The Garden Essentials Guide
Something for Everyone
I believe gardening is something for everyone. It’s not something that’s reserved just for the green thumbs of the world, the people who have acres of land, or “crunchy” folks. It just takes a bit of knowledge, willing hands, and a few of the right tools. This guide contains photos and links to my short list of “garden essentials”—the tools and accouterments I use, love, and swear by. Just add dirt, seeds, and water.
My love for being out in the garden started when I was young. No matter the weather, I could often be found outside (usually barefoot) walking amongst the flower gardens planted by my parents. It’s been a lifelong love of mine that was brought to a whole new level in 2016 when Ethan and I purchased our first home and inherited this glorious little half acre of land.
For the past four years, I’ve grown mostly vegetables and herbs, some favorite flowers, and tended to the many (!) raspberry bushes planted by the previous owners of our home. I’d still consider myself a gardening novice in many respects, but I’ve a lot along the way and continue to learn many new things every season. I love the garden because it’s an endless source of lessons in patience, perseverance, and life’s simplest joys.
One thing I’ve learned over the past few years is which tools and accessories I need, and which ones I can do without. The garden is similar to the kitchen in the sense that there’s plenty of gadgets out there, but you really only need a handful of essentials. I put this guide together with the beginner gardener in mind, so if you have no idea where to begin consider this your roadmap! I’m a sucker for aesthetics and the garden is no exception, so there’s nothing ugly on this list either :) Just because there’s dirt involved, doesn’t mean it can’t be pretty!
The Garden Essentials Guide
The Bare Necessities
1. Gardening Gloves
This one kinda goes without saying, right? There are thousands of varieties out there, but I highly suggest something with nitrile coating like these for added protection (helps when dealing with wet soil, too!).
2. Garden Spade
Lots of obvious uses for this classic. It doesn’t need to be anything fancy, but I recommend a really sturdy one otherwise it’ll bend on ya…I’ve been there!
3. Hand Rake
Another absolute essential for your arsenal. I like to use mine for loosening the soil around weeds to make them easier to pull out, or to gently till soil before sowing seeds.
4. Fabric Hose
One of the best purchases I made last year! Watering your garden is a daily task so you're going to want a garden hose you don't completely loathe. I love how lightweight this one is, and the fabric helps keep your hands slightly less dirty than rubber hoses.
5. Kneeling Pad
One of those things you really don't want to be outside gardening without. Especially if you're like me and you have the knees of a 70 year old thanks to years and years of dance. Other cushy (albeit non-specifically gardening) items also work, i.e. the old couch cushion my dad uses. You do you!
6. Watering Can
Again, watering is a daily task and so this is something you'll want to choose wisely on! I suggest something with a shower head attachment that isn't too heavy. I love the look of vintage galvanized steel ones. Always reminds me of my Grandfather's, and one day I'll actually snag one for myself at the antique store.
7. Nail Brush
Oh my friend, do you ever need this. Even the best gardening gloves can't provide you with complete protection, and there's just nothing cuter than black dirt under your nails, am I right?
8. Work Gloves
I highly suggest having a few different pairs of gloves. Something lighter for more nimble tasks (like planting delicate seedlings and sowing seeds) and something with added protection for jobs that require a bit more oomph (like handling thorny raspberry bushes and dealing with rock).
Plant Care
1. Bamboo Garden Stakes
Perfect for staking tomato plants. Cages also work for tomatoes, but this is the route I usually go because it's a simpler aesthetic and I don't really have room for cages since I do SFG.
2. Fiskars Snips
The perfect petite snips for harvesting greens or cutting flowers. These are spring-loaded and super sharp. I've had mine for years (gifted to me by my garden-master dad!), and it's a total must-have.
3. Plant Markers
If you're the sort of person who says things like, "oh, SURELY I'll remember I planted arugula seeds in this spot and kale over there”, take it from me my friend…you won't! And as you stand there trying to ID indistinguishable green sprouts (not speaking from experience or anything…) you'll wish you had used some sort of plant marker. These simple copper ones are reusable and hold up well to the elements.
