6 Best Long Handled Bulb Planters in 2026
Six long handled bulb planters ranked on handle height, pedal layout, serrated heads and soil release, for planting tulips without kneeling.
At a Glance
Kneeling in cold October soil is the part of bulb planting most people would happily skip, and a long handled planter is the tool that makes skipping it possible. The six here range from a 33.5 inch EUIJOIP to 37 inch models from Haliaeetus and Colwelt, and each uses a foot pedal so your weight, not your wrists, does the digging.
What separates them is less obvious than handle length. Some use two pedals and a T grip, one has a quick release pedal for ejecting plugs, one is described as handmade, and one is cut from a different steel. We compared these details from the listings, plus the kinds of soil each maker says the head is meant for.
If you already know you want to stay standing, jump to the picks. If you are still weighing posture against precision, the how to choose tables near the end sort the lineup by yard size, soil and budget tier.
6 Criteria to Look For Before Buying a Long Handled Bulb Planter
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Handle height against your own
A handle that is too short leaves you stooping and defeats the point of a long tool. The EUIJOIP at 33.5 inches suits shorter people, while the 37 inch Haliaeetus and Colwelt tools fit most average heights comfortably. A quick test is to stand with your arms relaxed and see where the grip would land, which should be around your hip or lower waist. If you are over six feet, prioritise the longest stated handle available.
Pedal count and stance
One pedal makes you balance on one leg as you push, which is tiring and slightly unstable on uneven ground. The Colwelt models use two pedals so both feet share the load and the tool stays vertical. For anyone with a touchy balance, the dual pedal designs are noticeably safer, especially on a slope or wet lawn. Wear grippy boots whichever tool you choose.
Serrations and edge design
A serrated or saw tooth rim lets the barrel bite instead of skidding on grass roots. The Colwelt, Omesata and Eadwiella heads all mention serrated or saw tooth edges, and the Haliaeetus relies on thicker stainless steel instead. Serrations help most where soil has fibrous roots or small stones, and matter least in soft, prepared beds. Keep the edge clean, because packed dirt hides the teeth.
Ejection and cleanup
Every hole leaves a plug that has to go somewhere. The Colwelt ejection pedal model drops it for you, while the simpler tools rely on tapping and shaking. If you plant fifty or more bulbs, saved seconds add up, but moving parts need rinsing after use. In wet clay, any release design can jam, so wait for the soil to dry slightly.
Depth guidance
Depth controls bloom and survival, and a common rule is two to three times the bulb height. The Haliaeetus shows a 1 to 4 inch scale on the tool, which helps with small bulbs, while the others leave you to measure. For deeper planting, mark your foot or handle with tape at the right level. Consistent depth keeps a bed flowering at the same time.
Build quality and storage
Thin tubing bends when levered, and exposed carbon steel rusts when left damp. The Haliaeetus uses stainless steel, while the EUIJOIP is described only as heavy duty metal. After each session, rinse, dry and hang the tool so the head does not stand in damp soil. A clean tool lasts many seasons, whichever lineup member you choose.
6 Best Long Handled Bulb Planters in 2026
Haliaeetus 37 Inch Long Handle Bulb Planter
About this pick
The long Haliaeetus model is our top pick because it combines the unusual pairing of a 37 inch handle and a printed depth scale running from 1 to 4 inches on the back. Most long handled planters leave depth to guesswork, so having a ruler on the tool itself is a quiet advantage when you want rows of daffodils at even levels. The listing describes thicker stainless steel with strong resistance to compression and corrosion.
The scale only reads to 4 inches, which means it helps with small and mid sized bulbs but does not directly track a deeper tulip hole. You would measure the extra depth another way, or push the tool twice. The listing also frames the tool around people who find kneeling painful, so it is worth knowing the handle is a straight length rather than a folding or telescoping design.
Compared with the EUIJOIP at 33.5 inches, you gain three and a half inches of height and a rust proof body. Compared with the Colwelt, which has two pedals and a serrated base, the Haliaeetus puts its emphasis on measurement and stainless build rather than extra stance support. It suits tidy gardeners who like uniform planting.
Best for: Standing gardeners who want measured depth and a stainless head.
