The survey conducted by socialbites.ca for VseInstrumenty.ru, an online market for home, cottage, construction, and repair goods, reveals that a large majority of Russians rely on specialized equipment when tending their garden plots. About 89 percent of respondents reported using dedicated garden machinery during their summer plots, highlighting how common powered tools have become in personal outdoor spaces across the country.
A smaller share, roughly 11 percent, works without additional equipment. Among this group, 37 percent explained that their land size is simply too small to justify purchasing machines, while others prefer to manage with basic tools or manual labor. The data suggests that land size remains a key factor shaping equipment choices for many gardeners, influencing whether upgrading to electric or battery-powered devices makes economic sense.
Financial constraints also shape equipment purchases. Around 24 percent of participants cited a lack of funds to acquire batteries and other electrical gear. Nevertheless, a notable portion, 21 percent, continues to enjoy soil work by hand, and 11 percent feel that manual effort offers better results or more control in their plots. This mix points to a spectrum of preferences, where cost, plot size, and personal technique all play meaningful roles in equipment decisions.
For those who already use machinery, the pruner stands out as a frequently relied-upon tool. About 29 percent of machine users cannot imagine their summer work without a pruning device. In addition, 25 percent consider a walk-behind tractor essential for field tasks, while 20 percent view a battery-powered sprayer as a vital addition for maintaining crops and garden spaces. These figures illustrate how compact, battery, and petrol-powered equipment aligns with specific gardening activities, from pruning to field preparation and crop protection.
Other gear has varying levels of importance among gardeners. Eight percent feel they cannot complete tasks without a chainsaw, while six percent depend on a lawnmower, and another six percent rely on mini-washers for cleaning and maintenance. A small share, two percent, chose a high cutter option, and under two percent selected items such as blowers, aerators, grain crushers, mini tractors, and wood-cutting equipment. This distribution underscores the diverse set of tasks gardeners tackle and how equipment preferences shift with each season and project scope.
Looking ahead, the survey shows clear intent among respondents regarding equipment investments. This year, 64 percent of participants planned to purchase batteries and electrical devices for their summer cottages and garden plots. At the same time, a striking 96 percent indicated a preference for products manufactured domestically rather than foreign alternatives. This trend signals confidence in local industry and practical considerations like after-sales support, availability of replacement parts, and shorter supply chains when sourcing garden gear.
While the survey focuses on the Russian context, the underlying dynamics—land size, budget, and the desire to balance manual skill with powered tools—have parallels in other regions. Gardeners everywhere weigh convenience against cost, and they assess which tasks benefit most from mechanical assistance, from pruning to soil preparation and plant protection. The evolving mix of equipment reflects not only technical needs but also cultural attitudes toward work styles, efficiency, and self-reliance in tending personal green spaces.
As the season advances, households with larger plots or more ambitious planting plans tend to lean into a broader toolkit, while those with compact spaces or tighter budgets prioritize smaller, lighter devices. The adoption of domestic-made gear appears to be a recurring theme across demographics, suggesting a growing preference for reliable, locally supported products that meet the practical demands of home gardening.”