10 Must-Have Gardening Tools for Beginners (UK Guide with Expert Tips)
Discover the top 10 essential gardening tools for beginners, expert tips on when to start, and how to care for your tools for year-round success.
Starting a garden is a pretty great way to spend time outdoors and get some hands-on experience with plants. But when you’re just getting into gardening, figuring out which tools to buy can get confusing fast. There are so many different gadgets and add-ons that it’s easy to overcomplicate things. What you really need is a starter set of tools that are tried and tested, with a few upgrades as you grow your skills.
About the Author: A Self-Taught Gardener’s Journey in Hampshire
I grew up surrounded by the rural beauty of the Hampshire countryside, where my earliest dream was to work with animals. After finishing school, I studied at Sparsholt College and earned a National Diploma in Animal Management.
Life, as it often does, took me in a different direction. I built and ran another business, got married, and became a proud mum to three wonderful boys. After the birth of my youngest in 2020, I found myself at a crossroads, ready for a new career. Gardening—something that had always been a passion—was the natural choice.
I’ve now been working as a self-employed gardener in Hampshire for over five years, but my love for gardening began long before that. Growing up, I spent countless hours outside helping my parents, both keen gardeners (with three allotments!). Being outdoors, nurturing plants, and watching gardens transform with the seasons has always brought me joy.
While much of my knowledge has come through hands-on gardening experience, trial and error, and plenty of research, I’ve also relied heavily on trusted resources like the Royal Horticultural Society, which has guided me in becoming a confident, self-taught gardener.
I created Garden Nest Living to share everything I’ve learned and to help others discover the same satisfaction in creating and enjoying beautiful outdoor spaces. Whether you’re looking for UK gardening advice, self-taught gardening tips, or inspiration for your own garden, my goal is to inspire and guide you on your gardening journey.
Garden Nest Living grew from a simple idea: to share my love of gardens and creating calm, beautiful spaces, both inside and out. When you buy through my affiliate links, you are allowing me to keep sharing inspiration, ideas and products… at no extra cost to you. Thank you for being a part of my journey!
10 Must-Have Gardening Tools for Beginners (with Personal Tips)
Core Tools List
These are the tools I recommend for every new gardener—practical, durable, and easy to use.
1. Hand Trowel – Planting & Weeding Made Easy
Perfect for digging small holes, transplanting seedlings, and removing weeds. I choose stainless steel with a brightly coloured handle so I never lose it in the soil.
2. Pruning Shears (Secateurs) – Essential for Snipping & Shaping Plants
Essential for cutting stems, tidying flowers, and removing dead growth. Tip: keep them clipped to your belt—I’ve lost more than one in compost heaps!
3. Gardening Gloves –Protect Your Hands with Comfort & Grip
Choose nitrile-coated gloves for grip and flexibility. They’ll protect you from thorns, stings, and rough surfaces.
4. Watering Can or Hose – Hydration Made Easy
A watering can with a long spout lets you direct water precisely. For larger areas, use a hose with adjustable settings to control pressure.
5. Hand Fork or Cultivator – Loosen Soil and Improve Drainage
Great for breaking up compacted soil, mixing compost, and clearing root systems.
6. Garden Spade – Digging, Turning, and Edging Made Simple
Look for a sturdy handle and welded blade. I prefer lightweight versions to avoid arm fatigue.
7. Hoe for Gardening – Fast Weeding and Soil Preparation
Draw hoes dig deep for established beds; stirrup hoes skim off young weeds quickly.
8. Wheelbarrow – Move Soil, Plants & Compost with Less Effort
A sturdy wheelbarrow saves your back when shifting heavy loads.
9. Garden Rake – Level Beds and Clear Debris Easily
A leaf rake gathers debris, while a bow rake levels and preps soil.
10. Garden Kneeler or Pad – Comfort for Long Gardening Sessions
A foldable kneeler provides padding and doubles as a seat for longer jobs.
