniture and will irritate your guests. Brass nozzles last much longer than their plastic counterparts and are far less prone to clogging. This is certainly worth noting, as nozzles are always the first thing to break on cheaper systems.

For gardeners specifically: run it along the edge of a raised bed or container garden area, and your plants get a cooling overhead mist during the hottest part of the day. This is essential to reduce heat stress and keep the soil from drying out as fast. One system that does two jobs for you; now that’s an easy choice, especially when it costs well under $30.

More Misting Systems Worth Buying

Reputable nurseries and seed suppliers have begun taking Amazon by storm, and there are now so many amazing varieties available to purchase online. It's always important to do your research, of course, but scrolling through and finding rare seeds to sow is so exciting, especially when you can sit back and envision the seedlings thriving in your yard.

Whether you're newer to planting seeds or hoping to bulk out your seed repertoire, there's no better time to bag some seed collections for great value. I honestly can't believe how many great picks there are out there on Amazon Prime Day deals – you're truly spoiled for choice.

Here's a round up of my favorite Prime Day seed bundles so far, as well as some highly recommended seed starting supplies that are also slashed down in price.

Flower Seed Deals

Vegetable Seed Deals

Herb Seed Deals

Seed Starting Essentials

Summer is a busy time of year with the garden in full swing and outdoor gatherings just about every weekend. Unfortunately, pests can ruin your gardens and your parties.

Common garden pests can destroy large sections of plants quickly and leave your frustrated. I have been battling groundhogs for years and mosquitoes for my whole life! I have rounded up the best Amazon Prime Day deals for pest control so you can spend less time scouring the internet for pest control solutions and more time enjoying your summer.

Read on to see my pest control picks that are on sale during the Amazon Prime Day event this week.

Mosquito Control Deals

I am a mosquito magnet so I am always looking for the best products to help me cope with my skeeter neighbors. Here are the best deals on mosquito control products on Amazon.

Outdoor Insect Control Deals

Insects like aphids, mites, and Japanese beetles can quickly take over your garden and destroy all your hard work. Here are some great options for controlling outdoor insects.

Indoor Insect Control Deals

Fruit flies and fungus gnats are some of the peskiest indoor pests. Keep them at bay with these great deals from Amazon.

Animal Pest Control Deals

I love wildlife, but these cuties take a real toll on my garden every year. Here are some of the best Amazon Prime Day deals to keep animal pests away.

Keep an eye on the Gardening Know How site for more of our Amazon Prime Day picks like our favorite lawn care deals and plant deals!

Shopping for a new raised garden bed can feel a bit like standing in the middle of a crowded plant nursery: where do you begin? Unlike shopping for plants, it’s not as if you can buy in bulk. I get it, these really can feel like big purchases, and you’ll want to know that the raised bed you pick is durable, generous, and nice to look at, while also blending well with the aesthetic of your yard, patio, or balcony.

Do you fancy heavy-duty steel or warm, natural wood? Do you need a vertical tiered setup to save your back, or a built-in trellis for climbing crops? Trying to balance durability, drainage, and style with a price tag that doesn't make your eyes water is enough to cause serious overwhelm. Well, panic no more, because this guide to the best Amazon Prime Day deals for raised beds can help you skip the endless scrolling. This curated cart-friendly collection hones in on the uber-cool raised bed bargains that can truly raise your growing game while saving you cash.

Maybe you’re just starting out and want something simple, or maybe you’re feeling adventurous and like the idea of building out (or up!) from an existing raised bed plot? This “best of the best” raised bed bonanza covers off some of the loveliest and most practical picks currently available with generous price reductions as part of the Prime Day Event. Take advantage of some of the most bargain-stuffed beds around, freeing you up to focus on your next big planting project – and spending that extra cash on even more plants (don’t worry, we won’t tell).

Big & Beautiful

Raised beds are intended to be practical but that doesn’t mean they can’t look good. They’re going to be housing some precious cargo, after all. Just like a picture frame defines something beautiful, the right bed can also be a thing of beauty. These stylish raised bed ideas balance impressive functionality with sleek aesthetics, all while helping you score generous discounts. Whether you’re after an extra-deep bed for root vegetables or a greenhouse-style combo for large-scale growing adventures, these big and beautiful beds offer longevity, weather resistance and plenty of room.

Compact Corners

If you’re like me, space is not something you have loads of – which is why I love these smaller-sized raised beds, as they still hold their own for all kinds of growing projects. If you are working with a cozy patio, a sun-drenched balcony, or a spare corner of a paved courtyard, compact raised beds are your ultimate ticket to raising your growing game. These space-saving designs prove that limited square footage shouldn't limit your ambitions. You can grow high-yielding salad greens, tumbling patio tomatoes and vibrant ornamentals outside your back door: no digging required.

Tiers and Trellises

When horizontal ground space is at a premium, the only way to go is up. Vertical gardening is one of the smartest ways to maximize your space, turning bare walls, tight patios, or blank fences into lush towers of verdant joy. Choosing a raised bed that features built-in tiers or integrated trellises allows you to cultivate deep-rooted vining plants alongside shallow-root herbs. These multi-dimensional setups create a striking structural focal point, while giving climbing crops like sugar snap peas, pole beans, and flowering jasmine the sturdy support they need to reach for the sky.

These raised garden deal ideas are for a limited time – so don’t miss out. Whether you’re after a compact unit or a big-capacity beast, these super-bargains are sure to take your gardening adventures to the next level. Don’t forget to keep your eye out for any Clip Coupon boxes as part of these deals. A lot of garden brands stack an extra 10-20% off coupon on top of official Prime Day discounts, so you might bag an even bigger bargain.

Need more ideas for getting the most from your plants, indoors and out, and looking for the best seasonal expert advice delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for the free Gardening Know How Newsletter!

We’ve all got a version of our garden in our head that we sometimes dream about while pinning photos to Pinterest. The tools are hung neatly, the cushions are dry, and you’re not tripping over anything on your way to the back door of your shed. However, reality sets in when you actually look outside. A tangle of rakes stares at you from the corner, potting soil bags slump sadly against the fence, and your cushions got all wet and are now getting moldy. Good garden storage is the difference between these two realities.

Garden storage protects your investment in furniture, tools, and equipment from weather, keeps your outdoor space serene and organized, and, most importantly, you can actually find a trowel when you need it.

Amazon Prime Day 2026 gardening deals have brought some of the year's best prices on outdoor storage across every category. Here's what's worth buying.

Patio Storage Boxes & Deck Boxes

A deck box is the workhorse of garden storage; it’s part seat, weatherproof chest, and seriously earns its spot on your patio. The best ones double as extra seating while swallowing up cushions, pool toys, throw blankets, and all the other clutter that accumulates outdoors. Look for UV-resistant resin, a lockable lid, and ideally a reinforced top for sitting.

Outdoor Storage Cabinets

This is the perfect balance if you’re looking for more storage than a deck box has but aren’t ready to fully commit to a shed. Tall, narrow, and lockable, these are perfect for standing long-handled tools upright, stacking cushions, or storing fertilizer bags, all without taking up much floor space. The best models combine multi-wall weatherproof resin with a neutral finish that looks great alongside garden furniture.

Mini Sheds & Horizontal Storage Sheds

Horizontal sheds occupy a smart middle ground where they aren’t quite a full garden shed, but also not a deck box. These keep a low profile, so you can tuck them along a fence line or up against a house. They’re ideal for hiding trash bins, storing lawn mowers, or housing bulky outdoor tools that don’t fit anywhere else. The modern weatherproof resin versions don’t require any maintenance and look much nicer than you would expect.

Garden Tool Storage & Wall Organisers

What happens so often is that even if you have a shed or a garage, tools often have a habit of piling up in corners or leaning against walls. A wall organizer can change this entirely, and the best ones make tools actually accessible rather than something you need to search for.

This category has excellent Prime Day discounts on heavy-duty steel systems this year.

Summer is the time of year many of us look forward to – gorgeous skies, long days, and endless opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. But there's one thing nobody looks forward to: being swarmed by insects.

Unfortunately, this year is shaping up to be a particularly bad one for bugs, especially flying pests like mosquitoes, flies, and wasps. The good news? With a quality insect zapper like the GOOTOP Bug Zapper from Amazon, you can spend less time worrying about pests and more time making the most of the warm weather.

There's plenty to love about the GOOTOP Bug Zapper, making it one of the most standout Amazon Prime Day garden buys. And when Amazon's best-selling bug zapper is available at half price, it's hard to ignore. Here are just a few reasons why it's in my cart.

What is the GOOTOP Bug Zapper?

The GOOTOP Bug Zapper is designed for both indoor and outdoor use. It plugs into a standard three-prong outlet and uses a blue-violet light to attract flying insects. When insects come into contact with the electrified grid, they're killed instantly before falling into a removable collection tray for easy disposal.

You can place the zapper in a range of locations, including an entryway to catch insects before they make their way into your home. It's also well suited to patios, decks, and near front or back doors where bugs tend to gather.

Each zapper is designed to cover up to half an acre outdoors, helping protect a large area from flying insects.

Why Do I love It?

I really like the design of the GOOTOP Bug Zapper. Many models on the market can look quite unsightly, but this one has a discreet design that looks more like an outdoor lantern than a bug zapper, making it easy to blend in by a front door or on a patio.

I also like that it includes a removable tray, making it easy to dispose of dead insects. This is especially useful if you've mounted the zapper on a wall, as you won't have to take the whole unit down every time it needs emptying.

As someone who openly admits to being afraid of bugs, I find the half-acre coverage incredibly reassuring. And if you have a larger outdoor space, there's nothing to stop you from buying a second one to extend the coverage.

Customer Reviews

With a 4.5-star rating from more than 26,000 Amazon customer reviews, the GOOTOP Bug Zapper has earned plenty of praise from shoppers.

Reviewers describe it as "surprisingly effective", especially given its sub-$30 sale price. Many also appreciate that it starts working as soon as it's plugged in, eliminating the need to spray chemical insecticides or pesticides around the home.

Customers note that you'll likely hear a small zap when an insect is caught. Rather than finding it annoying, many say the sound reassures them that the zapper is doing its job, with some even saying it's convinced them to buy additional units.

The blue-violet light has also proved popular, with several reviewers saying it creates a pleasant ambience for evenings spent outdoors.

Shop More Insect Prevention Supplies

As someone who owns quite a few bird feeders, I’ve grappled with indecision about buying another. My yard isn’t the biggest, but it’s one of the pleasures of my life to see birds darting past the window with tasty morsels clamped in their beaks. Trouble is, I already have a standard tube, a freestanding tray, a hanging globe, and one that says “Featherspoons” (if you’ve ever visited the UK, you’ll understand). And it’s hard to justify multiple feeders when you’re already struggling with planting space.

But I can’t deny I’m on the lookout for bird care goodies again this week, and Amazon Prime Day deals are everywhere we look. And even though I could possibly already open a shop devoted to bird feeders, I’m so very tempted by one particular purchase, and that’s the smart bird feeder. Truth is, smart feeder prices sometimes put me off. But this week, a certain “birdy cam” special is basically half price, which means a certain Amazon cart has been jiggling in anticipation. It’s a bird brand I trust, and it’s a genuine treat for beginners, because you can now grab the Birdfy Rookie Smart Feeder on Amazon for $84.59.

Trying to square an outlay of $150 is one thing, but scoring one that is currently 50% off is a bona fide birdy bargain. It’s got so much to recommend it, especially if you’re like me and have a genuine fascination with our backyard’s feathered guests. Could this finally be the week I make room for some very cool bird-friendly tech? Read on, to find out why this might be the best bird feeder camera you never knew you needed, and why now’s the time to get one while the getting is very good.

Why I Need This Bargain Feeder

I’ve been fascinated by the antics of garden birds at feeding stations ever since the pandemic. While the world slowed down and everyone became more aware of nature happening just outside their window, I impulsively hung a feeder outside my balcony window. Although I was living in a tiny apartment, I created a teeny-weeny bespoke bird sanctuary along that minuscule railing, and became fixated on the comings and goings of finches, sparrows, and even shy robins. But while I indulged in a very specific bird passion, it was clear that I could only catch brief moments.

Now, I have a backyard of my very own, but I have the same issue when attracting birds. Even with my many feeders dangling from trees and fences, I’m often teased by the very briefest glimpses of birdlife at the feeders, while listening to hedges vibrating with song and trees teaming with fluttering feathers. Trying to steal more glimpses of the private life of birds can often feel elusive. While I love those little glimpses, I wish I could enjoy more of those candid moments of bird activity when their guard is down and they think nobody is looking. This is why the lure of the smart bird feeder is so strong – and why the Birdfy Bird Feeder with Camera for Rookie set promises to be such a revelation (and at this price, such a steal) for my backyard birdwatching…

Why It’s Such a Bargain

Let’s just say it: for a long time, I’ve assumed that jumping into high-tech bird spotting meant grappling with tricky and complex setups. Happily, the Rookie is reassuringly straightforward to use. Because it comes from a trusted brand, backed by a community of over 650,000 birders, you know you are in safe hands and using something that feels like a labor of birdie love. It offers a streamlined walkthrough process that takes just minutes. You just download the intuitive app, scan a quick QR code on the camera frame, and sync it to your home WiFi.

