The best practical gifts for gardeners 🌿🎁🌿

[@carolynclark8780]

Tubtrugs are simply the best! I started out with a 10-gallon one, which is my workhorse, the perfect size for weeding, pruning and general garden cleanup. Then I got a 20 gallon one, thinking it would be great for autumn leaf-raking, but discovered it wasn’t. It holds more leaves, for sure, but what I hadn’t considered is fallen leaves are usually wet and a 20-gallon tub crammed full of them is really heavy. It’s too hard on my back to lug that much around, so I went back to using the 10-gallon for fall leaf cleanup and that’s perfectly comfortable on my back. Then I bought a 4-gallon tub for no other reason than it was so cute. To my surprise, I found a use for it right away. I keep it filled with mulch so it’s always ready to go when I’m planting something out. I found it so handy that I bought another 4-gallon one (different color) that I keep filled with compost. Again, always ready to go. The 4-gallon tubs are small enough that even when they’re full they’re comfortable to carry. They save me from lugging a full bag of mulch or compost around, which is too hard on my back. The small size of the 4-gallon tubs also make them easy to fit next to a planting hole when I'm working in my chock-full garden beds. I keep a third 4-gallon tub stationed at the back door for small scale (usually on-the-fly) cleanup and deadheading. Lastly, I bought a 9-gallon shallow tub, which I use in summer to give plants a good soak prior to planting out, and in the opposite time of year, I use to catch watering spills for the few things I overwinter in the garage. For me, tubtrugs are indispensable!

[@mikebridges222]

I just ordered my 3rd Hoselink, and they are on sale! I was introduced to them by Laura at Garden Answer when I WON a Hoselink!! I love it so much! Highly recommend

[@phyllisgarratt9594]

I have four of them. They make life so much easier!

[@Gma25]

They are heavy for me to move and lift. Has anyone left these out during the winter as long as they are disconnected?

[@suemerryman1078]

Love all of your suggestions. I've purchased Fine Gardening magazine for many years. And saved all of them. 🙄

[@adz5bneweng589]

I get the print and digital subscription for Fine Gardening. Also highly recommend F.G.

[@emkn1479]

I can never have enough harvest baskets or tubs to cart things around.

[@j.m.7056]

The tub trugs are fabulous! I own several and use them all the time. Also filled with gifts for various occasions. My favorite is to fill with items for first days for move to new house. Cleaning/bathroom supplies, paper plates/cups/napkins, treats.....

[@TheImpatientGardener]

@@j.m.7056 That is a fabulous idea!

[@SteveL2012]

Both avid gardeners here. Just ordered our first hose link, the Dixter spade and Mastering the Art of Flower Gardening. Completed a good portion of my Christmas shopping in just 10 minutes. Thank you, Erin!!

[@TheImpatientGardener]

Well done! Glad you found it helpful!

[@feistycitrus]

Some libraries have magazines digitally available to view on a tablet. Thankfully my libraries has a lot and the ones you mentioned as well. I don’t mind looking at them in my tablet. The quality is very good and I can take screen shot if I find something i want to remember.

[@amydeeds6248]

Thanks for the hoselink recommendation-I’ve been eyeing it but wasn’t sure how useful. You seem to be a down to earth person so I trust your opinion. And I definitely want the seeding tool-I’m tired of using toothpicks and plastic spoons lol. 😊

[@kathleenberkheiser264]

We love our Hoselink. One of our best purchases for our yard.

[@jennypatterson6660]

I know this is a bit personal for a gift, but a good wrist brace is great! As I sit here with my wrist in a brace after planting 500 bulbs. I wish I would have thought to put it on while planting to keep my wrist stable. I LOVE this video

[@TheImpatientGardener]

Good thinking!

[@betsymaltby6788]

Thank Erin, this list is great. I had no idea that The Well-Tended Perennial Garden was updated...still have my old copy with lots of notes in the margins, just an excellent reference book. I recently purchased the transplanting spade and all I can say is this beast just cuts through stuff like nobody's business. I'm at the point where I need to do a lot more dividing and transplanting...and this tool really gets the job done. Lastly, thanks for the Christmas Wish List I am going to give my family at Thanksgiving. 😅

[@christinahaftmann4065]

Thanks for keeping us sane! Your videos are very relaxing and grounding. Also, both Amazon and the Magazine Cafe from NYC deliver international magazines within days - since you are somewhat impatient! 💐

[@BlackSwampSurvivor]

So excited! I mentioned to my husband the HoseLink's sale going on now, and he said he'd happily get me one for my birthday, (which is a couple weeks after Christmas.) I can't wait to use it next season! Thanks for putting that bug in my ear.