Top Gardening Tools to Add as Your Skills Grow
Advanced Tools List
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Best Pruning and Cutting Tools for Gardeners
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Secateurs (including left-handed secateurs for comfort and precision)
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Pruning saws for thicker branches
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Garden string for tying and training plants
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Pocket knife for quick, everyday garden tasks
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Large garden knife for heavier cutting
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Topiary shears for shaping and fine trimming
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Essential Lawn and Hedge Maintenance Tools
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Lawn mowers for a neat, healthy lawn
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Edging shears to create sharp lawn borders
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Hedge trimmers for keeping hedges tidy and manageable
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Leaf blower for quick and easy garden clean-up
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Soil and Bed Preparation Tools Every Gardener Needs
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Digging hoes for breaking up soil
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Spades for planting and turning over beds
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Stiff brush or broom to keep paths and work areas clean
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Trug for carrying soil, compost, or garden waste
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Specialist rakes for levelling soil and preparing seedbeds
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Spear & Jackson Gardening Tools – Durable Hand Tools You Can Rely On
When it comes to smaller gardening tools, my go-to brand is always Spear & Jackson. Their range is tough, durable, and built to handle any job in the garden. From a sturdy hand trowel to precision secateurs, Spear & Jackson have you covered with reliable tools that make everyday gardening easier.
Check out the Spear & Jackson full range on their official site HERE
Wolf-Garten Hand Tools Review – Versatile Multi-Change System
Wolf-Garten’s multi-change® system means every tool head fits every handle – making it easy to swap between over 50 tool heads and 11 handle lengths. They’re lightweight, comfortable, covering everything from lawn care and soil cultivation to tree, shrub, and general garden maintenance.
Check out Wolf-Garten’s full range on their official site HERE
STIHL Battery-Powered Gardening Tools – Lightweight, Quiet, Powerful & Reliable
From lawn mowers and strimmers to hedge cutters and blowers, STIHL’s battery range is my go-to for machine-powered tools. They all use the same battery size, making it easy to swap between machines.
Highlights:
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Long service life – up to 1,200 charges
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No memory effect – charge anytime
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Lightweight and compact
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Low self-discharge – holds charge for months
STIHL also offer a wide range of fuel-powered equipment if you prefer using those – it simply comes down to personal choice. I stick with the battery-powered machines because they suit my style of gardening best.
Check out the full range on STIHL’s official site HERE
Battery vs Fuel Gardening Tools: Which is Best for You?
| Feature | Battery-Powered Tools | Fuel-Powered Tools |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | Lightweight, quiet, easy to start with the push of a button | Heavier, noisier, require pull-starting |
| Maintenance | Low – no spark plugs, filters, or fuel storage | Higher – need regular servicing, oil, and fuel mix |
| Running Costs | Rechargeable batteries = cheaper long-term | Ongoing cost of petrol or fuel mix |
| Power & Performance | Ideal for small to medium gardens; limited runtime per charge | More powerful; better for large gardens or heavy-duty work |
| Environmental Impact | Zero emissions during use; eco-friendly | Produces emissions; less sustainable |
| Convenience | Batteries interchangeable across tool ranges (e.g., STIHL) | Unlimited runtime as long as fuel is available |
| Noise Levels | Very quiet – great for neighbourhoods | Loud – may disturb neighbours |
| Initial Investment | Slightly higher upfront cost (tools + batteries) | Tools often cheaper initially, but higher running costs |
Best Gardening Workwear: Why Dickies Are a Gardener’s Best Friend
Just as essential as your gardening tools is the right workwear. My personal favourite? Dickies—especially their trousers and shorts. They’re tough, built to last, and incredibly comfortable. With plenty of pockets, they’re perfect for carrying string, pocket knives, and other small essentials, and they make it easy to clip on your secateurs pouch for quick access while you work.
