Garden sieves are extremely useful tools for preparing soil for potting, removing stones and gravel or for a range of other similar uses.
However, there are many to pick from, and sometimes it can be a little difficult to know where to start – so here are our top picks for best garden sieve to help you make up your mind.
The Best Garden Sieve on UK Market 2023
1. Greenfingers Garden Sieve
This sieve from Greenfingers is made from a single piece of plastic, meaning there are no parts that will rust or corrode, and it’s also super-easy to wash after use. It’s a very robust item too, meaning this is a sieve you can expect to be using for many years to come.
Since the holes in the sieve are quite large, it’s perfect for removing larger items like stones and pebbles from soil. However, if you need something for finer sieving, this might not be what you’re looking for since too much material will be able to pass through.
Also, it is not a huge sieve – the diameter is quite small, meaning it will take longer if you need to work through larger quantities of material, so if that’s what you need it for, a bigger model would be a better pick.
However, for anyone looking for a simple, effective and extremely inexpensive sieve, this one could be a perfect choice. It does exactly what it was designed for with no fuss, and if that’s all you need, this is an option that’s well worth considering.
Pros
- Simple and effective solution – a basic, functional item
- Easy to wash – made from a single piece of plastic
- Robust design – will last practically forever
- Ideal for removing larger debris from soil – perfect for stones etc.
- Great value product – an inexpensive option
Cons
- Small diameter – takes a long time to work through larger amounts of soil
- Large holes – not suitable for finer sieving
2. Garland 2-in-1 Sieve
The main selling point of this garden sieve from Garland is that it comes with two different interchangeable screens. One has 6mm holes while the other has 12mm, allowing you to choose a finer or courser level of sieving.
We like the way the tray is quite deep, allowing you to sieve more material at once, and it’s a versatile sieve that’s suitable for a wide range of uses. It’s also made in the UK, which might be important to people who prefer to support homegrown businesses.
The major downside with this product is that the sieve screens are a little prone to falling out while in use. However, you will quickly get used to this and work out a way around it, so this shouldn’t be a deal-breaker – although it is a little annoying.
Otherwise, the only other issue is that it is a little more expensive than some other options – although not by more than a few pounds, so it will hardly break the bank.
In sum, this is a great idea and perfect for anyone who would benefit from the ability to adjust the size of the sieve mesh – and if that includes you, this is a product that should be of interest.
Pros
- Deep tray – allows you to work through larger quantities of soil
- 2 interchangeable screens – allows you to select how fine you sieve
- Versatile sieve – can be used for a range of sieving applications
- Screens good quality – should last a long time
- Made in the UK – support homegrown companies
Cons
- Screens can fall out while in use – but easy enough to work around
- Slightly more expensive than some options – although it will hardly break the bank
3. Tierra Garden GP55 Fine Galvanized Mesh Garden Sieve
This sieve from Tierra Garden looks quite similar to the one we just looked at above. It is square in shape, and it is quite deep, allowing it to hold more soil for sieving. It’s also easy to clean, so you won’t have any problems with stubborn soil getting stuck to it.
The main difference here is that this product only comes with one screen, so you can’t adjust the size of the holes. The holes in the mesh are 6mm, so it will allow you to sieve fine material – it just isn’t great if you need something for sieving courser soil.
Also, some people might find it a little small. It’s ideal if the jobs you need it for aren’t too big, but for sieving larger volumes of soil, this probably isn’t the best choice.
Overall, a great little sieve if you’re looking for something small and inexpensive that will get the job done. It’s also made in the UK, so that’s a plus if you want to support local companies, and as long as you’re happy with a single 6mm mesh, this is a product that’s well worth a look.
Pros
- Mesh made of galvanised woven wire – built to last
- Sturdy and durable item – won’t break easily
- Easy to clean – no problems washing soil off it after use
- Small 6mm holes – ideal for sieving fine material
- Great low price – hard to beat, especially for this kind of quality
Cons
- Only one mesh screen – can’t adjust the size of the holes
- A little small – might take some time to sieve larger volumes
4. Bosmere Garden Care 12mm Mesh Garden Sieve
If you’re looking for a strong sieve that’s made of quality materials, this model from Bosmere should be worth a look. The frame is made of tough powder-coated steel, and it features a metal mesh, meaning it’s built to last.
Since it’s an ideal size for a range of gardening jobs like removing stones or roots, preparing compost and much more, it would be a great option for any keen home gardener. However, note that the holes are 12mm, so it’s not good for fine sieving.
One very minor gripe is that it has no grips or lip to hold on to, although this should hardly affect its ease of use. Also, some people might find it a little shallow. This comes down to personal preference, but if you want a deeper sieve, there are better options to consider.
In short, a functional rugged sieve that will help you remove larger items from your soil. It’s well made, does the job it was designed for and represents great value for money, so for anyone looking for these kinds of characteristics, this is another recommended pick.
