Having pesky weeds, such as dandelions, in your garden is inconvenient. Weeds can easily overtake a space through reseeding and root spread if not tended to. That’s why having the right dandelion diggers on hand is a good idea to keep your garden clean and healthy.
But there are so many kinds out there. Which ones are the best?
I’ve listed the top 8 best dandelion diggers. Keep reading to learn more about this tool and which ones you need for your garden!
Our Top Picks
Best Overall:
CFCT Aluminum Hand Weeder Tool
Best Stand-Up Option:
AMES 2917300 Steel Stand-Up Weeder
Best for Leverage:
Edward Tools Weeding Tool
Best Overall
CFCT Aluminum Hand Weeder Tool
This dandelion digger is one solid piece, so you don’t have to worry about any parts breaking off! It’s made from high-quality cast aluminum and can be used as a weeder, bulb planter, or trowel. It has a V-nose similar to the Edwards Tools’ model that works well for getting under and around roots.
Pros:
- The solid design is well-made.
- It’s versatile and easy to use.
Cons:
- The wide head can leave holes in the dirt.
Best Stand-Up Option
AMES 2917300 Steel Stand-Up Weeder
This AMES stand-up weeder features curved steel tines instead of straight ones. The curved tines help grip the weed better, and it has an ejection shaft for when you’re ready to release the weed.
Another thing the curved tines are good for is aerating the soil so that you can accomplish multiple things with this one tool.
Pros:
- It has a comfortable T-grip.
- It’s lightweight.
- The curved tines are dual-purpose.
Cons:
- The footplate is small.
- The plastic handle is not high quality.
Best for Leverage
Edward Tools Weeding Tool
This small dandelion digger is great for weeds with large, deep roots. It features a V-nose end with a curved metal base that acts as leverage when pulling the weed from the soil.
It has a comfort-grip handle to help avoid hand fatigue. The Edwards Tools Weeding Tool does a great job removing weeds with little damage to surrounding plants.
Pros:
- Ergonomic design provides good leverage.
- It has a comfortable grip.
- It works well for deep-rooted weeds.
Cons:
- The V-nose doesn’t work very well on small weeds.
Best for Tight Areas
Seymour 41035 Dandelion Weeder
The Seymour 41035 Dandelion Weeder has a small, simple design, but it takes out dandelions with no problem. It’s a great compact tool to have in your collection with a durable wood handle. It may not have many frills, but its performance ranks it among the best.
Pros:
- It works great for dandelions and small weeds.
- It is well-made.
- The small blade doesn’t damage surrounding plants.
Cons:
- It doesn’t perform well in heavy, clay soil.
Best V-Nose Weeder
GANCHUN Hand Weeder Tool
This dandelion digger is perfect for those on a small budget. It’s made from aluminum alloy and features a comfortable grip handle. The V-nose head works into a curved shaft for added leverage when pulling up weeds. For the price, this weeder is sturdy and extracts large weeds easily.
Pros:
- It’s cost-friendly.
- It has a comfortable grip.
- It works well on large-rooted weeds.
Cons:
- The aluminum blade is not as durable as steel models.
Best for Large Weeds
CobraHead® Original Weeder & Cultivator
The CobraHead weeder looks like no other with its curved head – hence the name! This dandelion digger was developed by the company creators realizing how handy a single tine from a hand cultivator was at the wedding.
It has a strong steel head on a recycled plastic handle. It’s one of the best choices for getting around and lifting deep-rooted weeds.
Pros:
- It’s made in the U.S.A.
- The steel head is high quality.
- It works great for large weeds.
Cons:
- The design takes practice to use effectively.
- The tip of the blade was too dull for some.
Best Long-Handled Cobra Head Weeder
Hoss Tools Single Tine Cultivator
The Hoss Tools Single Tine Cultivator works like the Cobra Head, but this weeder has a long handle, preventing you from having to kneel. The 54-inch hardwood handle is useful for getting under large weeds in between rows of vegetables.
Pros:
- It’s made in the U.S.A.
- It has a lifetime warranty.
- The long handle prevents kneeling.
Cons:
- It’s pricier than other weeders.