Best Waterproof Gardening Clothing: Regatta & Mountain Warehouse Review
Another essential for tackling the unpredictable Great British weather is a good set of waterproofs. I personally recommend Regatta and Mountain Warehouse– both brands I’ve tried and tested over the years. Their waterproof coats and trousers are reliable, comfortable, and perfect for keeping you dry while working in the garden, whatever the forecast throws at you.
How to Use Gardening Tools: Beginner’s Step-by-Step Guides
How to Use a Hand Trowel in the Garden
A hand trowel is ideal for small tasks.
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Planting – Dig holes for seedlings, bulbs, or bedding plants.
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Weeding – Loosen weeds by sliding the blade under roots.
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Transplanting – Scoop soil and carefully lift young plants.
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Soil Mixing – Blend compost or fertiliser into soil or pots.
Tip: Pick one with a bright handle so it doesn’t get lost in the soil.
How to Use Secateurs (Pruning Shears)
Keep plants tidy and healthy with secateurs.
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Cut at a 45° angle above a bud or leaf node.
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Stick to stems under 2cm thick—switch to a pruning saw for thicker ones.
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Carry safely in a belt holster.
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Clean after use to avoid rust and plant disease.
Tip: Keep them sharp for clean, fast-healing cuts.
How to Use Gardening Gloves Effectively
Gloves protect your hands while improving grip.
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Wear snug-fitting gloves for maximum control.
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Choose nitrile-coated gloves for wet conditions or prickly plants.
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Wash after use to remove dirt and bacteria.
Tip: Keep a spare pair for wetter jobs like handling compost.
How to Use a Watering Can or Hose
Hydration is key to plant health.
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Water at the base of plants, not the leaves.
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Use a rose head on cans for gentle watering.
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Fit a spray nozzle on hoses to adjust flow for beds, pots, or lawns.
Tip: Water early morning or late evening to reduce evaporation.
How to Use a Hand Fork or Cultivator
This tool loosens compact soil and helps with weeding.
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Break up hard soil before planting.
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Mix compost into garden beds.
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Lift small weeds by working under their roots.
Tip: Great for raised beds and containers where space is tight.
How to Use a Garden Spade
A spade is your go-to for bigger digging tasks.
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Dig planting holes for shrubs or larger plants.
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Turn over soil to add air and nutrients.
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Create neat lawn edges with the flat blade.
Tip: Use your foot on the top edge for extra leverage.
How to Use a Hoe
Fast and efficient for soil prep and weed control.
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Draw hoes – Pull through soil to loosen and weed.
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Stirrup hoes – Skim just below the surface to slice weeds.
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Prep seedbeds – Level soil before sowing.
Tip: Hoe on dry days so weeds shrivel in the sun.
How to Use a Wheelbarrow
Essential for carrying heavy loads.
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Load evenly to keep balance.
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Don’t overload—small trips save strain on your back.
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Store upright to keep dry and extend life.
Tip: Use for compost, soil, tools, or even harvested crops.
How to Use a Garden Rake
A rake keeps soil and beds tidy.
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Leaf rake – Gather fallen leaves and debris.
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Bow rake – Spread and level soil or gravel.
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Finish beds by smoothing soil before planting.
Tip: Choose flexible rakes for light debris, stiff rakes for soil work.
How to Use a Garden Kneeler or Pad
Make gardening more comfortable on knees and back.
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Kneel on padding to protect knees while weeding or planting.
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Flip foldable versions to use as a seat for longer jobs.
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Carry small tools in attached side pockets if available.
Tip: Store it somewhere dry to keep the foam from breaking down.
