Gardening is one of the healthiest outdoor activities you can do this spring and summer. It offers plenty of fresh air, sunshine (hello, vitamin D!), and moderate exercise—and, best of all, you end up with a tableful of fresh vegetables and herbs.

But you’ll need the right tools to avoid strained back muscles, scratched hands, and other backyard nuisances. Our guide breaks down the eight items every backyard gardener should have, from compression gloves to stand-up weeders.

Easy-grip tools

How handy: a cultivator, fork and trowel, each with an on-top-of-the-handle grip to keep your wrist in a neutral position.

Compression gloves

Protect your hands, and enjoy these extras: silicone finger pads to help you grab hold and a snug fit with mild compression to help reduce pain.

Comfort shovel

Power through spring planting: This blade is designed for easy digging, and the rubbery handle is circular for better leverage.

Super pruners

What’s so special about these tools? Their designs ease the burden on your aching hands by requiring less effort to cut dead or live branches, respectively.

Lightweight trimmer

Avoid the physical stress of shaping tall hedges by using a lightweight, cordless tool.

Knee saver

Kneel on the pad when working low to the ground, or flip the frame and sit on the seat while pruning.

Stand-up weeder

Long handles mean less back strain! Simply step on the pedal, pull back and the four serrated claws will grab and yank out the unwanted plant, taproot and all.

Compact hose

Great for watering pots on a deck or patio, this plastic hose practically coils itself up after use and weighs about half as much as a traditional model.