Starting a Garden? 10 Essentials (and Resources) to Keep Handy

Thinking of taking up gardening? Keep these essentials, from tools to gear, nearby.

Written by Sunset July 12, 2020

When life gives you quarantine, plant tomatoes––at least that’s what we’ve seen all around the world. In some parts of the U.S., seed demand rose by 30% during the first couple of months of quarantine. Keep reading for just some of the essentials to get your foot in the garden.

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1 of 11Courtesy of Jeria

Seed Starter Pack

These seed starter kits have everything you need to grow right in the bag, and once they get going, you can easily transplant the plants from the bag to a large pot, to a farm box, or right into the ground.

Jeria 12-Pack Vegetable/Flower/Plant Grow Bags, from $14.99

RELATED: 5 Vegetables Every Gardener Should Plant Right Now

2 of 11Courtesy of Best Choice

Planter Box

Most vegetables will happily grow in a pot, but if you have the space, this cart gives you plenty of room to pack in herbs, greens, and veggies for a perpetual pick-your-own-salad situation. Plus, store all your tools for easy reach. 

Raised Garden Bed Wood Planter, from $130
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3 of 11Courtesy of Fort Vee

Top-Notch Soil

Growing your veggies in organic soil not only makes you feel good, but it’s also better for you and your seedlings. This compost-based soil is specially designed for soil blocks, trays, and pots and will boost the nutrient, mineral, and antioxidant levels of your crops. It’s also a fantastic choice for those “heavy feeders”––plants that require more nutrients than others. 

Fort Vee Compost-Based Potting Mix, from $25
4 of 11Getty Images

Great Soil Hacks to Give Your Garden a Boost

Improve your garden soil without a compost heap

5 of 11Courtesy of Shop KonMari

All-Purpose Canvas Utility Tote

This neutral, practical tote is full of useful pockets—seven in total—perfect for all kinds of garden care and yard work. Made of wear-and-tear resistant cotton, this tote could also be used for activities and outings, from the farmer’s market to a local picnic.

All-Purpose Canvas Utility Tote, from $132
6 of 11Courtesy of Food52

Hand Tools Set

Consider this the all-star cast of flowering-planting, weed-wacking, and seedling-support tools: A potting trowel for easy scooping, a 3-tine cultivator for taking care of hard-to-reach jobs, a weeder for, well, that one’s obvious, and a forged fork and trowel for breaking up the toughest of soils.

The Floral Society Essential Garden Tools, from $308
7 of 11Courtesy of Williams Sonoma

Protective Gloves

Made from durable leather, this buttery-soft pair gets better as you break them in.

Womanswork Leather Gardening Gloves, from $45

RELATED: The Best Garden Gloves for Every Type of Gardener

8 of 11Courtesy of Hedley & Bennett

Dual-Duty Apron

An apron is ideal for when you mindlessly wipe off your dirty gloves and to hold your shears, gloves, and more. This one by Hedley & Bennett x Rifle Paper Co. features a beautiful “Folk Horse” which is guaranteed to put a smile on your face.  

H&B Rifle Folk Horse Apron, from $98
9 of 11Courtesy of HUNTER

Durable Garden Clogs

Slip-on. Check. Waterproof. Check. Durable. Check.

HUNTER Women's Garden Clog, from $75
10 of 11Courtesy of Hari Mari

Easy Slip-Ons

You can’t go wrong with an easy pair of waterproof sandals for daily waterings.

Hari Mari Dunes Flip Flops, from $50
11 of 11Courtesy of Janessa Leone

Shady Hat

A protective hat can help protect skin from harmful UV Rays due to hours spent outdoors tending to your garden. This stylish visor by Janessa Leone made from lightweight but durable raffia is effortless to wear and is UPF 50+. 

Janessa Leone Nico, from $212
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