The right tools make a difference
Here are some of my favorites for getting your garden to do list done right!
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Protect your hands
These gloves are such a deal and super durable and comfortable. I’ve tried dozens of garden gloves and these are my faves.
Sometimes you need some throw away gloves for various gardening tasks. These do the trick.
Moving & hauling
Bring the power
Having the right power tools is a must for maximizing your gardening efficiency. Here are a few that I own, use and love. A quality cordless hedge trimmer will cut back perennials, shrubs and more fast. A powerful cordless drill is essential for drilling drainage holes in pots, drill other holes and act as a power screwdriver.
Hand tools I love
Other handy must haves
Don’t forget to protect your peepers when working in the garden.
Volunteer Tree & Vine Control
Unwanted plants can quickly become a headache if they’re not dealt with early. Whenever possible, pull or dig them after a good rain when the soil is soft. For those that are too established to remove easily, these products can help.
I keep Bonide Stump & Vine Killer in my garden caddy for a quick snip-and-treat approach on volunteer trees that seem to pop up everywhere and become too rooted to pull. For larger projects or especially stubborn plants, Tordon is the heavy hitter.
One important note: Tordon can move through root systems and may affect nearby plants. If you’re working close to desirable trees, shrubs, or perennials, Bonide Stump & Vine Killer is usually the safer choice because it’s applied directly to the freshly cut stem. If you’re tackling a plant that’s growing away from other desirable plants, especially woody or vining species, Tordon can be very effective.
As always, follow label directions and safety precautions carefully. Both products require proper protective equipment, and Tordon is particularly powerful.
Critter control
You already know that I believe strongly that we should all say NO to insecticides and pesticides. The terms mean the same thing – they kill bugs. Not just certain bugs, all bugs including those that provide natural insect control and pollinate the food we eat.
I do however utilize a few 100% natural products for controlling critters that cause trouble in my yard and garden. As with all products, follow the application and safety guidelines.
PlantSkydd is the only product I’ve ever found to actively repel rabbits and deer. Even better, it lasts through a couple of rains. It is a dried blood product and stinks like no other when you put it on, so I recommend applying it when others aren’t around. At dusk when folks are heading inside for the night is a great time to apply. Once it is dry the smell is no longer detectable for us. While the only true deterrent of deer is a seven foot tall or higher fence, this product works consistently for me against hungry bunnies and deer.
Do you have moles, voles, groundhogs or skunks in your yard? Ugh, so did I. I like to use a natural oil spray to repel these destructive critters. Note if they are already there, you need to get rid of them through trapping first, but once they’re cleared, an oil based product applied in early spring can keep them at bay. I apply every year. The formulations vary, but are primarily castor oil. This one is mostly castor oil with a splash of peppermint oil and cedarwood oil.
Nutrition
Just like us, our plants need the right food to be their best. I like to top-dress in spring around my plants with compost. That just means apply a few inches of compost. Nature will do it’s thing and work the compost in as it rains and settles. I apply it right over my existing mulch and then add new mulch over that. Definitely don’t over think it.
Here are the additional fertilizers and products I depend on to maximize blooms and keep my plants healthy.
I love these Miracle-Gro LiquaFeed products. Way better than the messy blue stuff, application is super easy with your garden hose. Use the formula best suited for your needs – blooms, all purpose, fruits & veggies. I have all of them and it’s a snap to change them out while watering. Consult the package directions for the specifics.
How about our trees and shrubs? For these plants, fertilizer spikes are my choice for an easy annual feeding. Did you know that even clematis can benefit from fertilizer spikes? Yes! Clematis love rose food! Use these spikes in early spring. Timing your application for after a rain will make the job easy. Follow the package directions and drive the spikes in with a rubber mallet.
Clothing
Let’s not forget some cool gear to wear. I bought, wear and love each of these. The hat is great for keeping the sun off my face and neck. It travels well to the beach too! The sweatshirt is super soft and extra durable and those garden clogs are sturdy, comfy and hose clean.
My Current Favorite Gardening Shoes
These are my current favorite gardening shoes. They’re comfortable, orthotic-friendly, easy to slip on and off, and hold up well to dirt, mulch and muddy conditions. I even wear them hiking because they’re so comfortable and have excellent traction. Their waterproof design also makes them perfect for spring mud and winter slop—just add a warm pair of socks and you’re good to go.
I started with the olive green floral pair and loved them so much that I added the blue garden tools and plants version because, honestly, they’re both just so darn cute.
Sizing note: These shoes run about one size large. I typically wear a size 9.5 or 10, but I ordered a size 9 and they fit perfectly.
Honorable Mentions
While my current favorite gardening shoes are listed above, these are other pairs I’ve owned, worn and recommended over the years. Gardening shoes are a bit like garden tools—everyone has their favorites. Depending on your needs and preferences, one of these may be the perfect fit for you.
I hope these supplies provide you with some new resources for taking your efforts up a notch. Have a great time immersing yourself in your gardening projects.