[@Goscriven]

Erin……love your sense of humor…..and your knowledge….thanks for sharing…..

[@christieharrison9542]

Agreed! I wish she was my neighbour - weeds and wine every weekend!

[@c.newton4787]

Amarillis are wonderful! I plant mine outside in a south facing garden and they come up every yr!! Zone 7b!!! Great video. Thank you

[@kristaself126]

This winter is a great time to get cozy with a book and your choice of beverage and dream about Spring.

[@jamiemitchell8088]

I just bought my 1st hoselink. And it will be in my possession in 2 days. I have wanted one for years. Merry Christmas to me😊 My husband is skeptical. We will see how amazing this will be.

[@quercus21]

I live 30 minutes from Niwaki in the UK. The secateurs from them and the Okatsune ones are next level and I must have several pairs.. I think I have almost all of their gardening tools. Also, their 3 legged ladders are superior too.

[@TheImpatientGardener]

I really need on of those tripod ladders!

[@quercus21]

@@TheImpatientGardener I have the 9ft EN pro adjustable and 4 ft one. Everyone loves using it. You can get the one leg into a bed without damaging any plants and work above with confidence. I love the Horihori from them as well. Great channel by the way.

[@heatherw.2751]

I’ve been wanting an orchard ladder for such a long time! I think I’ll have to gift one to myself 😜

[@altheab.8907]

Erin, FYI carpel tunnel……you may already know this, but wanted to share in case you didn’t. There is an exercise that really helps to prevent it. You simply make a good hard fist and hold for 5 seconds or so then let go and stretch your hand out as far as you can and hold. Do this a few times whenever you think about it…watching TV, reading a book, whatever. I’ve done this for years, and no carpel tunnel problems in spite of repetitive motion tasks. Good when hands are tired or sore too. Just wanted to share. 😊💕

[@carlas872]

Oh boy, so many gift ideas. . . FOR ME!

[@chrispetersen6402]

The Horticultural society is such a good value for your dollar! And the articles are superb! I’m getting discounts or free entry to Manny botanical Gardens is a plus!

[@Chris-op7yt]

for secateurs i've gone away from expensive well known brand to stainless steel secateurs. i'm loving it.

[@MourningDove-bn4dk]

No offense, but in general pointed shovels are far better for digging holes, especially for hard and compacted soils. You must have really nice soft soil in order for you to not struggle with a transfer shovel. The transfer shovel (square) is usually made like a snow shovel, made for scooping and moving material.

[@sheilaberry9837]

I have about 500 roses and many other plants that require pruning. I switched to the admittedly very expensive Toshibo pruners and they have been life changing. They stay sharp, they clean easily (with the Niwaki “Crean Mate” and camellia oil) with no disassembly required.

[@TheImpatientGardener]

500 roses! Holy smokes!

[@sheilaberry9837]

Yeah. What was I thinking?

[@Rocky-ce8zb]

I read Gardens Illustrated on the Libby app through my library, for free, yay! I used to get a physical copy which arrived late but also almost always torn as it’s a large format.

[@emkn1479]

Wow, great idea! I never thought to look for magazines on Libby 🤯

[@barbaramccann7944]

I have 4 Hoselinks and have given two to each of my sons/families. Game-changer!

[@lisas3692]

Hoselink - yes! Raved about mine so much my neighbor bought one for her husband’s birthday and he thanks me every time he pulls it out. Sneeboer tools - yes yes!! I’ve treated myself to several (to the point that DGW gifted me a Sneeboer bag - lol) and they are my prized garden workhorses. Great video and gift ideas, as always. Happy holidays to you!

[@elijahthomas4080]

A few videos ago you mentioned you don’t like rozeanne geranium, I am new to hardy geraniums and it is the only one I have and love it so far. I was wondering what toy don’t like about it and what varieties you do like? Do any of the ones you like bloom all year like Rozanne?

[@TheImpatientGardener]

Well first off, I'm in the minority on this. Rozanne is a classic and has won a ton of awards, so don't let me weigh too heavily on your decision. In my experience it got so big and floppy that even with a lot of blooms it was underwhelming. I'd find myself chopping it back (to encourage new foliage and tighter growth) while many of the flowers were still blooming, but many others looked terrible. I grow a lot of hardy geraniums and I really like Boom Chocolatta, but that's a bit of a different animal.

[@dglemmer1]

Another practical gift suggestion would be asking for a membership to your channel!

[@hollyborey4789]

I went to the Great Dixter sight and was looking for the tiny tool you showed that helps lift seedlings out of the tiny starter trays. They didn’t even show it and looked so interesting.

[@jillsimpson8716]

Thank you! Always appreciate your insight!!!

