My Favorite Garden Tools + Resources

Gardening

Jul 9

Written By Annie C

It’s that time of year in the garden when I start getting lots of questions about tools and equipment. Tomatoes are flopping, bugs are popping and there’s a sea of information out there about what to use. Here are a few of my favorites. Always feel free to drop me a note if you have any specific questions. It fills my cup to help you in the garden!

EQUIPMENT

SOIL & COMPOST: I’ve said it once, I’ll say it again. I like Coast of Maine as my favorite brand for soil + compost. I’m partial to the lobster compost for my garden.

TOMATO CAGES + SUPPORTS: I have these collapsible ladders which I’ve been using for about a decade. I use these with my peonies, these pea trellises and these cucumber trellises.

GARDEN TRUGS: I use this wooden one made in the old english style (mine is a large) and I also have a colander style I like for lettuces and other harvests that need a thorough soaking since there are holes at the bottom for drainage.

GARDEN ARCHES: This past spring I constructed garden arches out of this panel fencing. There are lots of internet webinars explaining how to install them. The hardest part is figuring out how to get them home if you don’t have a truck! I’d start by reading this article from Savvy Gardening.

GLOVES: I love these gloves and order a new pair every year since I typically wear them out in a season. I wear a medium.

TOMATO TIES: I am partial to these twist ties but I’ve also seen these velcro ties be widely enjoyed by fellow gardeners.

BAMBOO STAKES: I use short ones when I am first planting seedlings and then use larger ones as the season progresses.

PESTS + PROBLEMS

GARDEN PESTS:

APHIDS + MITES: My first point of defense against garden pests like aphids is to buy ladybugs! They’re fun to release with kids but best to do so in the morning or end of the day after you’ve watered your garden. My second favorite bug to plug are green lacewings. Like ladybugs, the larvae gobble up aphids in record time but without wings they tend to stick around a little longer. When beneficial bugs won’t cut it, I go for the Neem Oil. I like this brand because it is OMRI-certified (meaning it’s been approved by the Organic Material Reviews Institute). I’ve also experimented with Castile Soap spray. I mix 1 tbsp Castile Soap + 4 cups of water to create a spray for aphids. Note that even though it’s gentle, it can cause some of the plant leaves to spot and/or wilt.

SLUGS & SNAILS: This powder creates a barrier that bugs won’t want to cross. Use sparingly in the garden.

GROUNDHOGS, MOLES & VOLES: Make sure you’re fencing your garden from top to bottom. If you’re constructing a raised bed for the first time, a best practice is to add a layer of hardware cloth (steel mesh) on the bottom level before you fill with soil. You’ll want it to be at least 1/4” thick.

DEER: I use this spray on plants by my front door that are unprotected from critters. Otherwise, I always encourage people to pursue companion planting in the garden with herbs. Most herbs will go untouched by deer and other wildlife.