Check price on AmazonSpecs
- Handle length: 37 in
- Depth scale: 1 to 4 in
- Material: Stainless steel
Pros
- +Printed 1 to 4 inch scale on the tool
- +Stainless steel body resists corrosion
- +37 inch handle spares knees and back
- +Simple one piece style is easy to store
Cons
- −Scale stops at 4 inches for deeper bulbs
- −Fewer pedal features than dual pedal rivals
Colwelt Long Handle Bulb Planter 37 Inch Sod Plugger
About this pick
This Colwelt listing sells a plug style tool that doubles as a sod plugger, and the headline feature is a serrated base meant to help it enter stony soil. The two pedal arrangement is the other selling point: you plant a foot on either side and push with both, which keeps the tool vertical instead of leaning to the side.
Being a sod plugger as well as a bulb tool is useful if you reseed patches of lawn, but it means the hole you cut may be a bit larger than a small crocus needs. The listing leans on dramatic marketing language, so the practical takeaway is simply that the serrations and dual pedals are real, and the rest is enthusiasm. Wet clay still clings to the barrel and needs a tap to release.
Against the Haliaeetus it is not marked for depth, so you will want to keep a short stick or ruler handy. Against the second Colwelt listing in this guide, which adds a release pedal, this one is the simpler design with fewer parts to fail. It is a strong choice for gardeners with gravelly beds.
Best for: Gravelly or fibrous beds where a serrated bite helps.
Check price on AmazonSpecs
- Handle length: 37 in
- Pedals: Two
- Edge: Serrated
Pros
- +Serrated base helps cut into stony ground
- +Two pedals keep the tool upright
- +Doubles as a lawn plug tool
- +Fewer moving parts than ejection designs
Cons
- −No printed depth markings
- −Wet soil clings and needs tapping out
Colwelt Long Handle Bulb Planter with Ejection Pedal
About this pick
The second Colwelt design is the one for people tired of shaking soil from the barrel. It adds a quick release ejection pedal alongside dual solid steel foot pedals and a T handle, so you can drop the plug where you want it without bending to unstick it. The listing calls the step, twist, pull routine hands free for ejection, which is the real improvement over the plainer model.
More parts mean more places for soil to pack in. A release mechanism that sits close to the ground can jam if you plant in sticky wet clay, and you should rinse it after each session. The extra pedal also adds a little weight at the foot of the tool, so it feels slightly bottom heavy when you carry it across a bed.
Compared with the Omesata, which relies on a more basic design, this is the better pick for volume planting. Compared with the first Colwelt, you pay in complexity for faster work. It suits people who plant a large number of bulbs each autumn and care most about rhythm.
Best for: Big planting days where emptying the barrel slows you down.
Check price on AmazonSpecs
- Handle length: 37 in
- Pedals: Dual solid steel
- Release: Ejection pedal
Pros
- +Ejection pedal drops the plug without handling
- +Dual steel pedals balance your stance
- +T handle gives twisting leverage
- +37 inch reach keeps you upright
Cons
- −Release parts need rinsing to avoid jams
- −Slightly bottom heavy when carried
Omesata Long Handle Sod Plugger and Bulb Planter
About this pick
The Omesata is pitched as a five in one tool: it plants bulbs, pulls grass plugs, makes holes for small plants and handles similar light digging, all from a standing position. The maker advises using it in moist soil free from rocks and tree or shrub roots, which is an honest statement of where this class of tool works best. The upgraded serrated base is credited with helping in rocky soil, although the stronger claims should be read with that moisture caveat.
The listing does not give a handle length in the text provided, so you should confirm height on the product page if you are very tall or short. That is the main weakness compared with the 37 inch Haliaeetus and Colwelt tools whose numbers are stated. It also lacks printed depth markings, so depth relies on your own judgement.
If you want a versatile tool for lawn repair and bulbs together, it is a fair choice, and it avoids the extra complexity of the Colwelt ejection pedal. Pair it with a tape measure for the first few holes and you will quickly learn how deep your foot reaches.
Best for: Gardeners who also repair lawn patches with the same tool.
Check price on AmazonSpecs
- Style: Long handle plugger
- Edge: Upgraded serrated
- Uses: 5 in 1
Pros
- +Serrated base aimed at firmer soil
- +Five uses beyond bulb planting
- +Works from a standing position
- +Simple design without ejection parts
Cons
- −Handle length is not stated in the listing text
- −No printed depth markings
Eadwiella Long Handle Bulb Planter Pro Plugger
About this pick
Eadwiella markets its tools as handmade to last, and this planter pairs that story with comfortable T grips and a saw tooth cutting surface. The target is a big planting day: the listing says it suits people with a large number of bulbs and lets you plant without bending or kneeling, with the saw tooth edge helping the head enter the soil.