Quick Reference Guide: Best Gardening Tools for Every Job
| Gardening Job | Recommended Tools | Why These Tools Work Best |
|---|---|---|
| Planting seedlings, bulbs & bedding plants | Hand Trowel, Hand Fork | Small, precise, and easy to use in tight spaces |
| Weeding beds & borders | Hoe, Hand Trowel, Gardening Gloves | Hoes skim weeds, trowels lift roots, gloves protect hands |
| Pruning & shaping plants | Secateurs, Pruning Saw, Topiary Shears | Clean cuts encourage healthy growth and neat shapes |
| Digging & soil preparation | Spade, Digging Hoe, Rake | Break up compacted soil, turn beds, and level surfaces |
| Soil mixing & composting | Hand Fork, Trug, Spade | Easy soil turning, carrying compost, and blending amendments |
| Lawn care & edging | Lawn Mower, Edging Shears, Rake | Keeps lawns neat, tidy, and healthy |
| Hedge trimming & shaping | Hedge Trimmer, Secateurs | Power and precision for different hedge sizes |
| Leaf & debris clearance | Leaf Blower, Stiff Brush, Rake | Fast and efficient garden tidy-up |
| Heavy lifting & moving | Wheelbarrow, Trug | Safely transport soil, compost, plants, or waste |
| Comfort while gardening | Garden Kneeler, Gloves | Reduces strain and keeps you comfortable during long sessions |
Common Questions About Beginner Gardening Tools
What Gardening Tools Does the RHS Recommend?
Gardening Tool Advice from the RHS (Royal Horticultural Society)
The RHS recommends a high-quality stainless steel hand trowel and fork, secateurs, a robust spade, a garden hoe, and a rake. Their advice: choose quality over quantity and match tools to your garden size.
How do you prepare garden tools for spring?
How to Prepare Garden Tools for Spring – Step-by-Step Guide
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Scrub off dirt and sap
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Sharpen blades
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Tighten screws or bolts
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Lightly oil metal parts to prevent rust
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Store tools somewhere dry
Tip: Check wooden handles for cracks—sand splinters and oil them to extend their life.
When Should Beginners Start Gardening in the UK?
When to Start Gardening for Beginners – Seasonal Tips
Gardening can start after the last frost in spring. Container gardening can begin earlier if you protect plants from cold snaps. For a head start, sow seeds indoors a few weeks before transplanting outside.
What Are the Top 3 Essential Gardening Tools for Beginners?
Three Essential Gardening Tools for Small Spaces or Budgets
If you’re short on space or funds, start with:
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Hand Trowel
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Pruning Shears
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Garden Gloves
These cover digging, cutting, and protection—enough for most small gardens and container setups.
Your Best Long-Term Investment: Quality Gardening Tools That Last
Good tools save you time, prevent frustration, and make gardening more enjoyable. My Spear & Jackson and Wolf-Garten hand tools and STIHL battery machines are still my everyday go-to choice – proof that investing in quality pays off season after season.
Start simple, choose tools you love using, and let your garden teach you the rest. Before long, you’ll find your favourites and they’ll be with you through every season’s challenges and triumphs.
Here, I am weeding in a client’s garden, wearing protective gardening gloves using their garden waste bin. A weeded flowerbed running along a pathway.
Your article on must-have gardening tools is such a helpful and approachable guide for beginners. I really like how you kept it practical while still making it inspiring for anyone looking to start their gardening journey. It made me think about a few other essentials that can make life easier in the garden, like the Hori-Hori knife, which is incredibly versatile for digging, weeding, and cutting roots, or a dibber for planting seeds at the perfect depth. A small hand rake is also great for tidying raised beds and leveling soil, and pruning shears are a must for keeping plants healthy and neat. Some gardeners also swear by a multiuse hand weeder that combines several tools in one, making it perfect for small spaces or those who like to travel light in the garden. Do you prefer starting with a full toolkit so you’re ready for anything, or do you like collecting tools slowly as you discover new gardening tasks?
Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment! I love the extra suggestions you’ve shared — the Hori-Hori knife and dibber in particular are such versatile additions. Personally, I like to collect tools as I go so I don’t waste money on ones I don’t end up using. Not all gardens need the same tools, so it’s best to buy them as you go and learn what works for your space and style. That way, every tool in your shed has a purpose, and you build a collection that really fits your gardening needs.