Pros
- Powder-coated steel construction – tough and durable
- Metal mesh – should stand up to plenty of use
- Ideal size for small jobs – perfect for home gardening
- Versatile item – suitable for removing stones, roots and more
- Great value – a reasonable price for a quality item
Cons
- No grips – nothing to hold on to
- A little shallow – some people might prefer a deeper sieve
5. simpaoutdoor Steel Garden Riddle Sieve
For anyone who needs a rugged sieve that should stand up to a bit of rough treatment, this is an option to have a look at. It features a solid metal frame along with a metal mesh, so it should last a long time.
We also like the way it’s available in three different mesh sizes – 6mm, 7mm and 12mm – so you can choose the one that’s best suited to the work you need it for. Alternatively, you can buy the pack of all three for extra versatility.
On the downside, the mesh tends to press down when you apply pressure on it – and then it can spring back, throwing soil in your face when you take the pressure off. However, as long as you remember this, it’s easy enough to avoid.
Otherwise, you should realise that it isn’t the largest, so it isn’t perfect for big jobs – but for smaller-scale sieving tasks, it’s ideal, and if that’s what you need it for, it’s an option that should be on your shortlist of possibilities.
Pros
- Available in 3 sizes – with 6mm, 7mm or 12mm holes
- Rugged mesh – won’t break easily
- Solid metal frame – made to withstand rough treatment
- Easy to use – simple, effective design
- Perfect for any sieving applications – use it for a range of gardening jobs
Cons
- Small size – will take a long time to complete big jobs
- Pressure on mesh causes it to depress – then throws out soil when you let go
6. Apollo Gardening 1/4-inch 6mm Metal Garden Riddle/Sieve Mesh
Here’s a tough and sturdy yet very reasonably priced sieve from Apollo Gardening. With a 37cm diameter, it’s a deceptively large model, which means you can use it to work through larger quantities of soil in less time. The mesh has 6mm holes suitable for fine sieving.
It’s easy to wash after use, and we like the robust design – this is a sieve that should last a good few seasons. We also think the price tag is also extremely reasonable for a rugged item like this.
Our only complaints are minor. First, we would have preferred handles to make it easier to hold while shaking the soil through, and second, the mesh tends to sag a little when fully loaded – although this is not an issue as long as it doesn’t break.
All in all, a good pick for anyone who needs a sieve for fine sieving or removing debris from soil. Solid quality and a bargain at this price – another recommended product.
Pros
- Powder-coated steel frame – resistant to rust and corrosion
- Robust design – shouldn’t break too easily
- Good size for a regular bucket – sits comfortably on top
- Easy to wash – just spray down with a garden hose to clean it after use
- Holds a good amount of soil – helps speed up the job of sieving
Cons
- No handles – nothing to hold while you shake it
- Mesh tends to sag when loaded – but no problem as long as it doesn’t break
7. Whitefurze G25LS Large Garden Sieve
Sometimes, the best option is to keep things as simple as possible – especially when it comes to basic items like garden sieves – and if that’s a sentiment you can relate to, this is a product that should appeal.
We appreciate its generous size that will help you work through larger amounts of soil in less time, and we also like the lipped edge with handles on each side that make it easier to pick up and work with.
However, since it is made of plastic, it isn’t as rugged or durable as one made of metal, so you’ll need to treat it more gently if you want it to last. Also, be aware that the holes are on the large side, so it’s not ideal if you need something for finer sieving.
That said, for removing larger items like pebbles from your soil, it’s just perfect, and at this kind of low price point, you can hardly go wrong, making this another garden sieve that merits consideration.
Pros
- Generous size – 37cm in diameter and 10cm deep
- Lipped edge with handles – easy to pick up and use
- Lightweight item – makes it comfortable to work with
- Super-simple design – moulded from a single piece of plastic
- Affordable low price – you can hardly go wrong with something this cheap
Cons
- Made of plastic – not as sturdy as metal versions
- Large holes – won’t work for finer sieving
8. Bulldog Premier 3/8 Inch Garden Sieve
Founded in Wigan in 1780, Bulldog is a venerable British company that specialises in making solid, reliable, high-quality garden equipment – and this sieve fits perfectly into that tradition.
The rim is made of pressed steel, so it will last practically forever, and we also appreciate the cross rods that support the metal mesh, ensuring it won’t break easily under the weight of the soil being sieved.
Despite this, it is still lightweight and easy to use, so anybody will be able to work with it.
The main issue here is the price. It’s a little more expensive than many other sieves, but if you want superior quality, you have to be ready to put your hand in your pocket. Also, it’s a little shallow, so if you prefer a deeper sieve, this one might not be for you.