What makes it such an unmissable bargain this week with Amazon Prime Day is how seamlessly it stuffs high-end specs into a budget-friendly (and bird-friendly) package. Normally, a continuous-charge, solar roof panel bundle like this would push towards the $170 mark. So snagging a clean 50% discount is so compelling. You’re scoring quality, zero-maintenance hardware for entry-level wonga.

Instead of standard landscape clips that require clumsy zooming, the Rookie captures footage in a modern 9:16 vertical portrait mode for smartphone viewing. Best of all, it shares the same crystal-clear 1080p camera sensor found in Birdfy's more expensive luxury lines. When you get birds flocking to your feeder, you can play back the action in a smooth 60FPS slow-motion mode. This is such a treat for candid birdy moments, letting you observe intricate textures and fleeting wildlife behaviors that would otherwise be hard to capture (and easy to miss).

What Shoppers Love

A glance through the Amazon reviews, and the overarching consensus from avid backyard bird lovers is clear. The Birdfy Bird Feeder with Camera for Rookie delivers an addictive, joyful user experience. Reviewers are vocal about how approachable the hardware is. From unboxing to syncing over WiFi, shoppers praise the ease of use and highly responsive app, confirming that even tech-phobes can have it running in minutes. One delighted five-star reviewer noted it is "so quick and easy to set up" and called it "a great feeder for both new and experienced birders."

Beyond the hassle-free installation, camera performance is a major win. Buyers love the crisp 1080p Full HD clarity, but it is the smooth 60FPS high-frame-rate playback that steals the show. Satisfied buyers repeatedly praise the visual output, with one shopper sharing that the "picture quality is great… you get clear, close-up views of the birds" without disturbing their natural patterns.

Reviewers also note how much fun it is to use the slow-motion feature to review early morning visitors. As one reviewer enthusiastically pointed out, "The 60FPS slow-motion clips look great: you can really see the little details when birds land and eat." This visual intimacy encourages a clear layer of respect among users for that extra detail, transforming the antics of local bird species into nature documentaries.

Crucially, the Rookie solves a long-term frustration that usually haunts smart feeder owners: battery anxiety. Shoppers who opted for this continuous-charge solar roof bundle report a genuinely hands-off experience, with battery levels locked at 100% week after week. Users who transitioned from older tech highlight the convenience of the new battery housing, with one buyer noting "it is very easy to remove the camera to recharge" if needed, though the solar hookup makes it entirely hands-off.

On a personal level, I also really like the subtle design and the earthy tones. This feeder effortlessly slips into a host of yard shapes and sizes (even small ones like mine). Several reviewers celebrate how easy it is to snap open the lid, top up the 1.3-liter seed chamber, and get straight back to feasting their eyes on the charming real-time avian movie.

Why Birds Love It

A critical part of a good bird camera feeder is how readily it is accepted by visiting birds. All that fancy tech is for naught if the birds don’t like it and keep away. One of the core aspects of this type of unit is to take care of birds through summer (and beyond), not scare them away. On that score, this feeder also rates highly. Happily, the Rookie is an inviting, practical bird feeding station. The architecture features a thoughtful layout, with a wide wrap-around perch that offers easy-grip points for a variety of species, from lightweight, fluttering goldfinches to heavier blue jays.

Delighted buyers note that local birds adapted to the unit almost instantly, with many reporting their first feathered visitors landing to eat within just 30 minutes of securing the feeder. Because the housing uses an easy-access, flip-top roof, the 1.3-liter seed chamber is easy to clean out. This avoids the deep, tight moisture pockets that plague standard tube feeders, protecting birds from mold and stale bacteria build-up. It feels safe, stable, and natural to them, ensuring they return day after day.

To fill your feeder, you can buy Kaytee Ultimate Nut and Fruit Wild Bird Food from Amazon. It is 35% off for Amazon Prime Day and is a great all-round summer mix for your new Rookie feeder. You can also get 43% off the C&S Suet Variety Value Pack (Peanut and Berry Bundle) from Amazon as part of Prime Day deals to attract clinging species like woodpeckers and nuthatches in supporting feeders.

Is It Right for Your Yard?

One thing to bear in mind with the Birdfy Rookie is its camera housing. More expensive bird feeder cameras offer a manual or motorized lens swivel, but the Rookie’s 1080p camera lens is locked firmly into a single wide-angle position, focused on the perch. While a few reviewers say they initially wished for a bit of horizontal adjustability to track birds approaching from the wings, the sheer panoramic scale of the integrated lens clearly compensates for it, ensuring you rarely miss a visitor. It is also worth noting that while the lightweight construction makes the unit easy to mount, it lacks the heavy, ornate presence of a larger wooden station.

However, when you weigh these minor physical trade-offs against the sheer volume of high-end features, the Rookie is a real delight for beginners. It’s easy to lift, unlatch and clean the feeder. Furthermore, while the device requires a 2.4GHz WiFi connection to stream, the signal stability inside the app is highly resilient. It provides seamless instant alerts the second a little beak crosses the frame. This is such a rewarding, entry-level leap into the world of bird feeder tech, and the Prime Day deal is a genuine gift that will bring endless joy and appreciation to your bird care. It’s highly likely you'll become a tiny bit addicted with your backyard birdies.

Other Smart Bird Feeders

While the Birdfy Rookie offers an unbeatable entry point for beginners this Prime Day, there are some fascinating variations designed to cater to specific backyard goals. Depending on your budget, yard layout, and the birds you hope to attract, your choice ranges from species-specific models to wildlife encyclopedias. So depending on your needs, these standout Prime Day bargains are also worthy of consideration.

Need more ideas for getting the most from your plants, indoors and out, and looking for the best seasonal expert advice delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for the free Gardening Know How Newsletter!

Crikey it's hot in the garden – which is why you should make a mini water feature for your patio or deck this weekend. Moving water brings soothing sound and movement to any backyard design, adding a tranquil element to your outside space. And a floating solar fountain powered by the sun doesn't require plumbing or electricity, cutting the hassle as well as the cost of this quick garden project. Installing a DIY water feature yourself couldn't be easier, and there's no better time to add one to your backyard.

A floating solar-powered fountain, like this top-rated Outdoor DIY Solar Bird Bath Fountain with Multiple Nozzles from Amazon, makes it feasible to have a small body of water in your garden as mosquitoes – who prefer still water – are discouraged. This means you can squeeze a stylish micropond into a tiny garden as well as add a beautiful detail to a bigger backyard. Making a container micropond is a huge garden trend for 2026, and no wonder: the rising quality and dropping prices of solar fountains means you don't have to spend much to get a sleek finish, especially when they're on sale!

You could simply drop a floating fountain into a tub of water – honestly, that would be fabulous by itself. But you could also enlist your imagination and use a solar fountain to make a striking water feature that suits your garden style perfectly. Got a cottage garden? Then set up a splashpark for birds or a drinking bar for pollinators, or upcycle a vintage container. More of a modern mood in your yard? Then a water feature in a sleek bowl planter is a must, or how about a rain chain micropond or a chic stone fountain? Whichever you choose, creating such an eye-catching focal point will have the effect of making your garden feel bigger, as well as adding a soothing soundscape.

Take your pick from these 10 inspirational ideas, and enjoy the calming joys of a garden water feature without spending a fortune. As far as container gardening ideas that you can DIY on a budget go, this is a no-brainer!

1. Upcycled Container Pond

Any container can be repurposed into a micropond as long as it’s watertight, and reusing a vintage vessel will add heaps of character to your garden. Drainage holes in old plant pots and small areas of damage are easily fixed with a silicone sealant. Just ensure you use an exterior marine sealant that’s suitable for submersion such as this silicone sealant from Amazon.

Have a look in your shed to discover a forgotten tub that could become your new micropond, or head to the global Salvo directory to find your nearest salvage yard.

2. Birdbath Splash Park

Add a solar fountain to a birdbath and your garden birds will get up to all sorts of bathtime fun for your patio amusement.

The combination of a solar fountain and splashing birds means water will inevitably be lost, so choose a low-powered fountain (under 2W) and a birdbath with as wide and deep a bowl as possible. A pedestal birdbath with a sturdy base will stand firmly on patio paving, and this polyresin design from Amazon with a 20” bowl will accommodate a fair flock of your feathered friends. On a lawn, a design with a pronged base such as this bird bath with a deep 17.4-inch bowl from Amazon is better.

3. Rain Chain Micropond

Floating solar fountains without a battery only work when the sun is shining on the panels. Add a rain chain to your container pond, however, and you'll nearly always be able to enjoy the soothing sight and sound of moving water. Rain chains are fixed in place of a downpipe to guide rainwater to ground level, so in rainy weather, water will cascade down into the container. Then when the sun reappears, the solar fountain will take over, bringing a bubbling stream of water to the container instead.

For a stylish result, match the tone of your rain chain to your watertight container. This copper rain chain with metal hummingbirds from Amazon would work so well with this galvanised copper ice-bucket tub, also from Amazon. Or how about pairing this pretty rain chain with metal leaves from Amazon with this stone-look composite no-hole planter, also from Amazon?

Shop Floating Solar Fountains

4. Bubbling Border Pool

Installing a water feature in a border not only brings sound and movement, but the change in texture provides a backdrop to highlight planting. The visual depth it creates will also make the bed appear bigger, and the rippling water will reflect any overhanging plants, especially if you add a few drops of black pond dye such as this from Amazon.

Planters are typically far cheaper than water bowls and, if you look for containers intended for succulents, you’ll find plenty that don’t have drainage holes. Products made of composite materials – often a blend of recycled plastic and stone powder – will give you the look of expensive materials at a budget price. This 16-inch round planter from Amazon comes in four fabulous faux finishes including terracotta and concrete, and has a curved rim that would work so well in a water feature. For a modern square container, this 16-inch planter is available from Amazon in the same materials.

5. Modern Bowl Micropond

A bowl fountain couldn’t be easier to make, or more lovely to look at. Shallow bowl planters are a huge trend this year so there are plenty to choose from, and if you choose one that’s intended for succulents, it typically won't have a drainage hole. This 12-inch recycled bowl planter from Amazon in four faux-natural finishes would fit the bill nicely, or there’s a slightly deeper 15.8-inch model.

Pop in a rock for a Zen vibe, fill with water, add your solar fountain and you’re done!

6. Bee Bar

If you're already growing nectar-rich flowers for pollinators, then providing a safe drinking place for them to rehydrate is one of the best ways to support wildlife in your garden, and it’s so easy to do. Put rocks and pebbles in a shallow container and keep filled with water to a level that leaves the stones semi-submerged. This gives bees and butterflies a safe place to land and drink from without drowning. Why not make a puddling pool for butterflies alongside, too?

Ensure you choose a low-powered solar fountain suitable for use in shallow water. It's best to keep your pollinator drinking station topped up with harvested rainwater rather than tap water, which is easily collected with a water butt.

More of the Best Solar Fountains

7. Dog Drinking Fountain

Do you share your outside space with your dog? Then make your pooch a backyard drinking fountain. Most dogs prefer drinking from moving water as it signals it’s safe and clean, so this is such an easy way to encourage your dog to drink more during the hot summer months.

You'll need a deep plant-pot saucer such as this from Amazon, as well as a floating solar fountain. If your dog is elderly and you plan to position the drinking fountain on a low stool or plant stand, adding a couple of stones for stability is a smart move.

8. Chic Stone Fountain

Submerge most rocks and they'll reveal a rich range of colors, so a container filled with stones makes a stylish patio feature. Using multicolored rounded stones such as these river pebbles from Amazon bring a dynamic yet natural look.

Any strong watertight container will work, but a dark-colored vessel will leave the limelight to the stone tones. It's worth visiting your local hardware store in your search for a well-priced container: this black three-gallon livestock feeder pan from Ace Hardware would give you a sizeable water feature for minimal outlay, as would this half-barrel planter, also from Ace Hardware. If you need to seal any drainage holes, use a marine-grade exterior silicone sealant such as this from Amazon.

9. Rainwater Dipping Tank

Another way to get creating with alternative containers is to make a dipping tank from a livestock watering trough such as this galvanised steel tank from Lowes. Garden dipping tanks are a big trend in Europe, and deep troughs positioned beneath downpipes to harvest rainwater. Because the troughs are big enough to dunk a watering can in, this is a fast, easy way to irrigate with harvested rainwater.

Add a floating solar fountain and the rainwater dipping tank becomes a pretty garden feature as well as a practical solution.

More Great Solar Fountains

10. Sunken Pond

Creating a micropond can be as simple as digging a hole in your backyard and sinking a sturdy tub so its rim sits at ground level. Disguise the edges with plants or create an appealing border with reclaimed clay bricks; this pond edge has been hidden with flat stones planted with low-growing evergreen perennial, heath pearlwort (Sagina subulata).

As well as adding the floating solar fountain, do fashion a ramp over the pond rim to provide a way for wildlife to exit safely from your pond. It's easily done with a log, a stack of stones, or a small pond ramp such as this from Amazon.

