Earlier this year, I saw my neighbor using some large plastic garden tools that fit over her hands. She filled up her huge compost toter in a few minutes without even having to rake first.
I asked her where she got them and what her great tools were called. She said she’d had them for years and couldn’t remember. In my brain, they seemed like ‘big garden hands’, so that’s what I searched for. It turns out that manufacturers call them leaf scoops or hand rakes, but I like my name better!
2 Ways to Use Leaf Scoop Garden Tools
I bought a pair of them recently and wanted to show you what a great leaf bag tool they are. In this video, I demonstrate my two most efficient ways of using my ‘big hand’ leaf scoop garden tools.
Not only are these leaf scoops very light weight, but they protect my hands so well that I don’t feel like I need to wear garden gloves when I’m using them. Even when picking up stuff like trimming from a juniper or spruce tree (very prickly!!) I can just sandwich the debris between the leaf scoops and my hands are completely safe.
Sometimes I will wear just one of the leaf scoops on one hand and I will rake with the other hand. I squeeze the leaves or other debris between the rack and my leaf scoop, easily picking up the debris and dropping it into my paper leaf bag. By the way, if you’ve watched the video and appreciate how well the paper bag stands up and is held open by my Leaf & Lawn Chute device, be sure to see the article Leaf Bag Chute – A Helpful Tool!
Where to Find ‘Big Hand’ Leaf Scoops
‘Big Box’ stores with garden centers may have these leaf scoops available, but I have not been able to find them there. Perhaps they are a seasonal item (Spring yard cleanups, Fall leaf maintenance). I expected to be able to get them in the same section as the big paper Lawn & Leaf bags. Perhaps they just sell out quickly when people spot them, but I have not been able to buy them locally.
My set came from Amazon. There are a number of choices, including one set that ‘sorta’ looks like Ladybugs. Maybe having cute ones would get the kids to help with yard work? Maybe your kids are more helpful than my kids? In any case, here is a source for the ones shown in my video:
These big blue plastic leaf scoops are a great addition to your yard & garden cleanup tool collection. The handles are designed to snug up around your hands, but are still easy to slip your hands into - with or without wearing garden gloves.
More Helpful Garden Tools
Be sure to see my articles on other tools that will make your tasks in the garden easier!