I love the way you’ve broken this down for beginners. It takes away the crush of “needing the entirety” and makes a speciality of the necessities that in reality get the activity done. Your non-public gardening adventure provides warmth and makes the advice relatable. It’s a top notch reminder that with the proper tools, gardening turns into much less of a chore and greater of a pleasure.
Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m really glad the article helped take away that feeling of needing “everything at once.” Gardening is so much more enjoyable when you focus on the essentials that make the work easier and more rewarding. My own journey has taught me that the right tools — and just the ones you truly need — can turn gardening from a chore into one of life’s greatest pleasures.
I’ve never tried gardening myself, but my stepmother used to do some a while ago. I really liked your article on must-have gardening tools for beginners. The way you started with the basics and then moved to more advanced tools is great—it helps beginners avoid feeling overwhelmed. The tips you shared and the brand recommendations add a lot of value, and I agree that investing in quality tools is definitely more important for the long run.
Which of these tools do you personally find yourself using the most in your own garden? Also, do you think a beginner should invest in all these tools at once or gradually over time?
Thank you for your thoughtful comment! In my own garden, the tools I reach for most often are my hand fork and secateurs — they handle so many everyday jobs from loosening soil to pruning plants. I always recommend that beginners buy tools gradually rather than all at once. Not every garden needs the same equipment, and buying as you go means you’ll discover what’s truly useful for your space without spending money on tools you may never use.
The article provides an excellent and practical list of essential gardening tools for beginners. By breaking down the list into ten key items and highlighting the absolute essentials for those with limited space or budget, it helps new gardeners make informed choices without feeling overwhelmed. The descriptions of each tool’s purpose and the tips on choosing specific types (like nitrile-coated gloves or a long-spout watering can) add significant value, making it a highly useful and actionable guide.
The article focuses on acquiring tools, but what are the best practices for cleaning and maintaining these tools to ensure they last for many seasons, especially for those with no prior experience?
I’m so glad you found the guide useful — thank you for the kind feedback! Great question, too — caring for your tools really does make them last much longer. A few simple habits go a long way:
Clean after use: Brush off soil and rinse if needed, then dry thoroughly.Wipe metal parts: A light rub with an oiled cloth (vegetable or mineral oil) prevents rust.Sharpen regularly: Keep pruners and hoes sharp — it makes them easier and safer to use.Store properly: Hang tools or keep them in a dry shed so moisture doesn’t damage them.
For beginners, just getting into the habit of cleaning and drying after each use makes the biggest difference.
What a wonderfully thoughtful post! Starting a garden can feel overwhelming, but your breakdown of must-have tools for beginners is both practical and inspiring. I really appreciate how you’ve emphasized simplicity and quality over buying every gadget in sight—it’s easy for new gardeners to get carried away. The personal tips, like choosing a brightly colored hand trowel to avoid losing it in the soil or clipping secateurs to your belt, are super relatable and helpful. I also love that you’ve tied in your own journey with gardening; it makes the advice feel authentic and encouraging for anyone just starting out. The way you highlight both manual tools and more advanced options, like Wolf-Garten and STIHL, gives a clear roadmap for gardeners as their skills grow. Plus, your reminder about workwear and comfort is such an underrated but valuable point. This guide really captures the joy of gardening while setting beginners up for success!
I really appreciate how you broke this list down into essentials versus “next-step” tools. I’m still relatively new to gardening; I’ve mostly been experimenting indoors with houseplants and various soil mixes. However, I’m now hoping to expand to a few raised beds outside.
The hand trowel and gloves are already part of my kit, but reading through your list made me realize how much I’m missing. A garden fork and a proper spade sound especially useful for loosening soil and prepping beds, especially since I’m considering making my own mix instead of buying bagged soil every time.
I also liked your point about keeping pruning shears clipped to your belt; I can absolutely see myself misplacing them in a pile of trimmings! The garden kneeler is another one I didn’t think of before, but it makes so much sense for comfort.
Thank you for such a helpful guide.