Amazon might not seem like the most natural destination for buying plants, but it's quickly become an unexpected hub for quality garden finds. As more reputable nurseries and specialist growers begin selling through the platform, shoppers can now access a much wider range of plants without having to visit a garden centre. Choosing trusted sellers is key, but many established growers now use Amazon to reach a broader audience, making it easier than ever to find something special for your home or yard.

Whether you've had a vision for your garden for the longest time and want to create that Pinterest-worthy outdoor space, or expanding your planting scheme has been sitting on the back burner, there's no better time to bag a bargain.

Here are some of the best plant deals available during Amazon Prime Day, along with the varieties I think are most worth adding to your garden or living space.

Houseplant Deals

Deals on Perennials

Rose Deals

Deals on Edibles

Some say it is good luck when a bird poops on you, but what about if a whole flock has pooped all over your patio? Sounds like bad luck to me. Birds and their lovely songs are wonderful to welcome to your yard, but finding their droppings all over your porch furniture is an annoying, and possibly dangerous, consequence.

Even though your goal might be to stop birds from pooping on your patio, you still might end up with a stray doo drop here and there. It is important to clean up the mess safely and before it leaves any permanent marks on light-colored wood or furniture. This bird poop remover from Amazon uses enzymes to break down droppings easily or you can use a few household items you probably already have.

First, you need to put on some protective gear and wet the droppings with your cleaning solution. Bird poo carries fungi that cause Histoplasmosis and Cryptococcosis and bacteria that causes Psittacosis. Protective goggles, a mask, and gloves will go a long way to protect you from developing one of these nasty infections. And gently wetting the droppings with water or a cleaning solution will prevent the fungal spores and bacteria from becoming airborne and inhaled. Let's dive in an explore how to safely clean bird poop off your porch.

Safety First

Supplies

Step-By-Step

1. Mix your cleaning solution in a spray bottle with a gentle mist. It is important to gently moisten the bird poop so that particles don’t become airborne and inhaled.
2. Don your personal protective equipment. Safety goggles, nitrile gloves and a well-fitting N95 mask will keep you safe while cleaning and disposing of the bird doo.
3. Gently spray the bird droppings with your bleach and water mixture and let it soak for 5 minutes. This will prevent aerosolization of the droppings and also allow the bleach some time to neutralize bacteria and fungi. (If using bleach, you should test for colorfastness in a small and inconspicuous area first).
4. Use a sponge or rag dipped in your cleaning solution to wipe away the bird droppings. Work slowly so you don’t splatter bird poop all over yourself.
5. Once you have cleaned the bird droppings off the patio and furniture surfaces, dispose of the sponge or rag in the trash.
6. Gently rinse the area with water from your garden hose or a watering can to remove any residual cleaning solution.
7. Remove and dispose of gloves, and wash hands before removing your goggles and mask.
8. Enjoy your freshly cleaned patio, poop free!

As I write this, the sun is beating down on my yard and I’ve got a fan pointing at my face as I listen to the birds singing outside. Meanwhile, backyard birds also need a few things urgently in summer – specifically, to help take care of their babies, stay hydrated, clean their feathers, and rest. And as summer really heats up, they need our help more than ever. So if there’s a gap in your bird care setup, this week is a perfect time to do something good for your birds, and save money while you’re at it.

This year’s Amazon Prime Day Deals offer the ultimate opportunity to save big while quite literally saving a life. Providing safe and well stocked feeders, shelter, and clean water are your gift to your feathered pals, to keep them happy and healthy during these stifling midsummer months. And guess what? Once their fledglings settle into your yard to enjoy the perks, this really is the gift that keeps on giving!

Bird care design (and tech) has made some amazing advances in recent months, so we combed through some of the key Prime Day highlights for bird lovers to help you find the best deals. Whether you’re after a fresh bath, a cozy house, a quality feeder or some hummingbird treats, these deals can help you encourage more birds to come to your yard, and stick around for joy. The ultimate songbird sanctuary or hummingbird hangout is just a few scrolls or mouseclicks away. This is the perfect time to stock up, so check out some of the deals sitting in our shopping cart.

Smart & Squirrel-Proof Feeders

When kitting out my own yard, I’ve always believed that bird feeders should be as beautiful to look at as they are practical. This year's Amazon Prime Day deals perfectly capture that balance, offering a variety of elegant, multifunctional designs that elevate your outdoor space while keeping your feathered friends happy (and key pests from guzzling the goods). From high-tech gadgets that double as personal wildlife cams to stunning decorative lanterns, bird feeding has evolved and diversified. This is the perfect excuse to score deep discounts on gorgeous, high-performing gear that brings both style and function to your backyard.

Cozy Houses for Summer Broods

We tend to associate nesting with spring, but June and July are prime time for backyard bird families. Songbirds like eastern bluebirds, house wrens, and northern cardinals are actively kicking off their second (or even third) broods of the season, while late-bloomers like goldfinches are just getting started on building nests in mid-to-late summer to align with thistle down availability. These functional, stylish Prime Day deals are the perfect excuse to add fresh, safe shelter to your yard just in time for the midsummer baby boom, creating a real bird sanctuary.

Beautiful Bird Baths & Fountains

When an intense summer heatwave strikes, providing a reliable source of moving water is the single most important thing you can do for your neighborhood wildlife. Songbirds desperately need a place to rinse dust, pollen, and stifling heat from their feathers to keep their natural cooling systems working perfectly. It’s also important to think about the quality of your water, as it can attract breeding mosquitoes in June. These durable, highly-rated Prime Day picks make it incredibly easy to establish a safe, refreshing oasis for birdies in need of refreshment, hydration, and play.

Ultimate Hummingbird Hangout

Hummingbirds are the jewels of the summer garden, but keeping these high-energy guests buzzing around your yard requires the right setup. Because they are lightning-fast and have highly specific feeding habits, you need brightly colored gear that can withstand the intense summer heat, which can cater to tiny beaks and service their need for comfort and security as well as flamboyant colors and the finer things in life. Here are the top-tier Prime Day upgrades that can keep those little vibrating dynamos darting hither and yon through the dog days of summer.

Don’t forget to keep your eye out for any Clip Coupon boxes as part of these deals. A lot of garden brands stack an extra 10-20% off coupon on top of official Prime Day discounts to stand out in the crowd – so you might bag an even bigger bargain.

Need more ideas for getting the most from your plants, indoors and out, and looking for the best seasonal expert advice delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for the free Gardening Know How Newsletter!

I've been growing plants indoors for nearly two decades, and during that time I've learned that the right equipment can make all the difference. From raising seedlings under lights to growing herbs, vegetables, and tropical plants year-round, I've spent countless hours testing products to find out which ones genuinely improve results and which are all marketing hype.

Grow lights have probably seen the biggest transformation over the years. I've used everything from old fluorescent tubes to bulky HID systems, but modern LED technology has changed the game. Today's full-spectrum LEDs are more energy-efficient, longer-lasting, and capable of producing impressive growth without generating excessive heat.

I've taken a similar trial-and-error approach with fertilizers, potting mixes, hydroponic nutrients, and smart gardening gadgets. Thanks to my background in plant and soil science, I'm always looking beyond the marketing claims to understand what actually benefits plant growth. The products that make this list aren't just popular – they're tools I'd happily use in my own indoor garden.

Amazon Prime Day is one of the few shopping events where I actively look for gardening deals. It's often the best time to pick up premium grow lights, hydroponic systems, seed-starting equipment, and other indoor gardening essentials at prices that are significantly lower than normal.

My Amazon Prime Day Indoor Gardening Deal Picks

To help separate the worthwhile discounts from the hundreds of mediocre offers, I've rounded up the Prime Day deals that stand out for indoor gardeners. Whether you're setting up your first grow space or upgrading an established collection, these are the products most deserving of a spot on your shortlist.

Every recommendation below has been selected with performance, value, and long-term reliability in mind. They're the kinds of products that can make indoor gardening easier, more productive, and ultimately more enjoyable long after Prime Day has ended.

Amazon Prime Day is one of the best times of the year to upgrade your indoor garden without overspending. After nearly 20 years of growing everything from seedlings and vegetables to tropical houseplants indoors, I've learned which tools are genuinely worth investing in – and Prime Day is often when those products see their biggest discounts.

Whether you're looking for full-spectrum grow lights, premium potting mixes, or smart growing accessories, these deals can help you build a healthier, more productive indoor garden for less. If something catches your eye, it's worth acting quickly, as the best Prime Day gardening deals often sell out before the event ends.

Having a garden that's low maintenance as well as lovely isn't just about choosing the right plants that thrive on neglect – you need to get smart with a few time-saving gardening tools, too. The best gadgets are those that not only help you get a job done more quickly, but make it more fun, too: a nifty ergonomic blade that slices satisfyingly through weed roots or a hose that never kinks can turn a garden chore into a garden joy.

Now, I won’t be the first to say that plenty of gardening gadgets don’t deliver on the time- and stress-savings they promise. But some really do. As a self-confessed lazy gardener who's also a gardening editor, I rely on a few tried-and-tested tools that actually make a difference. Because yes, while I love gardening, I also love sitting on the patio, glass in hand, gazing at all the easy-going plants bringing maximum reward for minimal effort.

So in the name of low-maintance gardening, let's save time and cut straight to the good bit, shall we? These are my ride-or-die garden tools and accessories that make the biggest difference in my backyard.

1. Expandable Hose for Easy Watering

Does your hose continually kink and interrupt the water supply, and resist your efforts to wrestle it back into a tidy pile after every use? Because you seriously need to trade it for an expandable garden hose. These stretchy hoses grow with water pressure, then shrink back to a tiny size once you turn the tap off. They're really lightweight and don't kink, too, so are so much easier to use. But the best bit? These super-flexible hoses can simply be dumped in a bucket to store, though many come with a bag and hook for storage.

You do have to be careful not to over-stretch expandable hoses, so it's important to get one that's plenty big enough for your garden. They're available in all sorts of lengths from 25 to 100 feet so, whatever the size of your backyard, there's one that'll easily reach the far corners.

2. Japanese Hoe for Fast Weeding

If you don't have a Japanese hoe then it's about time you did. I find it makes short work of weeding my raised beds, both those full of perennial flowers and in my veggie patch. The blade is big enough to work quickly but small enough to safely manoeuvre around plants, and its angle lets you slice through roots below the soil surface. For annual weeds, a quick pull through the soil is all it takes and, for more persistent, deeper-rooted perennial weeds, the pointed tip is a pretty effective digging tool.

I pack far too many plants into my raised beds, paying zero heed to planting distances, so I find a handheld hoe is so useful to get rid of the weeds without disturbing the soil – and so the roots of the plants I want to keep – too much. Second only to my trusty Japanese hand pruners, which I love to bits, my Japanese weeding hoe is my favorite gardening tool.

3. Garden Scissors for Efficient Deadheading

I'm a big fan of Fiskars' gardening tools, and these pruning scissors make deadheading so quick and easy, compare to using a regular pair of hand pruners. They’re only 6 inches long with ergonomic, soft-grip handles so they fit very comfortably in my hand, and the spring design makes snipping off faded flowers almost effortless – and no-one likes wrist fatigue. But the clincher is the resin-resistant, non-stick stainless steel blades that mean you can keep snipping without stopping to unclog.

My garden is a tangle of cottage-garden blooms that require endless deadheading, and I usually head out into the garden with my scissors and a strong coffee for a 10-minute snip every morning before I start work. And while garden scissors are best for slim-stemmed plants such as cosmos and bachelor’s buttons, these beauties also happen to be the plants that need the most deadheading.

Why do you need two pairs, I hear you ask? Well, gardening law dictates that you will put one pair down somewhere in a border and it will miraculously disappear, only to magically reappear when you somehow lose the second pair!

4. Auger Drill Bit for Planting Bulbs

I love bulbs, but I absolutely hate planting them – or at least, I did until I discovered auger drill bits. Bulbs are an essential part of any low maintenance garden so, if you fancy adding a drift of daffodils to your front yard or a sweep of alliums across a border, then you need to know that an auger drill bit will save you hours of digging and backache too.

There are various sizes of spiral auger to suit different bulbs, that fit a standard drill with an adjustable chuck. Water compacted soil before you drill to make the job even faster, and do wear gloves and safety glasses.

5. Mini Chainsaw For Effortless Pruning

A mini chainsaw may be small but believe you me, a 4-inch blade can still power through those bigger branches that are a struggle to cut with loppers. So, if you’ve got trees or shrubs in your garden that need regular pruning, a mini cordless chainsaw will do all the hard work for you. I use mine for chopping up logs for the fire pit, and all sorts of DIY projects, as well.

While it still gets the job done without any fuss, a mini chainsaw is so much easier to use than a full-size model, too. Designed for one-handed use, it's pretty light and mine weighs a fraction over a kilogram, and that's with the battery fitted. You don’t need any strength to operate it as the chain is designed to cut through wood without any pressure applied. It's true that the battery time isn't as long-lasting as that on a bigger model, but the recharge time isn't as lengthy either.

Out of all the pruning mistakes to avoid, I reckon not having a mini chainsaw to tackle bigger stems should rank pretty highly!

6. Velcro Plant Ties That Are Endlessly Reusable

Whether you’re staking tomatoes or tying a climbing vine to a trellis, Velcro plant ties are so quick and easy to use. Just cut the roll to whatever length you want to make reusable, adjustable plant ties that are soft for stems yet strong enough to stay firm, whatever the weather throws at them.