[@kathrynmettelka7216]

Wonderful tips. Since you are an expert gardener, your recommendations are valuable.

[@user-wr7yl7xp8d]

So much great info and excellent gift ideas! Even if I’m gifting myself :) Erin, I love how you tell us the practical use of your suggestions, not just list them and buzz right through them.

[@rhondaschenk5727]

Thanks Erin, this is great!

[@Gigi-fv9ky]

I already have half a dozen tub trugs in various sizes and colors and yes, I would be happy to get another. 😊 I am a long time GW viewer and I want the Sneeboer tools, do you think they will have any kind of Black Friday sale? I’d hate to spend over $300 today only to find waiting one week would have been a big savings.

[@Gigi-fv9ky]

Related question: prior to Covid, I don’t recall any issues with fungus gnats in my seed starting mix and I have grown seeds inside, at least intermittently, for decades. But, every year since they’ve been horrible. Last year I resorted to pouring a lot of boiling water on all my seed starting mix before I used it, which did help a lot, but was a big pain and messy. What do you do to combat fungus gnats while starting seeds?

[@TheImpatientGardener]

I have to say that I don't recall a Black Friday sale for them. I know that Garden Tool Company has a promo for a custom engraved handle on some products right now, and I think that GardenHeir does free shipping every once in a while. Sorry I'm not more help. Honestly, both of those companies are small businesses, and there's a good chance that the owners will answer the phone when you call. Maybe call and ask?

[@Soviless99]

i tend to like the spring ones. dirt gets in the sheath spring of felcos and it wears it down quickly and gets it annoyingly gritty. I love corona brand

[@doreenpucely4664]

Totally agree about the HOSELINK. I am not exaggerating when I say that my least favorite part of gardening was reeling up the hose. Hoselink changed my life. I bought one and then bought two more. I was lucky enough to win a $100 gift certificate for writing a review ( which I thouroughly investigated before I even opened the email because I couldn’t believe my good fortune). I have since purchased one for my daughters family and last Christmas got one for my sons family(and now he wants another one😂). 100% endorse Hoselink. Definitely an investment but well worth it.

[@JennJenn9]

Very cool ideas! One gift for myself will be a weather station- Im going to totally dork out 🤓 analyzing weather data from my garden

[@TheImpatientGardener]

We love our weather station!

[@j.m.7056]

I only have a rain gauge but a weather station would be fun!

[@PatriciaElliott-wm7ri]

Hi, would like to gift a weather station for my sign other, any suggestions?

[@melissaschloneger9902]

One tool that we have used to plant and dig up shrubs is the ROOTSLAYER. It has a narrow blade with teeth on each side and gets the job done better than any other shovel I have ever used. I am a perennial splitter and mover as well. I figure “why give money to the store, when I can make more plants by splitting?”

[@eileenwoll5734]

Got 2 hose reels that were not Hoselink. Very bummed - one is very difficult reeling in last 2 or 3 feet, and the other has a tiny hole at the metal collar at end of hose where it attaches to the nozzle. Live and learn...

[@emkn1479]

Same here. I threw it out this year after the season was over. It wouldn’t retract because the mechanism dislodged and a wren built a nest inside 🤦‍♀️ Tried to fix it to no avail. So cheap! I bought a HoseLink over one of their last sales and I cannot wait to use it next year.

[@antonianovoa6416]

What a great source of information! Thank you!

[@angela-sanders]

Thank you, Erin! I needed some last-minute items and these were perfect ideas, and I got the seed pricker for me!

[@rosemarybushea3447]

Great list, thanks!

[@j.m.7056]

Forgot to mention Corona pruning saw. Everybody can use one! Too big a job for loppers? Get out the pruning saw!

[@TheImpatientGardener]

Yes!

[@kfaulknerstudio]

Great video! Love the membership idea.

[@amysgardenstead2879]

I want the pricker! I can’t tell you how many cheap ones I have bent. Once you use one, you won’t go back. I have 3 hoselinks and they are a game changer. Great company.

[@kathystarnes6744]

Awesome list! Thanks for sharing!💚💚💚

[@newt52864]

Great ideas !!! 🤩

[@eileenchang2173]

Now this is what I call one stop shopping! Thank you, Erin for these great suggestions, treating myself ! ! 🥰🌸🇨🇦

[@heidikingsbury7894]

Wish we could get this stuff on Canada

[@christieharrison9542]

What can’t you get? If you have a credit card then you can order any of these things

[@daiseegray9110]

American Roots! I have it and LOVE ❤️ it! 🌼🐝

[@sylviadombrosky8936]

great show thanks for the recommendations.

