Homesteading Tools

​Welcome to our curated collection of permaculture and homesteading essentials!  Whether you're a seasoned grower or just starting your journey, I've hand-picked tools that will help you create a thriving, sustainable garden and home. I only recommend products that I've personally used so you can shop with confidence. Over the years working in many gardens I have tried out many tools and I am happy to share my favorites here. Purchasing through these links adds no extra cost to you, but it helps support our mission to spread sustainable living practices. Happy growing!

5.6-13 Foot Extendable Tree Pruner, Cut and Hold Pruning Trimmer, Long Reach Pole Saw, Telescoping Fruit Picker, Branches Bypass Lopper

This extendable tree pruner has been indispensable for harvesting all types of fruits from mangos, avocados, lychee, and longan. Its best feature is its teeth on the underside of the bypass lopper which holds on to whatever fruit you cut the stem off so you can safely bring it down. I prefer this over the more common basket harvesters. It does come with a saw for pruning which works OK in a pinch if you don’t have a more heavy duty pole pruner with you. Click here!

FELCO F-2 068780 Classic Manual Hand Pruner, F-2, Red

These are the gold standard for pruners. The Felco F-2 pruner is a classic manual hand pruner that is ideal for a variety of gardening tasks. It is made from high-quality forged steel and features a sharp, curved blade that can easily cut through branches up to 1 inch in diameter. The ergonomic handle is comfortable to hold and provides excellent control. The F-2 is a versatile tool that can be used for pruning trees to shrubs. It is also great for deadheading and removing suckers. The sharp blade makes clean cuts that promote healthy plant growth. Click here!

FELCO 211-60, 60cm/23.62", Red/Gray

For cuts beyond 1 inch in diameter that the F-2 pruner can’t handle, I go for the F-211 loppers. The F-211 loppers stand out for its sleek, lightweight design and durable aluminum alloy handles. The high-quality cutting blade provided precise and clean cuts, while the self-adjusting cutting head and sap groove ensured effortless pruning. The safety lock added an extra layer of security. The F-211 is an excellent investment for gardening enthusiasts and homesteaders alike. Click here!

TABOR TOOLS GG11A Bypass Lopper with Compound Action, 30 Inch Tree Trimmer, Branch Cutter
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For those who are a bit more budget minded when shopping for loppers there is the GG11A. I've tried many loppers over the years, and I have to say the GG11A Bypass Lopper is a solid choice for its price. Its durability and performance are top-notch. The sharp steel blades cut through branches effortlessly. What impressed me most was the ease of use. The ergonomic non-slip handles are comfortable to grip, even after extended use. Coming in at 3 pounds they are quite heavier compared to the F-211 which are 1.3 pounds. I use the GG11A for ground work on cutting up branches and use the F-211 when I’m up in the trees or on a ladder. Click here!

 Felco Pruning Saw (F 621) - Classic Tree Pull Stroke Pruner Saw w/ Carrying Sheath

This is my go-to saw for pruning work that the F-2 hand pruners or the F-211 loppers can’t handle. The F-621 is a top-quality tree pruning saw designed for professionals. It features a classic tree pull stroke design for precise cuts and a blade made from durable, high-carbon steel. The lightweight aluminum handle provides a comfortable grip, and the carrying sheath protects the blade and keeps it sharp. Click here!

​FELCO 603 - ErgoReach Folding Pull-Stroke Saw - 8in Blade - Pulse Hardened Blade

Similar to the previously discussed F-621, the F-603 offers enhanced portability while maintaining comparable quality. The folding design allows for easy storage and transportation, and the safety lock prevents accidental opening. It is an excellent choice for professionals and enthusiasts who demand the best in cutting tools. Click here!

Nisaku NJP650 The Original Hori Hori

This Hori hori is a versatile gardening tool with a sharp, stainless steel blade. The blade is serrated on one side for cutting tough roots and stems. The ash wood handle is lightweight and comfortable to hold, with a hole for easy storage. This Hori hori is on the lighter side, making it a good choice to carry around for extended sessions in the garden. Click here!

 Hooyman Bush Machete

I have tried many machetes over the years and this one is my favorite. The Hooyman Bush Machete is incredibly well-made, with a durable steel construction that feels solid in the hand. The blade is exceptionally sharp, making it easy to cut through even the thickest vegetation. I particularly appreciate the ergonomic, non-slip handle, which provides a comfortable grip and reduces fatigue during prolonged use. I've used it for various tasks, including clearing overgrown areas, cutting back support species, and managing bananas. The included belt sheath is also a nice touch, allowing for easy and safe storage and transportation. Click here!

VermiHut Plus 5-Tray Worm Compost Bin

We love helping clients build DIY worm bins but sometimes they are busy and want a turn-key solution. This is our favorite worm bin for small scale applications. The VermiHut Plus 5-Tray Worm Compost Bin offers a convenient, modular, and durable composting solution. Designed with five trays and a built-in leachate collection system, it promotes efficient airflow and drainage for optimal worm activity and decomposition. The clear trays and adjustable air vents allow for easy monitoring and odor control. I particularly like the trays that you can put under the stand. The trays can be filled with water or diatomaceous earth to keep ants out. Ideal for homesteaders seeking an eco-friendly way to create nutrient-rich fertilizer for their plants. Click here!

Hungry Bin Worm Compost Bin

This is our favorite worm bin for mid scale applications. This is great for homesteaders that make above average amounts of kitchen scraps they need to process and it is the smallest continuous flow-through (CFT) system that I know of. The Worm Farm Compost Bin efficiently transforms food scraps and waste into nutrient-rich soil amendments through a CFT vermicomposting system. Its durable construction and easy maintenance make it suitable for indoor or outdoor use. The bin produces nutrient-dense worm castings and worm tea, which enhance soil and plant growth. It comes complete with red wiggler worms and a ventilation system for odor control. The Worm Farm Compost Bin is an excellent choice for regenerative homesteads. Click here!

Azomite Raw Supply Organic Trace Mineral Powder 44LB Micronized, White

Despite diligent efforts in creating and utilizing homemade compost in gardens, nutrient deficiencies can still arise in plants, particularly for trace minerals and for that, I recommend Azomite.  Azomite, a unique mineral supplement derived from ancient volcanic ash in Utah, contains over 70 essential trace minerals. Micronized for bioavailability, it improves soil structure, pH balance, and microbial activity. Ideal for gardens, farms, and livestock, Azomite promotes plant growth, crop yields, and animal health. Click here!

Kelp Bliss (5lbs) - All-Natural Kelp Meal Fertilizer for Plants

Kelp meal fertilizer provides over 70 minerals and nutrients to plants. Harvested sustainably, it improves nutrient uptake, water retention, growth, and resistance to pests and diseases. It's suitable for all types of plants. I use it mostly as a fungi food in my compost tea brews. Click here!

Espoma Organic Tree-tone 6-3-2 Natural & Organic Fertilizer and Plant Food; 18 lb. Bag

For people lacking access to top-notch homemade compost, utilizing external inputs to nourish their trees may become necessary. Among the available options, Espoma Organic Tree-Tone stands out as a cost-effective and reliable choice. Espoma Organic Tree-tone 6-3-2 fertilizer, made from natural ingredients, provides a balanced blend of nutrients for tree growth. Its slow-release formula prevents nutrient burn and promotes steady growth, resulting in healthier trees with more vigorous growth, denser foliage, and healthy fruit set. Click here!