Made from 65% recycled plastic and durable to re-use time and time again, these are a sustainable alternative to standard plant ties. I find I make lots more small adjustments as the plant grows when I use them in place of regular ties, too, which means I now avoid those heartbreaking calamities such as when an entire tomato plant keels over under the weight of its fruit.

For climbers that you regularly chop back, such as passion flower and most clematis, these touch-and-fasten ties also make the chore of re-tying new growth far less tedious. I use it for all sorts of garden tasks from temporary fence-mends to securing bundles of bamboo canes for storage, too. If you're a fan of easy gardening, you'll be a fan of these ties.

7. Crop-Boosting Automator Trays

If you’re raising tomatoes outdoors and want to keep plants producing all summer, then an automator tray is a really simple yet effective way to boost your harvest by as much as 40%. There’s no magic here, just good ol’ common sense. A tray fits around the stem of a plant and holds water whenever you irrigate, the holes directing moisture to the roots. The more consistent soil moisture level this creates helps to reduce splitting and cracking and, if you're using soluble plant feed, makes sure the nutrients reach the roots rather than being washed away.

You can buy automator trays in all sorts of sizes, from simple stem rings to larger moats. The larger trays are particularly useful in zones with extremes of temperatures. In cooler climates they will warm the soil early in the season and, in hotter climes, reduce evaporation. They help to suppress weeds, too.

8. Watering Spikes to Keep Potted Plants Hydrated

I have no idea why I find it easy to remember to water all the plants outside but am forever forgetting that my houseplants might like a drink, too. And as I adore the luscious fronds of ferns indoors, they need regular irrigation to stay lush. Watering spikes are my solution, and they couldn't be easier to use. You simply pop a spike over the neck of an old wine or beer bottle filled with water, then push into the potting soil, and you have yourself a drip-irrigation system to keep plants hydrated. As an easy way to halve the time you spend watering, it's a winner.

I prefer terracotta watering spikes as the porous clay releases water really slowly, so a litre bottle of water lasts for around 7–10 days. As well as using them for houseplants, they're useful for keeping patio pots watered while you're on holiday, too.

9. Cordless Foliage Trimmer for Shaping Shrubs

As a kid, I used to give my Barbie dolls some pretty barbaric haircuts, and I get just the same joy using a pair of cordless trimmers in the garden now. Hopefully, the result is a little more presentable. With the grass cutter blades fitted, I tidy up the lawn edges alongside the raised beds where the lawnmower blades never quite reach, however hard I try. And while the shrubbery trimmer blade isn’t big enough for any serious hedge action, it does a good job of shaping finer foliage such as buxus and hebe.

A cordless trimmer also makes short work of clearing dead stems and clumps of ornamental grass and perennials after winter, so it's one of the best gardening gadgets money can buy.

10. Stand-Up Lawn Weed Puller

I always skip the weeding when I do my spring lawncare routine to leave a few dandelions in the lawn to provide nectar for early-flying bees when there's not much else blooming. But boy, do I pay for it! I'm not terribly efficient at removing the spent dandelion heads and each one produces around 150 seeds, which keeps me busy weeding the lawn for the rest of the summer.

Since I bought a stand-up weed puller, though, I don't mind this chore at all. It takes all the sweat out removing unwanted plants – even pernicious perennial weeds with long tap roots like dandelions – because you don't need to kneel down to use it. Just step on the foot platform to push the four serrated stainless steel claws over the weed, then tilt to pull the plant out, no bending down necessary.

I do hope you find some of these gardening tools and gadges make life a little easier in the garden for you, so you have time to sit down and enjoy the paradise you've created.

For years now, I’ve thought of robot lawn mowers as the equivalent of owning a private jet; truly life-changing but expensive and very much not in my budget. The earliest models were quite finicky and often required burying a wire perimeter around your entire lawn. Plus, it cut grass in random patterns that looked like it had been drinking – not ideal.

But now we’re in the year 2026, and all of that has well and truly changed. Wire-free navigation using RTK GPS and LiDAR has replaced the trench-digging setup. AI obstacle avoidance means it won't mow over your dog's favourite ball or, worse, your dog. Systematic mowing patterns mean actual clean lines rather than chaotic random passes. And Amazon Prime Day has finally pushed those outrageous prices into a territory that’s actually affordable.

The One That Finally Convinced Me

The ECOVACS Goat O1000 RTK Care Kit is the robot mower that finally made sense to me, and the fact that it's Amazon's current best seller in the category tells you I'm not alone.

Now, out of all of the Prime lawn care deals available right now, you’re probably asking what really makes this worth it to you. Well, first of all, the setup takes five minutes, which means no wire, no digging, and no RTK beacon installation headaches that plague the cheaper models. Basically, it means you have more time to kick back with a beer while your robot mows the lawn; now that’s a win!

The automated mapping system drives itself around your yard once and creates a precise boundary map with 0.8-inch positioning accuracy, receiving signals from up to 45 satellites. That number matters: it means it keeps working reliably even when you're mowing under trees or near fences where cheaper GPS mowers completely lose the plot.

The AIVI 3D obstacle avoidance is the feature that genuinely impressed reviewers. It detects and navigates around over 300 types of objects, including garden hoses, furniture, children's toys, pets, and even small wildlife like hedgehogs.

The TruEdge zero-edge cutting means it mows right up to the boundary of your grass rather than leaving a ragged perimeter strip you have to go back and trim (which is awful if it’s a hot day). The ultra-slim 1.31-foot body lets it squeeze through narrow garden passages as tight as 2.3 feet. It handles slopes up to 45% and has an IPX6 waterproof rating, so rain won't send it back to its dock in a depressed mood.

The Care Kit version includes 36 replacement blades, an RTK extension cable for optimal antenna placement, and everything you need out of the box. Reviews are strong across the board, with many buyers specifically loving the obstacle avoidance and the clean, systematic mowing lines it makes.

One honest caveat: it's best suited to yards up to ¼ of an acre. If your lawn is close to half an acre, look further down this list (we have robot mowers for you guys, too!)

6 More Prime Day Robot Mower Deals Worth Considering

If you're looking for the best Amazon Prime Day lawn care deals, you've come to the right place. Creating a lush, healthy lawn takes more than regular mowing – from choosing the right lawn mower and spreading fertilizer to tackling weeds and overseeding bare patches, maintaining great grass can quickly become an expensive hobby.

Fortunately, Amazon Prime Day is one of the best times of year to stock up on lawn care essentials for less. Whether you're starting a lawn from seed, upgrading your toolkit, or simply looking for ways to keep your grass greener throughout the season, there are thousands of garden deals available across everything from mowers and trimmers to fertilizers and lawn treatments.

To help narrow down the options, we've rounded up the very best Amazon Prime Day lawn care deals worth shopping – all on products we'd buy ourselves. Prime Day runs from June 23 to 26, so it's the perfect opportunity to save on the products you need to grow a lawn that's the envy of the neighborhood without overspending.

Lawn Fertilizer Deals

Turf Building

Garden Sprinkler Deals

Sprinkler Controllers

Weeding Tool Deals

Cordless Lawn Mower Deals

Robotic Lawn Mower Deals

Good garden lighting is a vital addition to any backyard, turning it into a welcoming evening haven as well as adding safety and security. Solar lighting is a cheap, sustainable and easy option over wired-in or battery-operated lighting when creating a nightscape garden but boy, do you need to know a few facts before you shop, if you want to skip past a heap of sub-standard, short-lived and over-priced products. And that's what this guide is here to do.

As a gardening editor for well over a decade, I’ve tried and tested more garden solar lights than I care to remember. Some have lasted for years and are still brightening up my backyard; others barely lasted half a summer. I soon realised that what products died and what survived had nothing to do with the pricetag, but that their performance was entirely predictable – once I figured out what all the ratings in the packaging fine print meant.

These solar lighting ratings can tell you precisely how much light the product will throw out, so you can choose the exact right spot on the spectrum from inviting glow to can-see illumination. They also tell you how weatherproof – or otherwise – the product is, which is a pretty good indicator of where you can use it, and how long you can expect it to survive. Understand the very basics of materials used to make solar panels and batteries, too, and you'll know how efficient and long-lasting the light will be.

Armed with these basic facts, you'll be able to buy solar lighting far more wisely – and that's a gamechanger because, while there are loads of great products on the market, there's also a lot of tat that's not worth your money. Ready for the low-down before you get started on putting your outdoor lighting ideas into reality? Here’s exactly what you need to know to get yourself a great deal on solar lights for your garden.

The 5 Solar Lighting Facts You Need To Know

Sure, we all buy solar lights because they’re pretty. But if you want them to be practical, too, here are the facts that should guide your buying decision, too.

1. Weatherproof Rating

How long garden lights will last outside, subjected to everything the weather can throw at them, depends on the Ingress Rating (IP). This measurement shows how well protected an electrical or mechanical product is in its environment. An IP has two figures: the first relates to solid matter, such as dust, on a scale of 0–6; the second relates to liquids, scaling 0–8.

Many solar lights are rated IP44, and the first number indicates that solid particles smaller than 1mm can’t penetrate, and the second number shows it’ll cope with splashes of water. So, an IP44 lantern such as this Boho Wicker Lantern from Amazon will be fine in the garden in dry weather, but leave it outside permanently and it’ll quickly fail once fall arrives. An IP54 rating, like this Handwoven Wicker Lantern from Amazon has, sounds like a much higher rating, but while it's a little more dust-proof, it's only as water-resistant as the last lantern.

If you want a product that's rain- and dust-proof, that you can leave outside more permanently, you need to look for a minimum rating of IP65, like this similar Solar Rope Lantern from Amazon has. There's not a huge difference in style or price between these three products, but I know which one I'd buy.

For long-term use, a second digit of 6 means it’ll withstand the heaviest rain, 7 indicates it’ll cope with temporary submersion, while 8 shows it’s fine to be permanently submerged. Even if you’re not planning to submerge a lamp, a maximum IP rating of 68 is a real asset for a permanent light in an exposed position. So, these IP68-rated Nymphy Pathlights from Amazon and these IP68-rated Solar Deck Lights from Amazon would both a good buy. No rating? You can safely presume it's IP44.

If you simply want a product to style up your garden for the summer, and turn your patio or deck into an outdoor living room, however, don't waste your dollars on durability you don't need.

Best Prime Day Deal Lanterns Rated IP65

2. Light Output

The other figure you’ll spot when you’re shopping for solar lights is the number of lumens (LM), and this is a measure of how much light the product puts out. If you want to add some garden ambience with a soft glow, then look for a light with a rating less than 100 lumens. However, if you want enough light to enable you to actually see your way around the garden after dark, you need a product with at least 200 lumens.

Say you want to buy some path lights. If you wanted to simply pretty up the path after dark, these Dimmable Solar Pathway Lights from Amazon with a rating of 10-40 lumens would be a great buy. But if want to illuminate that path so you don't break a leg carrying the shopping in after work? These Bobcat Solar Pathway Lights from Amazon with 300 lumens would be a better buy.

Some solar lights carry a super-high lumen rating, like these Motion Sensor Floodlights from Amazon boasting 3,000 lumens. If you're looking for security lighting, these would do a brilliant job – but if you're simply wanting to light your patio post-dusk? You'll be wearing sunglasses as you sip your sundowner.

Bear in mind, too, that this lumen rating is dependent on how much energy those solar panels are able to generate. So, if you're looking for a high lumen output, solar panels that you can adjust to point towards the sun's position at midday will be better able to deliver the top end of that rating.

Best Prime Day Deals With Lots of Lumens

3. Bulb Warmth

As well as the lumen rating showing how much light a product is capable of delivering, the bulb color also matters. Light is delivered along a spectrum from warm to cool and while warmer yellow-toned white light delivers a welcoming, cozy ambience, cooler, blue-toned white light illuminates better. So, choose a bulb color to match the light's intended purpose.

If you were shopping for a lantern to bring a warm glow to your patio coffee table, you'd want to look for a warm white light like that given by these Nfever Lanterns from Amazon. If you wanted a lantern to hang outside the back door so illuminate the step, however, you'd be better off looking at products with blue-toned white light like this UBright Lantern, also from Amazon. Using cool-toned lighting around your boundary and warm-toned lighting on your patio to create a focal point is a great way to make a small garden feel bigger as well.

If you enjoy sharing your garden with wildlife, then it’s good to know that a warm-toned light distracts critters far less than cold-toned light. There's plenty you can do to limit the effect of lighting on wildlife, too.

Best Prime Day Deals With Warm Tones

4. Solar Panel Material

Don't worry, we're not going to delve deep into the complexities of solar panel mechanics – but there are a couple of facts that are well worth knowing, if you want bright solar lights that will still work well in cloudy conditions or on short winter days, or to position one in partial shade.

Solar lights work by using a solar panel to harness the power of sunlight and convert it into electricity. These panels are typically constructed from silicon-based photovoltaic cells – but not all are created equal. You’re likely to find polycrystalline panels on cheaper products, and these absorb less sunlight than more expensive monocrystalline panels. If you live in a sunny climate, or if the product isn’t emitting a high level of lumens, then a polycrystalline panel is perfectly adequate. But if you want lights with a high lumen output to work well when there's less sunlight available, it’s worth paying the extra for a product with a more efficient panel made from monocrystalline.

