5 Best Bulb Planters to Save Time and Protect Your Back

Gardening is not just a hobby. For many of us, it’s therapy for the soul. Planting bulbs—like tulips, daffodils, or lilies—can feel magical. But anyone who has tried to dig 50 holes with a hand trowel knows the pain. Backaches, muddy knees, and endless time wasted. This is where a bulb planter comes in.

In this guide, I’ll review five of the best bulb planters available online today. These tools have been tested, reviewed, and appreciated by gardeners who sought something easier than bending over with a small shovel. Some are long-handled to save your back, while others are handheld for quick jobs, and one even attaches to a drill for added speed.

Think of this article as your gardening friend who whispers, “This tool will save you hours.” Let’s dig in (pun intended).

Compare the Top 5 Best Bulb Planters 2025

Compare the top 5 best bulb planters quickly. Check features and find the right tool for your garden.

Top 5 Best Bulb Planters Full Details Review

Planting bulbs doesn’t have to be hard. Below, we review the top 5 best bulb planters, providing full details so you can choose the right tool for your garden.

1. ProPlugger 5-in-1 Long Handle Bulb Planter

The ProPlugger 5-in-1 is not just a bulb planter—it’s a multi-tasking garden companion. At 34 inches tall, it lets you plant without bending down, protecting your back and knees. Made with strong steel, it digs 2″, 4″, and 6″ holes with depth rings that keep planting consistent. Gardeners love it for more than bulbs—it can remove weeds, sample soil, and even help with grass plugs. If you ever dreamed of planting 50 tulip bulbs without pain, this tool makes it possible. It’s sturdy, reliable, and designed for serious gardeners who value comfort and efficiency.

Why You Will Love This

• Long handle = no bending or kneeling.
• Works as a bulb planter, weeder, soil sampler, and transplanter.
• Depth rings keep bulb holes consistent.
• Strong steel design built to last.

Pros

• Multi-functional
• Durable and stable
• Easy for seniors and anyone with back issues

Cons

• A bit heavy for casual planting
• Higher price than handheld planters

When I first tried the ProPlugger, I planted two full bags of tulip bulbs in less than an hour. Normally, that would take me half a day with a trowel. I also tested it on weeds that refused to leave my yard. To my surprise, it yanked them out—roots and all. If gardening often feels like a battle, this tool feels like having a secret weapon.

2. FLORA GUARD Bulb Planter with Depth Markers

The FLORA GUARD bulb planter is a compact, handheld tool that shines in its simplicity. Small, light, and budget-friendly, it is perfect for planting bulbs like tulips and daffodils in softer soil. The handle features depth markers, allowing you always to know how deep you’re planting. A spring-loaded mechanism will enable you to release the soil plug quickly without getting your hands dirty. It’s not meant for tough clay soil, but for everyday gardening in flowerbeds, it works beautifully. It’s a favorite for beginner gardeners or those planting small batches of bulbs.

Why You Will Love This

• Lightweight and easy to carry.
• Depth markers for precise planting.
• Budget-friendly option.
• Quick-release handle for soil plugs.

Pros

• Very affordable
• Simple design, easy to use
• Compact storage

Cons

• Not ideal for hard or rocky soil
• Requires bending or kneeling

I used this when planting hyacinths in soft flowerbed soil. The depth markers helped me maintain uniformity, allowing all the flowers to bloom evenly later. It reminded me of baking cookies—when every cookie is the same size, the tray looks professional. For someone new to gardening, this tool eliminates the guesswork.

3. Colwelt Long Handle Bulb Planter with Serrated Base

The Colwelt long-handle planter is designed for gardeners who require a heavy-duty option. Standing tall with a serrated base, it slices into soil like a bread knife through warm bread. Its two-pedal design provides extra leverage: one pedal to dig, and one to release the soil. The steel build feels tough in your hands, and it’s built for transplanting, sod plugs, or bulb planting. With a 3.5-inch diameter hole, it’s excellent for tulips, irises, or even small shrubs. If your garden has mixed soil conditions, this tool can handle it better than many handheld planters.

