When we decided a few years ago that we wanted a garden we started out like any newbies and purchased the shiny cool products of what we thought we needed. That was a bust. After many different types of tools, soil, and such we found 7 of our favorite must have tools for your garden that we always have on hand. So if you’re like us and you don’t feel like going through endless recommendations of products hopefully this helps you.
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1.) GARDEN GLOVES
When it comes to garden gloves, functionality is key. Skip the pretty ones and opt for heavy-duty gloves like the Wells Lamont HydraHyde. These gloves can withstand the rigors of garden work, from tending to plants to handling thorny rose bushes. Don’t compromise on durability and choose gloves that truly hold up. If you’re as hard on yours as I am they should last you easily a couple of years.
2.) MUCKS
If you’re in need of reliable footwear for your gardening adventures, consider some Mucks. Let me explain. When I wore out my beat up pair of Sperrys out to the point that the sides were busting out my husband suggested to me that I should get a pair of Mucks. I didn’t know what he was talking about but let me tell you! These shoes are a game changer, designed to handle various gardening chores like tending to chickens, working in the garden, working in water/mud, and handling yard tasks. Comfortable and breathable, they’re perfect for long hours of work. They also come in boots or ankle type (personally I like the ankles, I don’t feel so sweaty then). So definitely suggest you look into getting a pair of them.
3.) SCISSORS
I used to call them “garden cutters,” but apparently, they’re called Gardening Shears. Now I’m not talking about just your typical scissors that are in your kitchen drawer I’m talking about some gardening shears. These little “cutters” are also always grabbed when I reach for my gloves. They’ve sliced through soil bags and twigs (the size of your thumb) and I will also say that they stay sharp (says the hole in my back pocket of my yard shorts) even if you’re too lazy (like me) to give them a proper clean after each use. If that’s not perfect for us low maintenance people than I don’t know what is!
4.) WATER SPRAYER
I know I know…. a water wand is on your list? Yes. This Water Sprayer Beauty has a long neck, perfect for watering hanging baskets and reaching under leaves without disturbing the precious flowers. Trust me, in our sauna-like climate, you don’t want wet leaves and veggies (they will show you their dislike, trust me). With adjustable settings, you can play with the flow to suit your plants’ likings. It’s a watering necessity, trust me nothings worse than trying to reach a pot and can’t get to it because you come up short in reaching with the hose.
5.) GROWOYA
We all have those days when laziness strikes, and our poor garden suffers in silence. Well, this little gem by Growoya (which comes in many different sizes) is here to save the day! These little terra cotta wonders known as Ollas (pronounced “oy-yah”) lets you water your beds without lifting a finger…. well almost. The history of them is really interesting check it out here. Just fill’em up, stick’em in the soil, and boom! Your plants will receive a slow, steady supply of water. I usually gives us about a days watering depending on the temperature. It’s like having your own personal gardener.
6.) SOIL
If you’ve been following our gardening adventures, you know we’re crazy about Foxfarm soil. It’s always our go to soil over other brands. We even use some of their liquid nutrients, which is also extremely great. Our current obsession is their Ocean Forest soil–which is packed with earthworm castings, peat moss, and fish emulsions to name a few of the ingredients. Our plants and vegetables react so beautifully to it. Now, some people may not like the smell (especially the liquid nutrients), but hey, the more natural the ingredients the more unpleasant the smell. So, I say embrace the earthy aroma and watch your garden thank you later!
7.) GARDEN SLEEVES
Ah, garden sleeves. If you’re like me than you also lose the battle against Poison Ivy every spring and summer. It’s like that sneaky villain that always finds a way to attack, even when you’re nowhere near it. So, after feeling like the boy in the bubble for awhile I had had enough and here enters the Garden Sleeves! Not only do they protect you from Poison Ivy, they also keep you cool under the scorching sun, bug bites, and from being scratched up by plants. Plus, you’ll earn the coveted “sexy farmer’s tan” that you can wear proudly. So, yes I may have a farmers tan now but I don’t care as long as I can get back out in the yard again.
Now, do I lose some of these things in the garden while I’m working….yes but that’s neither here nor there. What’s important is that they are a huge help to us with making our garden function and hopefully these help you in your garden. So as you’re standing there with your farmers tan admiring the fruits of your labor (I really tickle myself sometimes) enjoy the fact that you don’t have poison ivy and that you’re a master gardener….well in my eyes at least. Now if you will excuse me I’m going to go eat some of our blueberries before the birds get them all.
