Ryobi's Handheld Tool Claims To Be A Game Changer For Small Gardens, But Is It?

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Many modern homes have compact yards, but clever gardeners can still turn them into places that are relaxing and productive. There are numerous unique ways to make a tiny garden look more spacious and provide space to entertain. They can also be a haven for those with mobility issues or reduced physicality. The right planting scheme can help create the perfect, private oasis, and there are lots of flower bed ideas you can try, even in smaller areas. Raised planters are another popular choice, reducing the need to bend over or stretch uncomfortably.

Those looking to minimize effort will be interested in Ryobi's 18V One+ Compact Cultivator Kit. This handheld tool claims to be a game changer for small gardens, allowing you to easily till before planting or loosen soil around weeds. It has three speeds, a front handle for added control, and a shield to protect you from flying debris. The metal tines can be removed for cleaning. It weighs 4.48 pounds.

It sounds like it could be an ideal solution for gardeners who don't like manual digging or who perhaps tire easily. So for some, it could indeed be a game-changer. It might also be attractive to those who already own other Ryobi cordless tools, who can save money by not needing to buy the battery and charger. Does it live up to the hype, though? Although customers are generally happy with it, the price may be a bit much for some.

Over at Home Depot, 80% of owners would recommend it, and it gets 4.2 stars. Buyers are pleased with how compact it is, so it can be used in awkward areas when other cultivators are too big. One summed up the feelings of many when they said, "Gardening just got easier!" It's a similar story at Ryobi's website, where it gets 4.6 stars, and the majority agree with the comment that it's a "great little tool." There aren't many complaints, though several reported the gears had stripped (they're plastic), and it's not unknown for one or more tines to break. However, it's difficult to know how hard the tool was being worked. If you've already made a flourishing vegetable garden in a small space, for example, and you just want to till well-worked soil before replanting, it can be very effective. Owners suggest it might struggle with compacted dirt.

The biggest barrier to ownership might be the price. The Ryobi 18V One+ Compact Cultivator Kit is $149. You might find the term "kit" a little misleading; it just means the battery and charger are included. The tool does not have any other functions or attachments. If you buy it as a bare tool, it's still $99. For comparison, something like the BARAYSTUS Rotary Cultivator is $35 on Amazon. If you don't have any physical limitations, it's a manual tool with stainless steel tines for a great deal less money.