4. Chinese Bonsai Scissors
I just love these so much. Super sharp and useful for a variety of tasks like harvesting herbs, trimming seedlings, snipping twine, and cutting flowers. This three-pack is a beautiful aesthetic addition to your gardening tools!
5. Jute Twine
A true multipurpose queen. Use it to tie your tomato plants to bamboo stakes for growing support, or fashion a trellis out of fallen branches for your peas to climb on. I love using it to bundle up bunches of herbs to gift to friends (we use this in place of ribbon whenever we wrap gifts!).
6. Pruning Shears
Necessary for pruning bushes and other tasks that require a bit more muscle. Invest in a good pair, get them sharpened regularly, and they'll last you a lifetime.
7. Spray Bottle
It’s helpful to have one of these on-hand for seedling care and pest control. Useful for indoor plants as well!
8. Organic Fertilizer
There’s many options here, but I’ve used this brand of granular fertilizer for several years.
Baskets + Totes
1. Galvanized Steel Bucket
You'll inevitably find yourself in need of buckets for toting soil, weeds, woodchips, dead leaves, water, etc. I have several steel buckets like this, and they're used often! They're also the sort of thing that only looks better with age/wear.
2. Berry Baskets
If you're growing berries of any kind, these little wooden farmer's market baskets are perfect for daily harvesting. Functional and cute, they can even serve as a gift basket for sharing your berries with friends (if you can help yourself from eating them all yourself, of course).
3. Harvest Basket
When doing larger harvests of veggies or cut flowers, it's nice to have a little something to help carry your loot inside! With this wire variety, you can hose off your freshly harvested veggies before bringing them inside.
4. Apple Basket
You'll need some sort of container to help with spring garden cleanup and regular weeding tasks. I love large baskets like this because they're lightweight and yet still sturdy.
5. Canvas Tote
I'll be honest with you here. I don't actually have a designated garden tote...but if I did I would want one like this. Keeps all your tools neatly in one place and truthfully I'd almost use this beauty as a purse!
6. Produce Bags
I mean...these might be more useful at the farmer's market versus your backyard garden, but I just love 'em and wanted to include them here. And this two-pack from IKEA is such a deal!
“Garden Fashion”
1. Sloggers Gardening Shoes
Hear me out on this one. You're going to need a pair of gardening shoes, and you're going to want something you can slip on and off, that you're fine with getting caked in dirt, and that can stand to get a bit wet. This leaves you with few options outside of Crocs (no judgement!) but I like the simpler aesthetic of these a bit more. They're not a total fashion statement but my super beaten sneakers that I've had for years are honestly a far cry worse.
2. Leather Gloves
Another pair of gloves!? To me, gardening gloves are kinda like shoes...each one serves a different purpose and you need options. I just love the look of these ones and thought they deserved a place on the "Fashion" list. Three pairs of gloves isn't necessarily essential...but it's also not a bad idea ;)
3. Pinafore Apron
This is another one of those things that I truthfully don't own...yet! I've had my eye on these handmade linen ones from Etsy and I just love their simple, functional design.
4. Rubber Galoshes
This is another one of those "function over fashion" items. Galoshes aren't something you'll necessarily wear on a daily basis in your garden, but they're nice to have when you need them! I love these ones from Target—they have a padded sole so they’re both comfy and stylish.
Whether you have your own little plot of land, a couple of raised beds, or a few pots on your patio, gardening is something you can take joy in. As I write this entry in the spring of 2020, it’s an especially tender time in our world. There seems to be a surge of people trying their hand at gardening this year though and it makes my heart so happy! In a season like this, it’s so good to ground yourself through something as meditative and life-giving as growing your own garden.
In whatever capacity you choose to garden this year, I'm so excited for you and hope this guide introduced you to a few new tools to add to your collection! I'm cheering you on, and pray you have the most peaceful spring possible. Happy gardening, my friends!
ps: I'm super happy and willing to answer any gardening questions you have. I mean it—it's basically a love language of mine to talk gardening, so just know I'm here for you!