Handy doesn't have to mean homely. Colorful Tubtrugs are not only the most useful garden buckets we've seen, but the best-looking ones too. UV-resistant polyethylene is tough enough to haul rocks and debris during spring cleanups and flexible enough to use for watering or dispensing compost tea.

Available at nurseries in 5 ½-gallon ($13) and 9-gallon ($15) sizes, or through