If you're planning to position the solar light where it only gets sun for part of the day, investing in mono panels is a good idea, too.

The best garden solar lights with monocrystalline panels will state this fact as it's a strong selling point. However, if there’s no indication, you can take an educated guess by the color: poly panels often have a blue hue, while mono panels tend to be black. Poly panels may also carry the abbreviation PET.

Best Prime Day Deals With Monocrystalline Solar Panels

5. Battery Capacity

If you're concerned about your lights still working on cloudy, short days, it's worth knowing the basics of solar light batteries, too. Almost all solar lights now have batteries to store the electricity generated from sunlight and power the lamp after-dark. However, the battery type and its capacity has a big impact on the light’s long-term performance.

Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) batteries: this is the battery type used in most solar lights. They give a good balance of capacity, cost and lifespan, and are – as far as batteries go – environmentally friendly to produce.

Nickel-Cadmium (NiCd) batteries: older, cheaper solar lights are often fitted with these batteries that are less efficient and less eco-friendly.

Lithium-based batteries: offering greater capacity and a longer lifespan, this premium option often comes with a price tag to match. There are two types. Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4 or LFP) batteries are now beginning to supersede Lithium Ion (Li-Ion) technology; the former are more expensive, but they last longer and tolerate extreme hot or cold temperatures better.

If you need a solar light that's going to be fixed in place and used for prolonged periods over several years, if you live in a zone with extremes of temperature, or if the light level requires a significant amount of energy (such as a floodlight), then a product with a lithium battery is worth the splurge. If you need a solar light that caters for all those criteria, don't bother looking at any products without a lithium battery. Otherwise, a NiMH battery will do its job just fine.

Check the battery capacity when you're comparing top-end products, too. It's measured in milliampere-hours (mAh) and ranges from 300mAh to 1000mAh-plus and the higher the number, the greater the capacity.

Best Prime Day Deals With Lithium Batteries

The best gardening deals aren't necessarily the products with the biggest discounts – they're the ones that have earned a permanent place in gardeners' sheds, greenhouses, and backyards. That's why we've rounded up the Amazon Prime Day gardening deals on products our Gardening Know How experts genuinely use, trust, and recommend.

As a team of passionate gardeners, we're constantly testing new tools, planters, grow lights, and outdoor accessories. While plenty of products pass through our hands each year, only a handful prove themselves season after season. These are the items we reach for time and again because they've made a real difference in our own gardens.

This Prime Day, many of our tried-and-tested favorites are on sale. From Senior Editor Liz's prized raised beds, to indoor gardening pro Tyler's favorite grow lights to the hori hori knife several members of our team swear by, these are the gardening products we'd happily buy ourselves again – now available for less.

Everyday Essentials

Little Helpers

Grow More

Indoor Gardening

Wildlife Helpers

Better Soil Essentials

Maintaining your yard will be easier than ever with one of the best string trimmers. Designed to trim the long grass and weeds at the edge of your patio, fence, or sidewalks, these handy tools provide an easy way to tidy your yard without worrying about back pain or chemical damage.

There are three main types of string trimmers: gas-powered, corded electric, and battery-powered. While gas-powered models are the most powerful, they are also the most expensive. Battery-powered models offer you the freedom to trim without a nearby power socket, although they have a limited runtime. Meanwhile, corded electric models often strike a good balance between power and expense, although they’re best kept for small or medium-sized yards.

Armed with the right string trimmer you’re all set for a tidy yard. Just remember that it’s best to leave the larger patches of grass to the best gas lawn mowers or the best electric lawn mowers, which our team of experts have also reviewed.

The Quick List

Below, we’ve provided an overview of the important details you need to know about each product immediately so you can buy quickly if you're in a hurry. If something catches your eye, use the links to delve deeper into the analysis provided for each product further down the page.

The Best String Trimmers We Recommend in 2026

Gardening Know How is on a mission to review everything we feature in our buyer's guides. Still, while we work hard to make this a reality, some of our guides still feature rankings based on our team's considerable expertise and research.

While we haven't been able to test all of the units in this guide in person, we've honed in on top-rated brands and used our knowledge of the best features to help you make the right decision for your garden, all for the best price.

The Best String Trimmer Overall

Buy It If...

✅ You’re cutting mainly grass and soft weeds: With a 20V battery and a 12-inch cut, the BLACK+DECKER LSTE525 is best at trimming and edging small and medium-sized lawns with grass and soft weeds.
✅ You want to go cordless: You won’t have to worry about finding a power source close to the door or tripping over the power cord, as this battery-powered can be moved freely around your yard.
✅ You’re looking for convenience: The LSTE525 is lightweight and easy to use. The adaptable design has two speeds and heights, making it good for various tasks.

Don't Buy It If...

❌ You have a large lawn: The LSTE525 is best suited to small and medium-sized yard work due to its limited runtime and smaller cutting width.
❌ You don’t like time restraints: It took our expert, Pete, four hours to fully charge the 2.0Ah lithium-ion battery. If you’re busy tending to yard tasks and your battery runs out, you’ll have a significant wait before you can resume activities.
❌ You want to cut thick weeds: A heavy-duty line is ideal for cutting through thick weeds. However, the BLACK+DECKER LSTE525 doesn’t offer this feature, meaning you’ll have to get another tool for thick weed maintenance.

The Bottom Line

🔎 The BLACK+DECKER LSTE525 easily ranks as the best string timer overall, with its intuitive yet powerful cordless design. It has two heights, speed settings, and an auxiliary handle, making it a versatile tool for trimming and edging small to medium-sized lawns ★★★★

In our thorough testing, the BLACK+DECKER LSTE525 consistently came out on top. It's powerful at cutting grass and soft weeds while being user-friendly.

Design: One of our trusted garden experts, Pete Wise, tested the BLACK+DECKER LSTE525. He found it lightweight, intuitive, and easy to store and maintain. With two speeds and two orientations, it's easy to adapt to the task at hand. The auxiliary handle and edging wheel are also useful when cutting grass horizontally.

Despite the cordless design, Pete found the 18V lithium-ion battery took four hours to charge. He also pointed out a couple of design limitations. Firstly, it doesn't have a heavy-duty line (HDL) to cut thick weeds, so it's best for trimming grass and soft weeds only. In addition, a larger 18V BLACK+DECKER battery can be purchased separately (it's included if you're in the US).

Performance: Weighing just 8.8 lbs, the BLACK+DECKER LSTE525's compact cutting head made it easy to reach hard-to-reach parts of the yard. The handle and trigger were soft, if a little rubbery.

Pete cut 5 x 5 meters in just a few minutes, even though the 12-inch cutting width isn't ideal (other models have 16+ inches). There was no excessive noise, similar to traffic noise, and it cut most weeds pretty easily unless they were thick, but it worked best on large areas of long grass. The trimmer's guard kept it looking neat.

The Best String Trimmer on a Budget

Buy It If...

✅ You’re on a budget: The BLACK+DECKER GH3000 can be added to your tool shed for less than $100, a very attractive price for a good set of basic features.
✅ You want an adaptable tool: The GH3000 is good at various tasks, including trimming horizontally or vertically, as it has an adjustable auxiliary handle and an adjustable shaft for trimming and edging.
✅ You have tough weeds to cut: The model has a standard trimming line for cutting grass, but if you’re dealing with tougher weeds, you can easily switch to the HDL to get a more powerful cut.

Don't Buy It If...

❌ You have a large yard: The GH300 has a 10-metre electrical cord, so you won’t be able to reach the far corners in a large yard.
❌ You’re looking for the best of the best: Aside from an HDL line, this BLACK+DECKER string trimmer has basic features. If you’re trying to get the best, you may want to pay a little extra for a more premium product.
❌ You’re worried about tripping over the cord: Although the cord is bright orange, accidents still happen. Make sure that the cord is kept well out of your path, and if you’re still concerned, buy a cordless string trimmer.

The Bottom Line

🔎 The BLACK+DECKER GH3000 costs less than $100. It’s well-made and comes with all the basic features, including an adjustable telescopic pole and a heavy-duty line for cutting through tougher weeds and vines ★★★★

If you're looking for a string trimmer that's affordable, check out the BLACK+DECKER GH3000. It can handle a medium-sized lawn for just $99 and has two trimming lines: a regular line and a heavy-duty line for tougher tasks.

Design: Our expert, Pete Wise, tested the GH3000. As with any corded product, you'll need a power source nearby since the powerful 700-watt motor runs on electricity. The bright orange power cable helps prevent accidents, but since it has just a 10-metre cord and a 14-inch cutting path, it's good for smaller lawns.

A simple clasp mechanism lets our expert trim high and low using the telescoping shaft's angle and length.

Performance: Setting up the string trimmer took Pete about 15-30 minutes. After that, he cut a patch of weeds, using the guard to guide him. Pete found that the standard spool and line work great for regular lawn trimming. The HDL cap came in handy when he wanted to cut weeds (four HDL line attachments are included, but you might need extras because they wear out fast).

It rotates at 7,000 RPM, so it's pretty powerful, even though there's just one speed. Ultimately, he had trimmed a neat, tidy edge around his yard and used the HDL attachments to trim weeds around a patch of daisies. He found the tool quiet, recording 89 dB, the same as a blender.

The Best Gas-Powered String Trimmer

Buy It If...

✅ You want a professional-grade string trimmer: This is one of the very few string trimmers that our experts consider to be professional grade, so it’s more than capable of handling any home task.
✅ You don’t want to run out of battery: Unlike battery-powered models, the Troy-Bilt TB25CB Curved Shaft String Trimmer is powered by gas. As long as you have the correct gas supply, you can keep using the tool until you have finished the task.
✅ You want to cut thick weeds and vines: With a powerful 25 cc, 2-cycle engine, this string trimmer is cut out for heavy-duty tasks, even when it concerns heather and vines.

Don't Buy It If...

❌ You don’t like noise: The Troy-Bilt TB25CB can get quite noisy during use. You may need a good pair of noise-canceling headphones or earplugs.
❌ You’re only trimming grass: If you only need a simple tool to cut through long grass or trim the edges of your lawn, it’ll cost you less to get a quieter, less powerful electric string trimmer.
❌ You don’t like the smell of gas: When using any gas-powered string trimmer, you can expect some exhaust fumes. However, the odor quickly dissipates when the machine is powered off.

The Bottom Line

🔎 The Troy-Bilt TB25CB Curved Shaft String Trimmer is a powerful gas-powered string trimmer that easily slices through long grass, vines, weeds, and heather. With a 16-inch cut, a curved shaft, and a 25cc, 2-cycle engine, it’s a steal for under $150 ★★★★

Generally, gas-powered string trimmers are more powerful than electric or battery-powered string trimmers. While Troy-Bilt's TB25CB curved shaft string trimmer is a bit loud, its professional-grade system handled every challenge we threw at it.

Design: It's lightweight, has a curved shaft that reaches tight spaces, and has a powerful 25cc, 2-cycle engine in a small case at the top. Our expert, Mike Larson, tested the Troy-Bilt TB25CB. I liked the ergonomic handles and minimal vibrations. It weighs just 13 pounds, so it's super light.

With a generous 16-inch cutting path and dual line bump head, you don't have to worry about batteries or cords, so you can focus on what you're doing. Mike says the engine needs a mix of oil and gas to prepare.

Performance: Besides trimming grass, heather, weeds, and vines on chain link fences, Mike found the string trimmer good. If he had to pick one downfall, it would be the noise level. A noise-blocking headset can't fix anything, and he could smell gas burning, as you would expect with a gas-powered tool. Once the engine was turned off, the odor quickly dissipated.

The trimmer needs maintenance, mostly cleaning it with a hose, preparing the right gas, and storing it upright to prevent fuel leaks.

The Best String Trimmer for Limited Storage Space

Buy It If...

✅ You have limited storage space: The ENHULK 58V 16” String Trimmer easily fits into a small shed, as the shaft folds in half.
✅ You want something lightweight: This string trimmer weighs just under 10 lbs, making it incredibly easy to move around your yard and a breeze to store on a top shelf.
✅ You want a variety of trimming speeds: This model has three different speed settings, including the standard mode, a turbo mode to target thicker weeds, and an eco mode for light grass. The latter helps conserve energy.

Don't Buy It If...

❌ You’re on a budget: Costing over $250, the ENHULK 58V 16” String Trimmer is expensive for a battery-powered string trimmer, although the 58V battery is fairly generous.
❌ You want to trim for more than 45 minutes: The battery lasts around 45 minutes when placed on the eco speed setting, which means that if you have a job that takes longer than this, you’ll have to twiddle your thumbs while it recharges.
❌ You are short: The shaft is over 5.5 feet long, so it might be difficult to hold and handle if you're short. For optimum comfort, look for a product with a shorter shaft.

The Bottom Line

🔎 The ENHULK 58V 16” String Trimmer has a foldable shaft, so when you're done trimming, you can fold it in half and tuck it out of sight. With three different speed settings and a weight of just 9.8 lbs, it’s very easy to use too ★★★★

In addition to being lightweight, the ENHULK 58V 16" String Trimmer also features a foldable shaft, which makes it perfect for tight storage spaces. Weighing just under 10 lbs, it also features three speeds.