Handmade usually means a more considered finish, but it can also mean a less uniform product from one unit to the next, and there is no stated handle length or depth marking in the text we have. That makes it harder to compare numerically against the Haliaeetus or Colwelt tools. You should check dimensions before buying if you have a specific height in mind.
Its T grips are comfortable for twisting, which sets it apart from the plain bar handle on the EUIJOIP. If you appreciate tools with a crafted feel and mainly plant in moderately loose beds, it is a pleasant option. For tougher soil, the dual pedal Colwelt designs give more reassurance.
Best for: Gardeners who value comfortable grips and a crafted feel.
Check price on AmazonSpecs
- Grip: T grips
- Edge: Saw tooth
- Build: Handmade
Pros
- +T grips make twisting comfortable
- +Saw tooth edge helps the head enter soil
- +Suits large numbers of bulbs
- +Built to a handmade standard per the maker
Cons
- −Handle length and depth marks not stated
- −Less proven in tough clay than dual pedal rivals
EUIJOIP 33.5 Inch Long Handle Sod Plugger Bulb Planter
About this pick
The EUIJOIP is the shortest tool in this roundup at 33.5 inches, which makes it the easiest to store and lift for shorter gardeners. It uses a foot pedal to break the soil and is described as heavy duty metal, with the listing stressing less bending and squatting and lower fatigue over a planting session.
The listing also mentions adjustable planting depth and spacing and talks about root crops such as potatoes, which suggests the maker sees this as a general garden hole tool. That breadth is fine, but it means the bulb specific advice is thinner than on the Haliaeetus or Eadwiella pages, and the steel type is not named.
Taller users will find 33.5 inches leaves them with a slight stoop, so it favours people of average or shorter height. Compared with the Omesata it gives you a stated length, and compared with the Colwelt ejection model it is far simpler. It is a sensible compact pick when a long staff would be a nuisance in your shed. Expect to spend a minute checking that the pedal is firmly attached before the first dig.
Best for: Shorter gardeners and small sheds that need a lighter tool.
Check price on AmazonSpecs
- Handle length: 33.5 in
- Pedal: Foot pedal
- Material: Heavy duty metal
Pros
- +Shortest tool here is easier to store
- +Foot pedal breaks soil using body weight
- +Listing gives the exact 33.5 inch length
- +Also suitable for general hole digging
Cons
- −Taller users may still stoop slightly
- −Steel type is not named in the listing
How We Evaluated These Long Handled Bulb Planters
Each pick was assessed across 5 criteria weighted for real-world use.
Reach and stated dimensions
We favoured listings that state handle length, since a long tool is only useful if it fits your height. The Haliaeetus and both Colwelt tools list 37 inches and the EUIJOIP lists 33.5 inches, while the Omesata and Eadwiella leave the number out.
Stance stability
We compared pedal layouts and grips, scoring the dual pedal Colwelt designs and the T grip Eadwiella above single pedal tools. Stability matters for older gardeners and for anyone planting on sloping ground.
Head and edge design
We read for serrated edges, saw teeth and stainless bodies, and weighed them against the soil claims in each listing. Because we evaluate from specifications and buyer feedback rather than hands on lab work, scores reflect what the maker states and what owners report.
Soil release and cleanup
The Colwelt ejection pedal scored highest for effortless plug release, with plainer tools scoring a point lower for tapping and shaking. We also noted the extra rinsing that release parts require.
Lineup positioning
The Haliaeetus leads on depth guidance, the Colwelt ejection tool leads on speed, the EUIJOIP leads on compact storage, and the Eadwiella leads on grip comfort. Overall ranking balances those strengths against missing specifications.
