My Garden Season Must-Haves
It’s my favorite time of the year, spring has sprung in the Pacific Northwest! Have you ever wondered what someone’s must-have garden things are? These are my garden season must-haves! From what I like to wear to my must-have tools, the basics for gardening.
The past two months I’ve been busy getting our property in order. Most of our land is unused woodland, but the 1 1/2 acres we do use, I manage 90% of it on my own. So, it’s a lot of work! We’ve got chickens, a young food forest, a large grass area, garden beds, containers, and plants throughout.
It’s a good thing I love gardening, and being out in nature!
Although I use quite a few tools/items on my property, and in the garden. I’m just going to share my must haves, and what I consider to be the best basic gardening tools! Everything from what you’re wearing, to the tools in your hands, will make a huge difference in managing your garden/yard.
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My Garden Season Must-Haves
1. Gloves
I’m a firm believer in getting your hands into the soil, it’s actually been proven to help your mental health. The bacteria that lives in the soil is known to increase serotonin levels. So, get those hands dirty, as often as possible. There are also some times where you need to wear gloves. Dealing with thorn bushes, stinging nettle, wood, tree sap, ect.
Avoid buying the cheap gardening gloves that will last you a day or two, are you really saving money when you constantly have to buy new pairs? Spend a little money, and purchase a good pair of gloves that will last you OVER one season. Not to mention your gloves should be comfortable, and durable.
I bought a pair of from Walmart for $15 over 2 years ago, and they are still going strong.
2. Boots & Slip Ons
Get a good pair of work boots, and some kind of slip ons. Your feet, and body will thank you! They need to be comfortable, and be able to get messy. I use both frequently. Boots will come in handy for when you’re prepping your garden, walking through thorn bushes, working with woodchips, weed wacking or anyother activity.
My Ridgecut work boots from Tractor Supply are comfortable, and durable. I can safely walk through thorns without getting poked. There are a lot of great work boots out there. If you’d rather go with slip on boots, Muck’s are great.
What about those times where you just want to go water, or pick some fresh vegetables for dinner? Crocs make the perfect slip on, if the typical style isn’t your thing – these ballet flats are very comfortable!
3. Overalls
I didn’t jump on the overall bandwagon right away, but they are the best to wear while gardening. While bending over you don’t have to constantly pull up your pants. I know I can’t be the only one. The many pockets are also very useful.
If you don’t own a pair of Carhartt overall’s, I suggest you add a pair to your collection. They are durable, comfortable, and functional.
4. Hori Hori Knife
I love my Hori Hori Knife! I just love multifunctional stuff. Use it to cut your plants, roots, twine, bags, or whatever you need cut. I use mine to dig a hole, perfect for planting seeds, and starts. You can also use it to measure the soil.
It’s conveniently sized to carry around.
These are definitely one of my garden season must-haves!
5. Containers
Whether you’ve got a little apartment balcony garden, or a full sized garden. I strongly believe you should own some containers at your home.
Maybe you’re growing herbs, and want easy access. Or liven up your porch with some color. There is no right or wrong way to grow a garden. I’ve seen some amazing backyard gardens with only containers.
These grow bags are great; I’ve had mine over 4 years, and they’re still going strong. I don’t even put mine away for winter – not that I suggest it, because they’ll last even longer if you do. I’ve grown so much in them; squash(with a tomato cage), tomatoes, peppers, herbs, cucumbers(with a tomato cage), and so much more. Towards the end of the season if any plants – like peppers – still could produce, I move them into the green house.
One of my favorite garden purchases over the years, has to be a Greenstalk Tower! Again, if you’re limited on space, growing vertical is the way to go. Or maybe you want to fill the whole thing up with herbs for easy access. Put all the sun loving ones facing the sun, and shade one’s at back. You can also buy a frost cover, insect protection, plant support for vines, and so much more.
6. Harvesting
It’s always the best part, collecting the fruits of your labor. Harvesting your fruits, veggies, and herbs. When I head out to collect things, there are a few things I always try bringing out with me. Some kind of scissors, these garden shears are cheap and effective. Not going to lie, there are a lot of times I’ll just grab my kitchen scissors and go out to the garden. Just have something you can cleanly, and easily cut produce so you’re not putting stress on the plant. Remember to clean them often.
Of course you’ll also need something to carry produce. We’ve used just any bowl in the kitchen before, but nothing beats having a basket with a handle. Picking raspberries can be very hard with a bowl if you have to keep reaching to the ground. Next time you’re at the thrift store, check out the basket section. I’m positive you’ll find a basket with a handle. Grab it with Lysol, or a Clorox wipe to clean it. You’re going to wash your produce anyway.
There are definitely a few more gardening tools, and equipement I’d suggest, but I’ll save that for another time. Those were my best basic gardening items, the items I use everytime I head out to the garden. My garden season must-haves! Let me know in the comment section what’s your garden season must-haves?
Happy Gardening!!
PS. I’ll be updating the monthly homesteading series soon, so be sure to check it out!