Design: Our gardening expert, Alex Temblador, tested the ENHULK 58V 16" String Trimmer in her half-acre yard. The battery was surprising. However, the most impressive feature is the foldable shaft, which makes storage super easy. Besides locking the shaft into place with a screw lever and attaching the handle, it came pretty much assembled.

Overall, she found the design pretty simple. The 58V battery fits neatly on the back of the trimmer. There's a trigger and safety lever, so it's pretty family-friendly. Switching between eco, high, and turbo modes with the control panel is easy. You might have difficulty handling it if you're short because it's over 5.5 feet long.

Performance: The ENHULK 58V string trimmer was easy to use, cutting through thick grass and weeds. Because it's so lightweight, it's easy on her arms. The turbo mode helped her cut through thick vines without getting louder than 72 dB. On thin grass, the eco mode worked well.

It lasted about 30 to 40 minutes at a time, which isn't that great. Even though the double string line was sturdy, Alex found that the handle moved a little when she trimmed it, which can be annoying if you're new to using these things. The tool requires little maintenance for beginners besides cleaning the grass and adding extra string.

The Best String Trimmer for Cutting Width

Buy It If...

✅ You want a model that’s easy to set up. Our reviewer had the DeWALT 60V MAX set up in no time. The simple cordless model has only a few different parts, including the shaft, attachments, handle, guard, and battery.
✅ You have no time to waste: The string trimmer is quick to set up and doesn’t need to be plugged into an electric socket. Switching between the brush cutter and string trimmer attachments takes seconds.
✅ You don’t want to be held back by a cord: Many corded models restrict how far you can reach into the yard, so if you have a bigger yard, this model will help you reach harder-to-reach corners.

Don't Buy It If...

❌ You don’t want the hassle of charging batteries: If you plan a long yard maintenance day, you must factor in breaks to charge the battery.
❌ You need to cut a brush over an inch thick: Our expert found this product worked best on a brush under an inch in width. Anything over 1.25 inches was too thick for the brush cutter attachment.
❌ You want the attachments to feel secure: During testing, we found that the brush cutter attachment spun in the shaft when attempting heavy-duty tasks.

The Bottom Line

🔎 The DeWALT 60V MAX 17in Brushless Attachment Capable String Trimmer Kit and Brush Cutter Attachment is just the tool for heavy-duty yard tasks, with a brush cutter attachment that can slice through brush that's under an inch in width. As a cordless electric model, it’s also suitable for edging larger yards ★★★★

There's nothing better than the DeWALT 60V MAX 17in Brushless Attachment String Trimmer Kit and Brush Cutter Attachment for heavy-duty use. It's powerful enough to cut through a brush over an inch thick but still lighter than most gas string trimmers.

Design: Using the string trimmer on her half-acre property, Dallas-based garden expert Alex Temblador was impressed with its lightweight. Even though it's heavy for an electric model, it's lighter than most gas-powered models, so it's easy to carry. An eight-inch brush cutter blade and a bump head make it easy to work with thick vegetation. It has a 60V battery that lasts for a long time.

Performance: She found the product easy to assemble and could switch between the string trimmer and brush cutter attachments in just a few seconds. However, the brush cutter attachment has a bit of an issue. It spun into a different position a few times when she tried to cut a branch over one inch thick, which could be a safety hazard.

She found the string trimmer attachment worked well when cutting through thick weeds, tall grass and small vines, even if it threw pebbles around at full throttle. It wasn't powerful enough to cut small growths at the bottom of trees. The brush cutter attachment was more powerful and cut small trees up to 1.25 inches in diameter, shrubs, and thick vines with thorns.

The Best String Trimmer for Battery Life

Buy It If...

✅ You don't like cords: While gas-powered string trimmers may be more powerful, the cord can restrict how far you can move around your yard. With the Sun Joe 24V-ST14, you’re free from any cord limitations.
✅ You want plenty of battery life: This string trimmer lasted an impressive one hour and 26 minutes without a break.
✅ You want flexible trimming techniques: The model has an adjustable telescopic pole and a head, which allows you to attack grass and weeds from several different angles.

Don't Buy It If...

❌ You want to trim brush and tall weeds: This model doesn't have a heavy-duty line; it only has 250 watts of power, so it’s not cut out for trimming tall weeds or thicker brush.
❌ You’re on a budget: Many comparable models can be found for under $100, whereas the Sun Joe 24V-ST14 will set you back by nearly $159.
❌ You don’t like fiddly accessories: Because the wheels and flower guard limit how low to the ground you can get, you may need to remove them. The Sun Joe 24V-ST14 can also be a bit fiddly to put together.

The Bottom Line

🔎 The Sun Joe 24V-ST14 Cordless String Trimmer runs nonstop for an hour and 26 minutes, making it a brilliant addition to your toolshed to attack long grass and soft weeds at the far end of your yard. While it’s not as powerful as some corded models, it’s useful for light yard work and comes with an adjustable pole and head ★★★★

Jonathan Knoder, one of our gardening experts, found the Sun Joe 24V-ST14 Cordless String Trimmer to be the best string trimmer for battery life.

Design: Our expert, Jonathan, was happy to find the telescopic pole and rotating head. These features allow you to change the weight distribution and length of the pole. The wheel edger is also great for large yards since you can roll it along sidewalks, and it only weighs 9 lbs.

To start the machine, you have to press a safety button.

Performance: Other customers said they had trouble attaching the handle during set-up. The wheels prevented him from getting low enough to the grass when he tried to edge the yard, so he had to remove them, along with the metal flower guard, which was also getting in the way.

Once they were removed, he had more precision and control. He just pressed a tab to rotate the head and picked the angle he wanted, which was useful for trimming between two things. The motor isn't as powerful as a corded trimmer so that it couldn't cut through thicker weeds or brush.

The best part about this is the 24V lithium-ion battery, which you can check during use. It took an hour and 46 minutes to charge, and it ran for an impressive hour and 26 minutes at full speed, which is way more than some of the other battery-powered string trimmers we tested.

Read more: Sun Joe 24V-ST14 Cordless String Trimmer review

How to Choose the Best String Trimmer for You

If you have decided that a string trimmer is for you, it is time to figure out how to choose a string trimmer that is the perfect one to match your needs. Knowing whether you want a corded or battery-powered string trimmer is important.

If you have a large yard, we recommend a battery-powered weed eater, as it gives you complete freedom of movement while getting the job done. Battery-powered weed eaters can cost more, so if your yard is smaller or full of tough weeds, we recommend a corded machine to get the job done.

Size is another factor to consider when buying a new electric string trimmer. If you have a lot of weeds to remove and a lot of ground to cover, a string trimmer with a large head is ideal – the larger the head, the more time you have to spend on other tasks.

The speed of the head is also important, the higher the RPM (revolutions per minute) the faster the head spins, giving a more powerful cut. Some faster models may be limited by the thickness and strength of their plastic cords. However, if necessary, you can often change the cord to a thicker one. Some models will also let you remove the cord and add a bladed cutter, which can tackle thick brush rather than regular weeds, but this is often for professional use.

If you have your heart set on a corded model, we always recommend going for the longest cable possible. You can opt for a shorter cable, but it would be wise to buy an extension cord in case you need the extra range. With battery models, you may need a larger battery if you have a big yard to tend to – you can also buy extra batteries and swap them out as you cut.

String Trimmer FAQs

The best gas lawn mowers will make light work of even the most extensive lawns. They also have serious power and stamina, enabling them to tame lawns that lesser mowers simply can't handle. Not only that, but these types of lawn mowers don't have the range issues of battery mowers, and unlike corded mowers, there's no cable to watch out for either. Cutting the grass becomes a pleasure rather than a chore with the best mower at the best price.

In this guide, you'll find the best gas-powered lawn mower suitable for your yard. While we have used a variety of gas mowers in our time, we haven't been able to test every model in this guide in person. Instead, we have honed in on top-rated brands and used our knowledge to refine our list.

Whether you're looking for a gas mower on a budget or want the absolute peak of petrol-powered perfection to make lawn care a breeze, you'll find them here – and we've got all the key information about each one, including cutting widths, weight, stripe options, self-drive, and even how much storage space they need.

The Quick List

Below, we’ve provided an overview of the important details you need to know about each product immediately, so you can buy quickly if you're in a hurry. If something catches your eye, use the links to delve deeper into the analysis provided for each product further down the page.

The Best Gas Lawn Mowers We Recommend in 2026

Gardening Know How is on a mission to review everything we feature in our buyer's guides. Still, while we work hard to make this a reality, some of our guides still feature rankings based on our team's considerable expertise and research.

While we haven't been able to test all of the units in this guide in person, we've honed in on top-rated brands and used our knowledge of the best features to help you make the right decision for your garden, all for the best price.

The Best Gas Lawn Mower Overall

Our review of the Troy-Bilt XP 21 in. 163cc 3-in-1 RWD Self-Propelled gas lawn mower found it to be perfect for small-to-medium yards. Its no-choke start system and self-propel feature make mowing effortless. Mulching and bagging are also easy.

Setup: The lawn mower was pretty easy to set up. It arrived mostly assembled, so our reviewer just had to attach the handle and choose the discharge chute. Adjusting the handle and adding oil and gas was easy, but it was hard to adjust the back wheels because the lever mechanism was hard.

In the first test, they added the side discharge chute to the deck (and left the plug in the back) since they mulch their grass.

Design: This Troy-Bilt lawn mower features a 21-inch deck and is perfect for small to medium yards. Its rear-wheel drive gives it better traction on slopes. The 163cc Briggs & Stratton engine starts easily thanks to ReadyStart technology, so you don't need a choke. There are six-deck positions for cutting heights between 1.25 and 3.75 inches. It has an adjustable handle, and you have to hold the blade control down to start and keep it running.

The self-propelled machine has dual levers for speed, a 2.3-bushel grass bag, and a side discharge chute.

Performance: Our reviewer loved that this lawn mower starts easily and the self-propelled feature makes it manageable despite its weight. The mower handles slopes well and prevents slipping. However, the lever makes lifting it hard. They mostly used the side discharge chute or mulched the clippings, both of which worked great. They tried mulching leaves, which shrunk them well. After attaching the grass bag, it worked well.

The Best Budget Gas Lawn Mower

The PowerSmart EasyGlide 21-Inch Gas Lawn Mower is a budget-friendly mower designed to keep small lawns looking neat without unnecessary complexity. Its lightweight design and folding handle make it easy to maneuver, transport, and store, making it a practical choice for homeowners with limited storage space.

There's been a lot of positive feedback on the PowerSmart EasyGlide, with many users praising its straightforward setup, reliable pull-start engine, and ease of use. Despite its affordable price, the mower delivers dependable performance for routine lawn care, making it a popular option for homeowners with smaller yards.

When it comes to features, the EasyGlide offers more versatility than many entry-level gas mowers. It supports mulching, rear bagging, and side discharge, allowing users to choose the mowing method that best suits their lawn. It also features a six-position cutting height adjustment system with a range of 1.5 to 3.9 inches, making it easy to adapt to different grass lengths and conditions.

Performance is best suited to flat lawns up to a quarter acre. The 144cc OHV engine provides reliable cutting power, while the mower's lightweight construction helps it navigate around flowerbeds, trees, and other obstacles. Assembly is simple, and most users report being able to get the mower up and running quickly. While it lacks premium features such as self-propelled drive, it remains a capable and affordable option for routine lawn maintenance.

Based on customer reviews, the PowerSmart EasyGlide has earned a 4.4 out of 5-star rating on Amazon. Owners frequently highlight its value for money, easy starting, and maneuverability. However, some reviewers feel the build quality is less robust than that of premium brands, and a number of customers who experienced issues with their mower reported dissatisfaction with the manufacturer's customer support.

The Best Gas Lawn Mower for Large Yards

The Toro TimeMaster 21219 might be a great option if you're looking for a powerful lawn mower that saves you time and effort. With a Briggs & Stratton engine, this self-propelled mower can handle even tough lawns. With the self-propelled system and Traction Assist feature, you can tackle larger lawns more easily and comfortably.

Despite its many benefits, the Toro TimeMaster 21219 is expensive, even with special offers. It's not affordable for everyone, but if you value your time and want a well-maintained lawn, you might want it.

This mower has a Dual-Force Cutting System, Atomic blades, a two-point height-of-cut adjustment, a Quick Stow handle, a washout port, and a Spin-Stop Blade Stop System. With the Personal Pace with Traction Assist, you'll always have control, even on challenging terrain. Plus, it has a three-year warranty and a guaranteed-to-start warranty.

The Toro TimeMaster 21219 has a powerful Briggs & Stratton 223cc OHV engine that delivers great performance. The 30-inch deck allows you to cut efficiently and cover more ground, and Traction Assist and Personal Pace make it easy to maneuver. It's perfect for residential use, especially for yards ranging from half an acre to a full acre in size. If you have a larger yard or need to mow frequently, you might want to check out commercial-grade mowers.

There are many positive reviews for the Toro TimeMaster 21219, with many praising its time-saving features. Some users have complained about fuel consumption, clogging, and occasional problems. Many customers are happy with the machine's performance and features and have given it positive feedback regarding its professional cut and speed.

