It is almost garden season! I have a shelf of seed starts going in my kitchen, and will soon have even more. I thought that I would share my favorite gardening tools while the season is getting going!
Bootstrap Farmer seed pots— These are pricey, but will last you forever. No more flimsy seed starting pots that fall apart after a season! These are SO well made, we’re going into our third season using them. We have had the 2.5 inch pots for years and just invested in the 3.3 inch pots this year.
Grow Lights— Once we implemented grow lights in our seed starting, everything changed. Our seedlings have been so much stronger and grown so much better. You CAN get by without them, but it does make a big difference if you can afford it!
Plant Markers— These are really good quality and the perfect size for tucking into your seed pots. They work well outdoors, too. If you’re a fan of color coordination, like I am, the colors are a bonus.
Watering Can— We don’t have any irrigation setup in our huge garden. We lug the hose all over and water everything by hand. I really like this watering can and have had it for several years.
Greenstalk— I purchased our greenstalk last year during an amazing sale. It is the best for vertical growing. We are filling ours with everbearing strawberry plants, and it works so well. We did put a six foot long rebar into the ground through the center so that our winds didn’t blow the greenstalk down. A lot of people do not have to go to that lenght the keep it upright. I’d really like to add another to our garden this year for lettuces. They are going to have a new basketweave greenstalk coming out in a few weeks. Keep your eyes peeled! They always do some kind of sale near Mother’s Day.
Plant Ruler— This makes planting so much simpler if you care about proper spacing. You will have happier and healthier plants if you space them well.
Plant Shears— I love these barebones shears. They’re sharp and clean up really easily, plus they’re pretty. I find that having pretty things makes the work more enjoyable.
Seed Trays— Again, these are pricey, but well worth the investment. You can carry your seed starts back and forth without fear of your tray cracking and spilling all of your hard work.
Kneeling pad— Listen, these knees aren’t what they used to be. A cushion under them when pulling weeds for hours has become necessary.
Hori Hori Knife— Full disclosure, this is at the top of my wish list. I don’t own it yet. You can use it to dig holes for planting, cutting fruit off the vine, and so much more. I love the quality and beauty of Barebones items.
Roo Garden Apron— Scott got this for my birthday last year, and I love it so much. Not only am I keeping my clothes clean, but I can fill up the pouch with my harvest when I inevitably forget to grab a basket. Then, I can go inside and pour it all out onto the counter, or onto our outdoor washing table. There are pockets to hold my shears, phone, etc. also.
I want to say that you do not NEED fancy equipment to garden. You need seeds, dirt, and water. Having the extras does make it more enjoyable and often easier. I ask for a lot of these things for my birthday, and I save up gift cards from the “cash back” apps that I use. It does not have to be an expensive undertaking.
Are you gardening this year? What are you most excited to grow?