Why You Will Love This

• Serrated base for tough soils.
• The two-pedal system saves effort.
• Long handle for back comfort.
• Multi-use for plugs, bulbs, or transplants.

Pros

• Strong build
• Good for larger holes
• Easier than kneeling

Cons

• Requires some strength to push into soil
• Heavier than small handheld planters

I borrowed this from a friend when planting irises. The serrated base cut through my slightly clay soil better than any simple tube planter I had used before. It felt solid, and even when I leaned on it, there was no bending. Imagine having a garden sword that also plants flowers—that’s what using this felt like.

4. ERYTLLY Bulb Planter Auger Spiral (Drill Attachment)

The ERYTLLY Auger Spiral is the modern, tech-loving gardener’s dream. Instead of pushing, you attach this spiral drill bit to your power drill. Place it on the soil, pull the trigger, and it digs holes in seconds. The auger is made of steel and is designed for use in sandy or medium soils. It’s perfect for planting dozens of bulbs fast or mixing soil in pots. While it won’t replace the manual strength required for growing in rocky ground, it saves a considerable amount of time for gardeners who plant many bulbs at once. Think of it as a power tool upgrade for your garden.

Why You Will Love This

• Fast planting with drill power.
• Lightweight and easy to store.
• Great for sandy or soft soils.
• Doubles as a soil mixer.

Pros

• Extremely fast
• No bending required
• Affordable add-on if you own a drill

Cons

• Needs a drill (not included)
• Less effective in rocky clay soils

When I had to plant 100 daffodil bulbs before the rain, this auger felt like magic. Instead of sore wrists from digging, I drilled hole after hole in minutes. I even used it to mix compost into large pots, which saved me a significant amount of time. It reminded me of using an electric whisk in the kitchen—same energy saved, same smooth results.

5. Altdorff 5-in-1 Bulb Planter Tool with Long Handle

The Altdorff 5-in-1 bulb planter is designed to save time and protect your back. At 39 inches tall with a serrated base and dual pedals, it quickly digs 3.5-inch holes. It doubles as a sod plugger, grass plugger, transplanter, and soil sampler. Made of iron with powder coating, it’s rust-resistant and durable. Many gardeners praise it for allowing them to stand upright while planting, which is especially helpful for seniors. Whether planting tulips, irises, or daffodils, this tool combines versatility with ease of use.

Why You Will Love This

• Multi-functional 5-in-1 tool.
• Long handle saves your back.
• Serrated base for faster digging.
• Dual pedals for depth control and release.

Pros

• Strong, durable build
• Very versatile
• Great for older gardeners

Cons

• Requires softer soil for best results
• Can bend under tough ground

I tested this on a Saturday afternoon while planting daffodils. The step-twist-pull motion was satisfying—almost like opening a jar with the proper grip. What surprised me most was how easily the release pedal popped out the soil plug. I even gave it to my 81-year-old neighbor, who managed to transplant creeping thyme without bending. For her, it wasn’t just a tool—it was freedom to keep gardening.

FAQs About the Best Bulb Planters

1. Do I really need a bulb planter, or can I use a trowel?
You can use a trowel, but if you’re planting many bulbs, a bulb planter saves time and reduces back pain.

2. Which type of bulb planter is best for seniors?
Long-handle options like the ProPlugger or Altdorff are great because you don’t need to kneel.

3. Can bulb planters work in clay soil?
Yes, but choose heavy-duty designs with serrated bases. Handheld planters often struggle in clay.

4. Is the drill auger safe to use?
Yes, but start slow and use two hands for stability. It’s safe when used correctly.

5. What size hole should I dig for bulbs?
A general rule: plant bulbs at a depth 2–3 times their height. Most bulb planters handle this well.

Conclusion

Buying the right bulb planter is like choosing a gardening buddy—it makes the journey smoother and more joyful. If you want speed, the auger spiral is unbeatable. If you need comfort, long-handle planters like ProPlugger and Altdorff protect your back. For budget gardening, FLORA GUARD does the job well. And if your soil is tough, the Colwelt with its serrated base will fight through.