The Best Mid-Range Gas Lawn Mower

Despite lacking some of the fancy features of more expensive models, the Toro Recycler 21-Inch Self-Propelled Gas Lawn Mower is a reliable and affordable mower. With a 140cc Briggs & Stratton engine, it can bag, mulch, and side discharge. Thanks to its self-propelled rear-wheel-drive system, it's easy to maneuver and well suited to small- to medium-sized lawns.

Toro Recycler has earned a strong reputation for dependable performance. The 140cc Briggs & Stratton engine provides reliable power, while the self-propelled drive system helps reduce effort when mowing. The mower features a two-point height-of-cut adjustment, a durable steel deck, and a handle that folds down for easier storage. A washout port makes cleaning the deck after use straightforward.

The Toro Recycler uses a pull-start system but is designed for easy starting and dependable operation. Thanks to its reliable engine, most users report that it starts quickly and performs consistently throughout the mowing season. While some components may not feel as premium as those found on more expensive models, the mower's ease of use and practical design make it a popular choice.

Customer reviews for the Toro Recycler are generally very positive, with many owners praising its cutting performance, self-propelled drive system, and ease of use. Users frequently highlight its value for money and dependable operation, while some note that premium models offer more advanced features. Overall, it remains a popular option for homeowners looking for a capable and affordable gas lawn mower.

The Best Gas Riding Lawn Mower

It's hard to beat the Cub Cadet Ultima Z2 50 when it comes to riding lawnmowers. This bright yellow, 50-inch-deck model with two bright LED front headlights illuminates your path even in low light. The back tires are chunky, so it's easy to maneuver in a variety of weather conditions.

The Cub Cadet Ultima Z2 50 is the best gas lawn mower for those with more than two acres and a generous budget.

Featuring dual hydrostatic transmissions, this Cub Cadet model is designed to offer a smooth riding experience with 7.5 MPH forward and 3.5 MPH reverse zero-turn controlled ground speeds. With adjustable lap bars and ergonomic hand grips, you can operate this machine with ease. You can adjust the deck height with a foot-operated lift and dial knob from 1 to 4.5 inches.

Thanks to the high-back 18-inch seat with suspension, you'll be comfortable during long mowing sessions. With its minimal assembly requirements, the Cub Cadet Ultima Z2 50 comes fully crated, so you can get started right away. This model has a 3.5-gallon fuel tank, so you can mow for a long time.

The Cub Cadet Ultima Z2 50 has a 4.4-star rating on Home Depot, and 82% of verified customers would recommend it. Users have expressed their satisfaction with the machine's ability to mow larger areas, especially in taller grass, faster than smaller push mowers. There were some complaints about tires losing air too fast, but it wasn't an everyday occurrence. They also praised the smooth, comfortable ride quality.

How to Choose the Best Gas Lawn Mower for Your Yard

When choosing the best gas lawn mower, you'll need to consider several criteria:

• Engine power: Often, the engine size of a mower directly impacts the cutting power. That's the most crucial consideration for many. If you're looking for a self-propelled model to help you, you'll want one with a powerful engine. To give you an idea, anything over 160cc will get you the power you want.
• Self-propulsion: Gas lawnmowers have built-in self-propulsion technology, so you don't have to push all that hard to get your lawn mowed. You'll have a less strenuous mowing experience with self-propulsion, but you won't be able to eliminate pushing completely.
• Mulching: You can buy mowers that mulch, bag, and side discharge all at once, so you'll deal with your grass cuttings as you go. Many lawns benefit from mulching, so consider it if that's your thing.
• Blade width: Your mower's blade width tells you how many passes it takes to mow your lawn, which means the blade you need depends on your yard's size. It's cheaper to push your mower around if it has a wider blade, but if you have a small yard, it might not make much sense to size up.
• Noise level: Gas mowers aren't the quietest, but you can reduce noise by choosing a smaller engine for your backyard so you don't annoy your neighbors.
• Cutting height and positions: Low-cost models require you to manually adjust the cutting position with a screwdriver so you can get specific with how tall your grass is.

How Does a Gas Lawn Mower Work?

A gas lawn mower uses a small internal combustion engine that powers the cutting blades and drives the mower forward. The process begins when fuel, typically unleaded gasoline, is mixed with air in the engine's carburetor. In the engine, this mixture is compressed by the pistons in the cylinders. A spark plug ignites it when you start it, pushing the piston down.

This movement turns the crankshaft connected to the mower's blades. Usually, gas mowers come with a self-propulsion system, so you don't have to push them to move forward. The blades rotate at high speeds, cutting the grass across the lawn.

This is accomplished through a drive belt connected to the rear wheels, engaged when the operator pulls a lever or presses a button. Gas lawnmowers also feature various cutting height adjustments so that you can set the blades at different heights depending on the type of grass and the look of your lawn.

Depending on the mower's deck design, clippings can either go into a bag for collection or back on the lawn as mulch, which can provide nutrients to the soil. For optimal performance, you have to take care of it. Checking and changing your oil, cleaning the air filter, and ensuring your fuel is fresh can prevent engine problems. Using fuel stabilizers can keep the gasoline from going stale over time, which can cause engine damage.

How Is a Gas Lawn Mower Better Than an Electric One?

Gas mowers are generally more powerful than electric models, so they're better at handling thick grass, uneven terrain, or large lawns. They also usually cost less than high-quality battery-powered electric mowers. Unlike electric mowers, which have limited battery life or power cords, gas mowers can run as long as fuel. This means they're perfect for larger yards or long periods of time.

With proper maintenance, gas mowers can handle tougher conditions, while electric mowers rely on batteries that run out. Gas mowers also don't require charging or access to an electrical outlet, so they're better for remote areas or properties without easy access to power.

What Type of Gas Should I Use in My Gas Lawn Mower?

A gas lawn mower usually runs on regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87. This fuel works fine for most small engines. It's best to use ethanol-free gasoline or fuel with the lowest ethanol content if you want to avoid ethanol blends with more than 10% ethanol. E10 can damage your engine and degrade performance over time.

Read your lawn mower's owner's manual for specific fuel requirements. Using the wrong fuel can void your warranty and cost you a lot of money. Most lawnmowers don't benefit much from premium fuel (higher octane), so stick to regular unleaded gas unless your mower says otherwise. If available, ethanol-free gas can help minimize issues caused by ethanol, like corrosion and fuel line clogging.

Does a Gas Lawn Mower Work Well on Uneven or Hilly Ground?

Electric or manual mowers might have trouble on sloped or uneven landscapes, so gas-powered mowers are ideal for them. The rear wheels on many gas mowers designed for such conditions make them more maneuverable and stable, so they glide over bumps and dips more easily.

Especially good for hilly terrain, self-propelled gas mowers don't require much effort to push them uphill, so it's easier and less tiring to push them. The durable construction and robust engines of these mowers allow them to withstand tough terrain conditions, like rocks or uneven surfaces.

Gas mowers are also great for maintaining sloped lawns. They come with hydrostatic transmissions or other advanced features that make them more efficient and controllable on steep slopes.

However, gas mowers are usually heavier than electric models, which can make it harder to maneuver on steep inclines if self-propulsion isn't available.

How Much Does a Gas Lawn Mower Cost?

In general, entry-level gas mowers cost $200-350. They usually have smaller cutting decks (around 20 inches) and less advanced features. These mowers are ideal for small to medium-sized lawns and are designed for homeowners who don't need many extras. Troy-Bilt and Craftsman are good brands in this price range.

Mid-range gas mowers often cost between $350 and $700 and come with features like self-propulsion systems, adjustable cutting heights, and bigger cutting decks. Honda and Toro provide a variety of mowers that fall into this category and are good for medium to large lawns.

A high-end gas lawn mower can cost $700 or more. These models often have bigger cutting decks (over 22 inches), advanced features like electric start, variable speeds, and robust engine performance. Brands like Cub Cadet and STIHL are known for their premium offerings, which are designed for larger properties.

Regular maintenance can add to the overall cost of ownership, but it's essential for optimal performance and longevity of a gas lawn mower.

How Long Do Gas Lawn Mowers Last?

It's better to buy a mower from a reputable brand than one that's cheap. Typically, a well-maintained residential mower lasts 1000 to 1,500 hours, whereas a commercial mower lasts 2,000 to 2,500 hours. On the other hand, lower-end residential mowers may only last 450 to 500 hours.

Mower lifespan also depends on how much you use it. If you use a mower just a couple of times a week during the growing season, it usually lasts longer than one used often. If you use a mower for 35 cuts a year, it won't wear out as much compared to one mowed more often.

Gas lawn mowers need proper maintenance to last a long time. Changing the oil, cleaning the air filters, and making sure the spark plugs are in good shape can prevent many common problems that lead to premature failure. You can also prevent engine problems caused by stale fuel by using high-quality fuel and adding fuel stabilizers.

Store your mower in a dry, sheltered place to prevent rust and damage from the elements. At the end of the season, run it dry of fuel to prevent fuel-related issues.

When Is the Best Time To Buy a Gas Lawn Mower?

Late summer or early fall is the best time to find a lawn mower deal. Retailers often clear out inventory to make room for winter products, so lawn mowers get a lot of discounts. It's a great time to shop for high-quality models at a great price, and many stores are holding clearance sales on older models, making it a great time for budget-conscious shoppers.

During holiday sales, like Memorial Day, Labor Day, or Fourth of July, retailers often offer discounts on lawn equipment, so you'll get a good deal. Many retailers offer promotional pricing to attract customers around these holidays, so watch for advertisements and online deals.

Many manufacturers release new models in the spring, around March or April. As new models arrive, older models may see price drops, allowing you to buy a reliable mower at a great price. Buyers who don't care about having the latest features will love it.

Last but not least, if you live in a region where the growing season lasts longer, you might want to buy a mower earlier so you can take advantage of the entire season.

I have a shocking admission: I’d never used a soil test until 2 weeks ago. For both my pollinator and raised bed vegetable gardens, I have always just applied some compost and mulch and hoped for the best. That system worked out fine until last year. My veggies just didn’t thrive the way they had in previous years.

This year, I vowed to get to the root of the problem (pun intended). Testing your soil is a simple way to find out what is going on and I had no idea how depleted my veggie garden soil was until this experiment. I have been reading rave reviews of the MySoil test kit, available on Amazon, for the last year, so I decided to put the test … to the test.

Keep reading to see the benefits of using the MySoil test kit, how it has helped me to fix my soil and how it could help yours.

MySoil Soil Test Kit

The MySoil soil test kit is super simple to use and yields a high-quality, laboratory evaluation of your soil. It is a mail-in test kit that comes with a prepaid shipping label so all you have to do is register your kit on their website, take a soil sample, put it in the provided container, and drop it in the mailbox.

Your results will appear in your profile on the MySoil website or mobile app within about a week of mailing it to the lab. Tracking is also included so you can see your soil test in transit. The MySoil website and app are both very user-friendly and show you your growing zone and ornamental plants, grasses, herbs, and vegetables that will grow best there.

The dashboard shows the average soil temperatures for your region which is very helpful in the spring when soil temperature makes a huge difference in determining planting dates. The website also contains detailed guides on a variety of complex gardening topics and a video tutorial for using your test kit and interpreting the results.

How to Use the MySoil Kit

1. The first step is to register your test kit on the MySoil website or mobile app by entering the unique kit code or scanning the QR code on the instructions page. If you don’t register it, you won’t be able to see your results so don’t forget!
2. Collect soil from 5 locations in your garden or yard and place them in the MySoil kit box or a bowl. Make sure to take samples of soil from the surface and various other depths down to 6-inches. I used my favorite soil knife to dig out samples. If you want to get fancy, you could use a soil probe like this one from Amazon.
3. Mix the collected soil together and remove any rocks or plant material.
4. Use the provided scooper to take a full, level scoop of the mixed soil and place in the soil sample jar. This jar has a nutrient-absorbing capsule suspended in deionized water – don’t dump this out!
5. Tightly seal the lid on the sample jar, place it in the prepaid bubble mailer, and drop it in the mail within 24 hours of taking the sample.

Once the postal service picks up your sample, you will receive tracking information and your soil results will be emailed to you within 6-8 days! Your results will also include recommendations for soil amendments including fertilizers and micronutrient additions.

Benefits of a High-Quality Test

A simple dipstick-style soil test is easy to use but won’t yield high-quality results. I love that the MySoil soil test kit gives a full panel of macronutrients and micronutrients from a lab so you know exactly what is going on under your mulch.

My test results showed that my vegetable garden is sorely lacking in Nitrogen, Potassium and Sulfur. It also had strangely high Magnesium, Phosphorous and Calcium levels. I had no idea. The easy-to-read results categorized the nutrients into “low, optimal, or high,” in addition to giving detailed data and what the optimal range is. When setting up a MySoil account, you select what type of garden you are testing, so when I selected “vegetable beds,” it gave me an accurate assessment based on that information.

The MySoil test results also give you a recommendation for fertilizer and amendments to improve your soil health. You can purchase an organic or inorganic fertilizer through the app, or take this information with you when you go to your favorite local garden center to pick out a fertilizer.