However, that aside, if you are the kind of person who would rather pay a bit more for garden tools you can trust and that will last more than one season of work, this is just the kind of thing that will appeal. So if that’s what you’re looking for, this could be just the sieve you need.
Pros
- Pressed-steel rim – tough and durable
- Includes cross rods – to support the metal mesh
- Lightweight – despite its rugged build
- High-quality garden sieve – better than cheaper alternatives
- Venerable UK company – founded in Wigan in 1780
Cons
- Not cheap – although you expect to pay more for quality and reliability
- A little shallow – some people prefer their sieves to be deeper
9. Wham Large Plastic Round Garden Sieve
This garden sieve is a basic model that is designed to get the job done without any fuss. It’s a good size for regular garden sieving work, and the 10mm holes do a good job of removing larger debris from your soil.
We like the way it has a lipped rim that makes it easy to pick up and hold, and it’s also easy to clean since there’s nowhere for bits of soil to get stuck.
We might complain that, since it’s made of plastic, it’s not the most rugged sieve on the market – but it also costs less than metal versions, so this is a compromise many people will be happy to make.
Also, at 10mm, the holes will let smaller stones and other debris pass through, so it’s not a good pick if you’re looking for something for finer sieving work.
However, for sieving course material, it does everything you would want of it, and since it doesn’t cost too much, this is a sieve many people will be happy to own.
Pros
- Easy to use – ideal for removing larger debris from soil
- Lipped rim – makes it easy to pick up and shake
- Simple and effective design – one single solid piece of plastic
- Easy to clean – nowhere for soil to get stuck
- Good size – ideal for regular garden jobs
Cons
- Slightly flimsy item – made of plastic
- Large 10mm holes – not good for finer work
10. Metal Garden Potting Sieve
This is a solid, old-fashioned garden sieve like they made in the past. It’s a common complaint that ‘they don’t make ‘em like they used to’, but when it comes to this sieve, it appears not to be true.
Boasting a 36cm diameter and 6mm holes in the mesh, it’s an ideal option for finely sieving larger quantities of soil – and thanks to its solid build quality, you’re likely to still be using it for years to come.
Despite the size and solid construction, it’s also lightweight and easy to use, so it’s a great option, even if you’re not the strongest person.
That said, we would have preferred a lipped rim or some handles since as it is, there’s nothing to grab hold of – although most people won’t have any trouble working with it.
Other than that, the only other downside is the price. However, it’s a high-quality sieve, and the price is hardly prohibitive, so if you want the kind of sieve you can use for years instead of one that needs to be replaced every season, this could be just the thing.
Pros
- Solid construction – built to last many years
- Sturdy metal mesh – won’t let you down
- Small 6mm holes – for fine sieving
- Light and easy to use – even if you’re not the strongest person
- 36cm diameter – good size for large jobs
Cons
- No handles – nothing to grab hold of
- Slightly expensive – although well worth the money
Buyer’s guide
If you’re on the lookout for a handy garden sieve, you’re probably wondering about the kind of factors you should pay attention to when making up your mind – so let’s think about this now.
Size of holes
One of the most important features to look for is the size of the holes in the sieve, and the one you choose will be determined by what you need it for.
The standard sizes for most sieves are either 6mm or 12mm (1/4” or 1/2”), so if you need to sieve fine material, you should choose a version with smaller holes. On the other hand, one with 12mm holes will be good for removing larger debris.
One option is to buy a sieve with interchangeable screens since this will allow you to change the size of the holes depending on the job you are working on.
Size of sieve
Another key factor to look at is the size of the sieve. If you choose a small one, it will be easier to work with, but at the same time, it will take you longer to work through higher volumes of soil.
Conversely, if you choose a larger sieve, it will allow you to work through more material quicker, but at the same time, you might find it harder to lift when it’s full of soil.
For these reasons, you should balance your needs to work through larger quantities of material with your strength and stamina before deciding on the best size for you.
Depth
Some people prefer a deeper sieve since this will allow you to place more soil in it each time. However, with more material, the sieve will be heavier, so again, you need to think about how much you think you can lift.
Handles or lipped rim
Look for sieves with handles or at least a lipped rim that will make it easy to pick up. However, this is not essential, so if the sieve you like doesn’t have this feature, it doesn’t need to be a deal-breaker.
Material
Sieves are made of either plastic or metal – and metal ones are stronger and will last longer. However, plastic ones are less expensive, and if you only need it for light or occasional use, choosing a plastic one could save you some money.
In any case, whether you choose plastic or metal, you should make sure that the sieve is of decent quality and that it won’t break after the first couple of uses.
Plenty of great options to choose from
As you can see, there are many great sieves to choose from, and most of them sell for very reasonable prices.
If you have decided a garden sieve is a tool you need to add to your collection but are having trouble making up your mind which to go for, any of the picks from our review would be a great place to start your search.