Best for Small Weeds
CobraHead® Mini Weeder & Cultivator
The CobraHead mini weeder is similar to its big brother on a much smaller scale. The steel blade head works by getting under small, taproot weeds with little to no damage. This is a useful tool for those with container gardens or raised beds that need to remove small, pop-up weeds.
Pros:
- It pulls up shallow-rooted weeds easily.
- The steel head is well-made.
- It works well for getting in between plants.
Cons:
- It won’t work well on larger weeds.
What Is a Dandelion Digger?
Dandelion diggers are tools used to extract weeds and their roots without disturbing the soil or surrounding plants.
They usually feature tines or a V-shaped blade that works by either getting under the roots or by grabbing the entire root from the top. Either way, the goal is to manually remove the roots in their entirety to prevent the weed from reemerging.
Now let’s take a look at the 11 best dandelion diggers on the market and give you what you need to know to pick the one that’s best for you.
When to Use a Dandelion Digger
Removing dandelions in the spring when they bloom is a good idea. At this point, you will catch them before reseeding, and the roots will likely not be as large.
You can also remove dandelions in the fall to prevent them from growing the following year.
Removing weeds throughout the growing season is also good practice and will help your garden produce the best harvest.
Different Types of Dandelion Diggers
Stand-Up Weeder
Stand-up dandelion diggers have a long handle usually attached to a T-grip that you can use to control the weeder. They have two to four tines on the end of the handle that work to remove weeds. By pressing the footplate down and twisting, the weeds (and more importantly, the roots) will break loose. These also have self-eject features on some models.
Handheld Weeder
Handheld dandelion diggers work well for those who prefer gardening on their knees. They have V-nose heads and a curved shaft to lever weeds from the soil. Overall length is often around 12-inches. Handheld weeders are usually the most cost-friendly of the dandelion diggers.
Cobra Head Weeder
Cobra head weeders can remove small weeds in tight areas. They have a single curved tine that works by getting under the root and extracting it. You can find cobra head weeders with long or short handles depending on your preference.
How to Choose the Best Dandelion Digger for You
Handle Length
If you have a bad back or bad knees, you may want to look into a stand-up weeder. Alternatively, handheld weeders work well for those who enjoy kneeling in the garden and working the soil. Handheld weeders are also handy when you are already checking on or harvesting in your garden.
Soil Type
Consider your soil type, whether it be clay, sandy, or loamy. If you have heavy, clay soil, you will want to look for the most heavy-duty dandelion digger that won’t break easily under pressure. For other soil types, you can generally have your pick.
Materials
If you want your dandelion digger to last many seasons, look for weeders made from wood and/or steel. These will last longer and work better in tough soil. Aluminum and plastic weeders are good for those looking for a quick fix or for beginner gardeners.
Comfort
Some dandelion diggers have comfort grips, while some have plastic or wood handles. Your preference will likely depend on how long and how often you use this tool.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why do I need a weeder when I can use my hands or herbicide?
Weeders and dandelion diggers help cut the weeding time down significantly. That means you have more time to work on other things in your garden. Some weeds are also prickly and sharp. Weeders prevent you from having to grab these by hand and risk getting stuck.
Weeders are also great for organic gardening. You don’t have to worry about getting herbicides or harsh chemicals on vegetables, surrounding plants, pets, or yourself.
2. I’ve been weeding my garden, and they keep returning. What do I do?
When weeding, make sure to remove the entire root. If you only remove what’s above the surface, the weed will usually return. When you extract the weed, put it aside in a bucket to dispose of later so it doesn’t reseed in the surrounding area.
If you are weeding your lawn, you can reseed the affected area with your grass seed of choice to prevent weeds from filling in.
3. Is there an easier way to work the root out?
One trick to removing weeds is to wet the soil 30 minutes before digging any weeds. The wet soil will help the roots come up quicker and easier. This is a great idea if you live in an area with heavy, clay soil. It will also be easier on your weeding tool, so you don’t risk damaging it.
Wrapping Up the Best Dandelion Diggers
Dandelion diggers are a quicker, more organic way to control your garden. Your garden will thank you for maintaining weeds by looking tidy and flourishing with healthy plants.
There are other weeds besides dandelions to worry about invading your garden, but we can help! Visit our Weeding Tools page to learn more about other great tools to help you conquer those pesky weeds.