How to Choose the Right Long Handled Bulb Planters
By Your Height
Handle length is the first filter for a long tool.
| Your height | Recommended pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Under about 5 foot 4 | EUIJOIP 33.5 Inch Long Handle Sod Plugger | Shortest stated handle, easier lift |
| Average height | Haliaeetus 37 Inch Long Handle Bulb Planter | 37 inches reaches most waists |
| Tall | Colwelt Long Handle Bulb Planter 37 Inch Sod Plugger | 37 inch reach plus two pedals |
| Unsure | Eadwiella Long Handle Bulb Planter Pro Plugger | T grips help adjust your hold |
By Budget
Relative tiers, not numbers.
| Tier | Recommended pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Entry | EUIJOIP 33.5 Inch Long Handle Sod Plugger | Plain pedal design with fewer parts |
| Mid | Omesata Long Handle Sod Plugger and Bulb Planter | Multi use serrated head |
| Mid to upper | Colwelt Long Handle Bulb Planter 37 Inch Sod Plugger | Dual pedals with serrated base |
| Premium | Colwelt Long Handle Bulb Planter with Ejection Pedal | Quick release adds speed |
Pedal Plug vs Plain Plug
Do you want soil ejected for you or removed by hand?
With ejection
The Colwelt ejection pedal model drops the soil plug when you press the pedal, so you keep standing and keep moving. It suits large jobs, though the release parts need rinsing. Choose this if you plant more than fifty bulbs at a time.
Without ejection
The Haliaeetus, Omesata, Eadwiella and EUIJOIP rely on you tapping or shaking the plug out. They have fewer parts and are easier to clean. Choose these for smaller beds and simpler tool care.
By Soil Condition
Match the head to your ground.
| Soil | Recommended pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Stony or gravelly | Colwelt Long Handle Bulb Planter 37 Inch Sod Plugger | Serrated base |
| Fibrous grass roots | Eadwiella Long Handle Bulb Planter Pro Plugger | Saw tooth edge |
| Soft prepared beds | Haliaeetus 37 Inch Long Handle Bulb Planter | Depth scale shines in easy soil |
| Mixed lawn and bed | Omesata Long Handle Sod Plugger and Bulb Planter | Multi use design |
For Standing Planting Specifically
The whole point of a long tool is to avoid kneeling.
Look for
A handle that reaches your waist, a stable pedal layout and a grip you can twist comfortably. Check that the pedals are wide enough for your shoes.
In this comparison
The Colwelt ejection model and the Haliaeetus 37 inch tool both keep you upright for the full cycle, and the T grip Eadwiella adds comfort while twisting.
When to Spend More
Where extra cost earns its place.
| Spend more if | Save if |
|---|---|
| You plant over 50 bulbs, choose the Colwelt ejection model | You plant under 25 bulbs, choose the EUIJOIP |
| You want a stainless head, choose the Haliaeetus | Your soil is soft and you use a tape measure, choose the Omesata |
| You value comfort grips, choose the Eadwiella | You need a basic pedal tool, choose the Colwelt serrated model |
Frequently Asked Questions
What handle length do I need?
Aim for a handle whose grip lands around your hip or lower waist when the head rests on the ground. The EUIJOIP at 33.5 inches suits shorter gardeners, while the 37 inch Haliaeetus and Colwelt tools suit average and taller users. If you are unsure, the longer handle is usually the safer choice.
Are two pedals really better than one?
Two pedals give a wider, more balanced stance, so the tool stays vertical as you push. That is helpful on uneven ground and for people who dislike balancing on one leg. A single pedal still works well for light jobs in soft soil.
How do I plant in wet clay?
Wait until the surface is slightly drier, because sticky clay clogs the barrel on every long handled planter. Loosening the bed with a fork first also helps, and rinsing the head between sessions prevents buildup. A serrated Colwelt model gives the best grip.
Do long handled planters work for large bulbs?
They suit small and medium bulbs best, and many cut a hole that is only a few inches wide. For large lilies or amaryllis you may need a trowel or a wider auger. Check the hole width in the listing before choosing.
How should I store a long handled planter?
Clean and dry the head, then hang it by the handle or stand it upright in a dry corner. Stainless heads like the Haliaeetus tolerate damp better, but none should sit in soil. A light oil on bare metal in winter prevents rust.
Can I use one if I have a bad back or knees?
A long handled tool reduces bending and kneeling, which many people find more comfortable. Take breaks, wear sturdy shoes, and keep your spine neutral as you twist. Consider asking your doctor or an occupational therapist if you have a specific concern about digging motions.
Bottom Line
best overall: Haliaeetus 37 Inch Long Handle Bulb Planter - best overall pick in this roundup.
See the full rankings above for all picks with pros, cons, and best-for summaries.
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