Last Minute Gifts for Gardeners

Yep, one day after the Winter Solstice and we are down to three days before Christmas. Of course I would post about last minute gifts, right? Basically, I could give you a list of all the cool things you could get, and yes, I have done that before. But when it comes right down to it, all gardeners want are the basics to get the job done, am I right?!

Here are a few things that I believe are essential and practical for your gardening adventures year round.

  1. Gloves – if there is one thing I am learning, a good pair of gloves is absolute gold. I have gone through several pairs, including a small pair that cost a dollar “just to get by” during the summer months. Though they were pretty, they did not do the job. A couple of good brands to consider are womenswork and bionic gloves.
  2. Boots – I love a good boot for the garden, and pretty much I love rain/wellie boots for all of my gardening/outdoor adventures. The one I have been impressed with and believe they are worth every penny, are these Xtratuf® boots I purchased last year.  I have done everything from clearing brush to slogging through mud and slush and they are extremely warm, comfortable and all boot.
  3. Shovel – I don’t know about you, but the main tool I take with me every time I have yard work to do is my shovel. It helps me from bending over too much with little things like moving rocks, digging a trench, etc. I really don’t have a shovel in particular, only because people all have different preferences, and though this might seem like an odd gift, it’s a gift that only a gardener would appreciate.

 

Again, there are many things you can get, but these come to the top when it comes to gifts you can get last minute at a brick and mortar store and won’t disappoint. What are your number one gardening gifts?

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!

The Talk of the Trowel and Other Things I’m Digging

I thought I would try something a little new with this post. There are so many things that interest me and I would really like to share them with you! My wish list for Christmas is getting longer (I know…too soon?), but it looks as though I may have to break down and buy a few of these things before then. I have also found some really well written articles I thought I would pass along for your reference.

The Talk of the Trowel: this will be a new periodic post that will bring together some of the best gardening information the interwebs (ha) has to offer.

Here are two really informative articles deserve another look that are courtesy of Fix.com:

How to Get Rid of Common Garden Pests                                  http://www.fix.com/blog/common-garden-pests-and-how-to-get-rid-of-them/

Fertilizer Facts– When and How You Should                           http://www.fix.com/blog/fertilizer-facts/

What I’m Digging– Things I Love In and Out of the Garden

I want to share with you things that I like, love and want this very moment!

  • DeWit Tulip Trowel

This tulip shaped trowel was a big hit at the Chelsea Flower Show this year, and I can see why! You can purchase this beauty on a great gardening site called shopterrain.com. Beautiful products for all of your outdoor musings.

DeWit Tulip Trowel

shopterrain.com

  • Victorinox Garden Knife

Also available on shopterrain.com, my little Leatherman is great, but I don’t think the garden is where it’s most at home. This is exactly what I needed last week when I was trying cut of the last of my peppermint plants! This will be ordered very soon…

shopterrain.com

  • The Essential Garden Tool Kit

Modernfarmer.com has the best garden tool set ever! This kit includes scissors, which I find I need a lot more than I ever thought I would!

modernfarmer.com

  • Basil Memories Bottle Basket — Basil Bike Baskets are some of the most well designed baskets around. I own two of them– I just recently purchased this yellow one to put on my bike so when I head to my local Farmer’s Market, I have a place to put all of my loot!

publicbikes.com 

Here it is, my list of things I love right now. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do! Stay tuned for more great ideas, gadgets, gear, etc.!

Quick and Easy Spring Gardening Preparation Tips

It was a beautiful sight today– the sidewalks are melting and turning into puddles! I managed to take a small walk on lunch today just to get outside for the first time in almost two months! Before we know it, the blossoms of spring will be in full bloom!

20140519_133843

With spring a little under two weeks away, the time is NOW to get ready for the new season!

Are you ready? Here are the things you need to do now to get ahead of the game:

  • Seeds are purchased or have been started. One of the cheapest ways to garden is buying seeds! Or, if you have collected seeds from last fall, you are ready to roll! If you purchased them last month to force growth, this is the time so they are ready to head outdoors.                                                                                                  20150125_155437
  • Get the tools you need. In one of my first posts, I outlined the basic tools you need to get growing. A trowel, spade, shovel, cultivator and rake are the most common and readily available for you. Simple and basic. And practical!

wendy gardengarden 320141004_103339

  • Get a wide-brimmed hat. Even the sun in spring can burn you just as bad as in the middle of summer! Protect yourself and get a good hat and some sunscreen.
  • Purchase a pair of garden gloves. As I have said in the past, when doing any garden work, I recommend purchasing a good pair of garden gloves. You can pull weeds MUCH easier than with your bare hands.
  • Knee pad, baby! Knee pads are a savior and rock my world! I even use them when I have to clean the cats’ litter box!
  • A good bucket. A good bucket is worth its weight in gold when it comes to carrying your tools and other yard rubbish around!

A bigger investment, but no less important — a wheelbarrow. This was the first thing my husband and I purchased after we got married! They are not too expensive–but again, worth its weight in gold if you want something a little bigger than a bucket.

If you follow these tips than you will be sure to kick off the coming growing season in the right direction.

Please feel free to share any other tips you have that will be handy this spring!