The Sneeboer Trowel: Monty Don's Favourite Hand Tool

If there is one tool that has become synonymous with Monty Don, it is the Sneeboer Old Dutch Style Planting Trowel. He has described it as his single favourite tool — the one he reaches for more than any other, the one he would save if his shed caught fire. It is a bold claim, but spend any time using this trowel and you will understand why.

What Makes the Sneeboer Trowel Different

The Sneeboer Old Dutch Style trowel is hand-forged in the Netherlands by the Sneeboer family, who have been making garden tools since 1913. Each trowel is crafted from a special boron steel alloy that is both incredibly strong and naturally rust-resistant. The blade is narrower and longer than a typical trowel — shaped more like a traditional Dutch planting tool from the eighteenth century — which gives it remarkable precision when planting bulbs, seedlings, and small perennials. The narrow profile lets you work in tight spaces between established plants without disturbing their roots, and the slightly concave blade holds soil beautifully when you need to scoop and move it.

Why It Improves With Age

What sets this trowel apart from mass-produced alternatives is the forging process. The blade and tang are made from a single piece of steel, which means there is no weld joint to weaken or snap. The ash wood handle, grown on the Sneeboer estate, is shaped to fit the natural grip of the hand. After a few hours of use, the handle begins to polish from the oils in your skin, developing a patina that is uniquely yours. This is a tool that improves with age.

How Monty Don Uses His Sneeboer Trowel

In practical terms, the Sneeboer trowel excels at planting — particularly bulbs and plug plants. Its long, narrow blade cuts into soil with minimal effort, and the pointed tip is perfect for making planting holes of exactly the right depth. Monty also uses it for dividing small clumps of perennials, levering out weeds from between paving stones, and working compost into the surface of containers. It is, in short, the most versatile hand tool in the garden.

What to Look For When Buying a Trowel

When buying a trowel, look for one where the blade and handle connection is forged from a single piece rather than welded or riveted. Check that the handle is comfortable in your hand — grip varies enormously between manufacturers. The blade should have a slight concavity and a pointed tip. Avoid trowels with painted or coated blades, as the coating will chip and trap moisture beneath it, accelerating rust. A good trowel should feel balanced, with the weight sitting just ahead of your grip.

"This trowel has been my companion for years. It fits my hand like a glove. I've tried dozens of trowels but I always come back to this one — it is simply the best planting tool I have ever used."

— Monty Don on the Sneeboer Old Dutch Style Trowel