Knowing what your soil is lacking can help you to fertilize more effectively and sustainably. Not understanding what your garden needs can lead to overfertilization or the use of products that can harm the environment. Promoting responsible fertilizer management is the mission of the MySoil team and is a good goal for all home gardeners, too.

Features of the MySoil Ecosystem

In addition to providing clear, detailed information about your soil’s health, the MySoil website and mobile app is really great to work with. When you register your soil test kit, you enter your zip code which allows the MySoil ecosystem to tailor everything to your garden.

When you log in, you will see your dashboard which shows test reports, USDA growing zone, the current soil temperature in your area, and your turfgrass zone. Clicking on your growing zone takes you to more information about gardening in that zone and plant recommendations. And I really love the soil temperature tracking which is going to come in handy next spring when I am questioning when to plant out my seedlings!

At the bottom of the dashboard, you can select your registered soil samples, a calendar, a map feature, and shopping. You can compare your different soil test results if you have taken multiple over the course of the months or years. And the calendar helps you to track when you planted, fertilized, or amended your soil or lawn.

The map feature allows you to measure and track your growing areas which is nice, but slightly flawed. My raised bed vegetable garden is partially obscured by my old silver maple tree on the satellite image, so it’s not quite accurate. However, it’s close enough!

In addition to your test results, fertilizer recommendations, and other handy features, the MySoil website and app have many comprehensive guides on various gardening and soil topics.

Overall, it is a very nice tech ecosystem to work with and you get a lot of value for the purchase of just one soil test kit.

The MySoil soil test kit and associated website really gives you a clear picture of your soil health and empowers you to make necessary changes. High-quality lab test results take all the guesswork out of soil amending and help you get the most out of your garden. I am so happy I tried this test, and I have already ordered my fertilizer to fix my veggie bed. I can’t wait to see the improvements. Knowledge really is power!

Underwatering is one of the more common ways a garden falls apart in summer. It usually isn't that the garden is neglected, so much as your watering schedule doesn’t account for how fast things dry out in the summer heat.

Drip irrigation sidesteps the problem by taking the decision out of the equation. Water delivers slowly and directly to the root zone, which is more efficient than overhead watering and does a better job of keeping foliage dry — which cuts down on fungal issues through the hot months.

A good watering system doesn't have to be complicated or expensive to make a real difference. There's a range of systems worth knowing about, from simple container setups to fully automated kits that cover an entire bed.

6 Drip Irrigation Systems Worth Considering

These six options span across different garden situations — container setups, open beds, and full automated kits.

1. For Container Gardens

2. For Garden Beds

3. Smart Timer Included

4. For Raised Beds

5. Drip Tape for Row Crops

6. Gravity-Fed Kit for Off-Grid Use

It happens to the best of us. You get a beautiful new bird feeder, you set it up, and you wait for the wildlife to start flocking. First you get a chickadee, maybe a cardinal. Things are going great. Then a squirrel shows up. Then so do his cousins. And boy oh boy can they eat.

Before you know it, you're flying through bird seed just to keep the local squirrel population fat and happy, and the birds you hoped to feed get shouldered out.

Not all "squirrel proof" bird feeders are created equal. Squirrels are clever, relentless, and surprisingly athletic. Read the reviews of literally any product, and you'll find at least one poor soul who says their squirrels outsmarted it in an afternoon.

But these are the squirrel proof bird feeders that'll give you the best chance, plus some added deterrents for good measure. Give them a try, and get back to attracting birds to your backyard.

The Heavy-Duty Ones

The Fun Ones

The Baffles

If you want a truly squirrel-proof feeder, you can't put it in a tree. They'll just climb or drop straight down to get it. The best place for a feeder is in the middle of an open space, on top of a long pole with a baffle. What's a baffle, you say?

The Bird Seed

Summer is almost here, and many of us are on the hunt for a new lawn mower to prepare our lawns for warmer weather. As you browse the best lawnmowers on the market, you’ll notice many of these machines look similar.

But the Black + Decker BEMW472BH stands out thanks to an innovative steering assembly that promises easier control. On this mower, you steer with upright handles that make navigating awkward areas, such as nearby trees or plant pots, easier.

I was excited to find out how well it measures up against its advertised claims of "precision handling" and "cutting-edge performance." So I opted to put the mower to the test by using it to mow my lawn on multiple occasions. I used the upright handles to navigate obstacles such as plant pots and I also tested various cutting heights to assess the effect on mowing performance.

In keeping with most of the Black + Decker yard care products I've used, the BEMW472BH promises effective performance at a reasonably low price point. It’s important to note that this is a corded electric lawn mower, meaning it runs off household electricity. Let's take a look at how this lawn mower worked in my medium-sized yard.

Black + Decker BEMW472BH: key specs

Price & Availability

One key incentive to choose this Black + Decker lawn mower is price. The BEMW472BH retails for $199 in the United States, but it frequently dips lower during seasonal sales. At the time of writing, the mower is available for that price via Amazon, The Home Depot, Walmart, and the Black + Decker site.

Official replacement blades for the mower are available via Black + Decker and third parties.

Setup

The BEMW472BH arrived in perfect condition and was efficiently packaged in robust cardboard. I was pleased to note that all the materials used to pack the mower were recyclable – except for a few tiny pieces, like the cable tie around the power cable.

Some parts of the mower come flat-packed in the box, so the package is less bulky than it could have been. The mower is relatively lightweight, so two reasonably fit people (or one strong person) should be able to move the box quickly. Just take a moment to get a solid grip around the bottom of the box, as it doesn't have handles.

Setting up the BEMW472BH proved relatively straightforward – although I did encounter a few finicky tasks along the way. Putting together the two halves of the grass collector box was a challenge. Assembling components such as the cable tidies that clip onto the metal bars proved much more manageable. The parts all click together or fasten using the winged screws provided. You don’t need any tools whatsoever to complete assembly.

Overall, I completed the setup (single-handedly) in about 20 minutes, which is fast by my standards! This was thanks partly to the instruction manual, which gives good, clear directions on assembling the mower and using its features in diagram and written form.

Design

Tough, good-quality plastic is used throughout this mower, except for parts of the handle assembly and the mowing blade, which is metallic. At about 38 lbs (17 kg), it’s pretty lightweight for a mid-sized lawn mower – a big win for users who want to minimize the physical strain of lawn mowing.

This is a nicely finished, sporty-looking machine in Black + Decker’s instantly recognizable black, orange, and gray. The design looks quite elongated due to the upright handle assembly used to control the mower. You’ll notice the added length when you push the mower from behind.

The upright steering controls are by far this mower's most unusual and exciting feature. You can use the sporty-looking handle to turn the mower left or right more quickly than a standard bar-style handle.

I found that feature on this ergonomic garden tool quite helpful when steering around plant pots at the edge of the lawn and I expect it could be a bit of a game-changer if you find it challenging to maneuver lawnmowers with regular handles. Admittedly, it takes a little while to get used to this novel lawn mower steering method.

So, those upright handles could prove helpful – especially for users with potential lawn obstacles, such as trees or mid-lawn flower beds. However, the extra length it adds to the mower has one big drawback: it may impair your ease of movement when mowing in tight spaces, such as in front of overhanging tree branches.

This mower does not come with a cover and is not designed to be stored outdoors. However, the low proportion of metal parts could make it relatively rust-resistant. Still, it is always best to store your gardening tools indoors in a space such as a garage or shed.

I recommend folding the mower’s handle assembly for efficient storage. Otherwise, it will take up a needlessly large space.

Performance

Let's cut to the chase. I was pleased with the Black + Decker BEMW472BH mowing performance. Operating at 1,600W, it offered plenty of power to mow the grass efficiently (and also to cut through tough weeds like dandelions – the bane of my lawn and myself).

Given its ample cutting power, you should be able to use this mower to cut lawns up to 1⁄8 acre (or 600 ㎡) in area. The cutting width of the mower’s blade is similarly well suited to medium-sized lawns, at 15 inches (38 cm) wide.

Of course, because the mower is corded, there’s no fear of running out of power mid-mow – and the affordable price point is due in part to that corded design, too. In other respects, the presence of the power cord is a moderate inconvenience. I found that moving the cable safely around the lawn was a chore, and the need to avoid running over it was never far from my mind during testing.

That said, the BEMW472BH does more to help with cable management than some other corded mowers. The bright orange color of the power cable helped me keep it in sight, while the handle-mounted cable clips reduced the risk of entanglement.

Meanwhile, this lawn mower's 12 gallon (45 L) grass collection box gathers grass clippings pretty effectively, although I did notice some cuttings were dropped during testing. You should expect to empty the box at least a couple of times while mowing a medium-sized lawn, which is what I found anyway. Handily, there’s a status indicator that flips open when the box is getting pretty full, so you’ll know when to empty out the clippings.

The mowing height was simple to adjust using the height selection lever on the left-hand side of the mower. Switching between mowing heights created an appreciable difference in cutting, as you would hope. Shorter mowing height settings seemed to produce a more uniform cut than the highest settings did, during my hands-on testing.

Given that this is a corded electric mower (powered by household electricity), you should not use it in wet conditions due to the risk of electrocution.

In terms of noise levels, this powerful mower sits towards the noisier end of the spectrum. My sound meter gauged the noise level of the mower at somewhere between 79 and 81 dB, which is around the same level as a noisy restaurant.

Maintenance

After mowing, it’s a good idea to clean out the mowing deck using a cloth or brush to remove any leftover grass cuttings. Be careful not to touch the cutting blade while you clean.

The lawn mower blade will need to be sharpened (read about how to balance and sharpen lawn mower blades) about once per 25 hours of use to preserve optimal mowing performance. In terms of mower maintenance, that's about all this mower needs since it doesn't have batteries that require charging or gas engine components that need changing from time to time.

User Reviews

Online customer reviews of Black + Decker's lawn mower are generally good, especially considering its reasonable price.

Black + Decker customers in the United States gave the BEMW472BH an average rating of 3.5 stars, with some buyers remarking upon the mower's easy handling and lightweight build.

Meanwhile, Amazon customers in the US had overwhelmingly positive views of the mower, with ratings averaging out at 4.1 stars from over 3,000 users. Like me, many buyers highlighted the mower's light build and maneuverability.

Would I Buy the Black + Decker BEMW472BH?

Buy It If...

Don't Buy It If...

How Does the Black + Decker BEMW472BH Compare?

While Black + Decker's mower is well worth your consideration, there are plenty of other mowers out there that we can recommend, too.

How I Tested the Black + Decker BEMW472BH

• I tested the Black + Decker BEMW472BH by using it to mow my lawn on several occasions during spring 2024, including that difficult first cut of the year.
• Used rigorously for several springtime mows.
• Because the mower is advertised as easy to steer, I tested it in awkward areas around the edge of the lawn, including near plant pots and the bases of tree trunks.

I only have a small garden shed, so storage and organization is critical to prevent it from becoming a black hole of gardening supplies. Unfortunately, it has gotten out of control in the last year. I have stacks of nursery pots – that I swear I will use again! – in corners, plant labels and tools scattered across every flat surface available, shovels and rakes piled along the walls, and extension cords and irrigation lines hanging from hooks I can’t reliably reach.

I was doing a little perusing of IKEA’s website the other day, trying to get inspiration for a bedroom redesign, when I stumbled upon furniture in the Kids department that is marketed as “toy storage.” Immediately, I thought how useful it would be to spruce up my shed! I think IKEA’s TROFAST storage system is an ingenious solution for gardeners and packrats alike.

I fell in love with the solid pine TROFAST frame because it will fit in my shed perfectly and hold just about everything but my spade, rake and lawnmower and I can customize the drawers to my needs.

IKEA’s TROFAST System for Shed Storage

Technically, the TROFAST system is made for kids to easily clean up and store their toys, but the recycled plastic bin drawers and the wire mesh draws are perfect for storing gardening tools and accessories.

The system features a sturdy wooden frame that has tracks into which tubs or drawers slide. The drawers can be fully removed and carried to wherever they are needed which makes taking your twine, plant labels, soil knife, and pruners out to the garden simple easy peasy and then you just slide the drawer right back into the frame when you are done with it.

There are so many different configurations for the TROFAST system including a tall, room divider version, a wall storage version to hang above a work bench to utilize vertical space, and even a tall, skinny version to slip into a corner.

The TROFAST system is so versatile with many different styles of drawers. The standard recycled plastic tubs come in a rainbow of colors, the mesh drawers are perfect for drying and storing bulbs, and there are storage trays that feature compartments for easy organization.

Large drawers fit a small bag of potting soil , perlite, that collection of extra nursery pots you keep holding on to, and fertilizer. They also make a great bin to mix your own soil in and then carry right over to your pots.

Medium drawers are the perfect place for storing your twine, extension cords, rags, and coiled irrigation hoses.

And the small drawers neatly keep plant labels, pruners, trowels, a soil knife, and your favorite pair of garden gloves.

I love the stair-step design of the solid pine TROFAST frame which allows for storage on top of the different levels. I can see my watering can, a bag of compost, and my extra terracotta pots sitting comfortably on top!

I don’t know about you, but I am adding this neat storage unit to my IKEA shopping cart now. I am (almost) excited about organizing my shed this weekend!