Ok y’all, I was hesitant to create this post because I never want this site to feel “sales-y,” but I am one of those people feels like everyone needs to know about it when I find something awesome. And I especially want you, my lovely readers to know about it when I find cool gardening tools and products I love! With our shared love of all things gardening, I just know you all will appreciate these finds more than anyone else. This list is starting small, but I will definitely add more gardening product recommendations as I stumble across new finds! I hope you find something you love that is truly helpful. Let me know if you do!
Gardening Tools
These are the tools that I couldn’t do without! I don’t like clutter, so try to keep my tools down to a minimum. That means multi-tasking, easy to use tools that really make garden tasks easier are a priority. Here are my faves that fit those requirements!
Hori Hori knife
This little tool is small but mighty! It is a Japanese gardening tool that takes the crown as king of the multitasking tools. It can be used as a small spade, a serrated knife, a twine cutter, and measurement tool.
This one is perfect for planting seeds and transplants- it even has measurement markings so you can measure the hole’s depth as you create it. These tools have sharp edges, usually one that’s serrated and another that’s smooth, so you can cut garden twine, vines or stems, or whatever gets in your way while in the garden. Mine was a gift, but it has quickly become a favorite tool that I always have with me in the garden.
The Barebones one photographed above is a bit pricey (currently $68), but it is very high quality, feels like it will last forever, and comes with a handy sheath to carry it. If you’re looking for a budget option, there is a basic version for $38 without a sheath and plenty cheaper brands available on Amazon, too! Either way, these make great gifts for gardening friends. Check out our list
Pots and Planters
Self watering raised patio garden planters
I bought two of these planters so I could garden on my townhouse’s little porch and they were SO worth it! They are the perfect size to grow all the herbs you could possibly want to cook with all season long. I even experimented with growing larger plants like a shishito pepper plant (far right in the picture below) and it worked great!
I bought two of these planters so I could garden on my townhouse’s little porch and they were SO worth it! They are the perfect size to grow all the herbs you could possibly want to cook with all season long. I even experimented with growing larger plants like a shishito pepper plant (far right in the picture below) and it worked great!
They have a water reservoir in the base of the growing container, so it’s perfect if you’re like me and forget to water your plants everyday. They are pricier now than I think they were when I purchased mine, but there are plenty of other similar options out there (see links below)!
PS- if you like this style but would rather DIY it, we have a post full of DIY raised planter ideas as well as another you might like with a list of other DIY patio planters.
Self watering window sill herb planter
I have a very similar planter, but the water reservoir is only accessible by lifting up the entire planting container out of the outside container. Not practical. This is definitely what I would get if I were to replace it. This one has a little tube like my patio planters above so that you can pour water directly into the reservoir. In my experience with those planters, I know that this added convenience definitely worth it.
Self watering planters are so convenient, but if you don’t want to buy one just yet, check out these ways to DIY a self watering planter setup anytime you go out of town. If you’re into indoor gardening and looking for more ideas, definitely check out our posts on indoor greenhouses and starting seeds indoors!
My favorite seed starting trays
These were an impulse purchase that I thought I might regret. I felt guilty about how thick the plastic was. And it’s not like the could be that much better than typical thin plastic seed trays, right? Wrong. These have proven to be a great purchase.
They won’t split after one use like many other seed trays, and it’s so easy to pop seedlings out of these. you can’t see it in the picture, but they have a flexible silicone base to make getting seedlings out a breeze.
Buy on Amazon
Apparel and Accessories
I don’t like having a dedicated set of gardening clothing or accessories. As mentioned in the garden tools, I like things that can multitask for me! I typically wear old jeans that have been retired from my regular outfit rotation and a pair of short, waterproof or water resistant boots. Tall boots are better for days when you know there will be lots of moving soil around, but the short ones usually do the trick for routine tasks. My garden boots up until recently have been a pair of water resistant Sorel boots. But I’ve worn them down to the point where they are no longer comfortable. So it’s time to shop for new ones! These are the frontrunners so far.
Blundstone
Everyone I know who owns Blundstones is obsessed with them. These are known to be durable, comfortable, and versatile.
Xtra Tuf
I’ve borrowed a pair of Xtra Tuf boots on a fishing trip before and I was amazed by how comfortable they were. I’m considering these as my next garden boots, however the one downside is that they don’t look like boots I would wear with a casual outfit. They would really be dedicated work/rain boots.
Update: bought the Blundstones! And I love them. But I did have to go through a couple sizes first. I am not a fan of how fitted they are at the top of the boot. On the other hand, this does help keep dirt, rocks, and mulch out when working in the garden. I might splurge and get myself the Xtra Tuf’s at some point just to have something for rainy days. I’ll let you know how they do!
Plants, Seeds, Bulbs, etc
Here’s a little list of my favorite plants I’ve ever planted and why I loved them so much.
La Belle Epoque Tulips
You just have to see the color in person to appreciate the hype around this gorgeous tulip variety. I planted these this year, only a bit late. My tulips were very short, but man were they beautiful.
Shishito Peppers
One of my favorite foods. Just char them real quick on a grill or cast iron, season with flaky salt, togarashi, soy sauce, or anything else that sounds good and you have a glorious appetizer. And man, does one plant produce. You will not run out of peppers I promise.
I usually buy plants from Home Depot but you can always start from seed as well!
Check availability at Home Depot
How about you?
This is just the beginning- I’ll continue to update this post any time I find something I absolutely love. I can’t wait to share more finds with you! Would you like to help add to the list? Fill out this form and let me know if you have anything you just love and think I should try out. Is there something you want to try out but want another opinion? Submit it and I just might try it out and let you know what I think!
I hope you found something that will help you out around the garden, and I look forward to seeing your recommendations!
Remi