[@ricaraca]

Such a great video, as always! I especially love recommending the memberships. What a thoughtful choice to gift something that otherwise might feel like an unnecessary splurge for a garden lover to purchase on their own. And if you live nearby, you can visit gardens together too!

[@mperry2906]

Well, I ordered myself a couple of books, thanks for the list!

[@jennifergreene8891]

Hi Erin 👋 I really appreciate you sharing this list. Thank you. 😊

[@LinusCello75]

Marianne Wilburn just joined “the garden mixer” podcast (formerly “into the garden” with Leslie Harris”). She’s a hoot if you’ve read gardenrant.

[@TheImpatientGardener]

Marianne is a great friend and I’m so happy she’s now on Leslie’s podcast as a regular! She and I spent a week in a van driving through California a few years ago and it was memorable.

[@stephaniesharkey3538]

Thx Erin!

[@heatherjung8941]

Great video Erin. I am getting the gardening kneeling stool/bench from Lee Valley this year from my family. My older knees and back will appreciate the cushioning next spring. Just another idea for comfort while gardening. Love to the pups. 🤓

[@AlisonAndrades-kc4rp]

I'd love to ask for gift cards to buy plants and bulbs next year. Do you have any recommended reputable online retailers? I'm specifically interested in bushes, native plants, bulbs and perennials.

[@thebestduofr1210]

Great question!!

[@cherylbevis6535]

Hi Erin. Im curious about the differences you find between a pair of snips vs. the short flower scissors.

[@TheImpatientGardener]

I like the snips for deadheading and the flower scissors for cutting flowers or vegetables. Certainly they could be used interchangeably but that finer tip is better for precise cutting.

[@sheila1961]

Terrific ideas! Thank you!

[@elmariedstra5631]

I loved this video!! Amazing gift ideas and you can’t beat Sneeboer. The best tool out there!!!

[@danakenoyer106]

Thank you for great ideas

[@tanyafiol9378]

Thank you!!! Great ideas 😊

[@bonniejackson7476]

Thank you Erin! Such great ideas. Happy Thanksgiving 🍁

[@sarahmascara]

Thanks for the tips, Erin! Also, you look great! :)

[@tammykuhar4420]

I asked for a hoselink for Christmas!

[@wagnerab1958]

Great gift ideas, love it. Now I'll add some of these to MY Christmas wish list.

[@julesdavis1845]

Whoa. Treasure trove. Making my list. Thanks.

[@GardenDiscovery]

Love my hoselink . It rocks!

[@WiscoGarden]

All the talk of “hoes” made me giggle. Me and my 13 year old boy sense of humor! 😂🤦🏻‍♀️

[@NN-fz4pd]

Yea wish there was another name for it

[@betholdham8721]

What is the niwiki pumice called again?

[@TheImpatientGardener]

@@betholdham8721 Crean mate (link in the description too).

[@heatherw.2751]

Splendid!!!

[@thomasnoble1816]

I use the Gorilla version of the Tugtrub. They are invaluable.

[@TheImpatientGardener]

This one is by Gorilla. They are better than the cheap ones, which seems to crack when they freeze.

[@TomTerrific]

I use a 5 cent sharpened pencil as a seedling pricker - much cheaper than the $39 tool you recommend.

[@TheImpatientGardener]

Like I said, it’s not a tool you need, it’s just a tool you want. 😀

[@Aurora-Sky]

I had to laugh when you mentioned that hoes are amazing (fans of The Office know it offers the perfect opportunity to interject Michael's infamous quote)..😂

[@emkn1479]

I dunno Erin, I feel like I DO need that seedling tool 😂 It’s always harder than it should be! And yes to biodegradable twine 👍 I keep trying to go for reusable stuff but let’s be real, will I actually collect and reuse everything? Maybe…

[@TheImpatientGardener]

@@emkn1479 I mean, I’m a better person because I have that seedling pricker, so yeah, maybe you do need it. 😀

[@emkn1479]

@ I’ve used junky plastic ones but they’re not great. Nothing like the feel and function of stainless.

[@daveymcteer6804]

You are so funny. Where is Magnus/Darwin?? Forwarded to Hubs!! Ok I saw The little cutie!!

[@TheImpatientGardener]

He's usually about five feet away! And I edited out the bits where he was "helping."

[@41murphy2]

❤😊

[@mariusmarius4832]

As a professional gardener,I bought two pairs of Niwaki secateurs after using falco for years. First pair the locking clip on back fell of and disappeared in the garden and the second pair the handle broke in half while pruning. Wasted money. Back to my falco's but in all honesty both brands are insanely overpriced. Saying that basically every single professional gardener that I know use falco.

[@TheImpatientGardener]

Wow, that wild to hear. Did you reach out them at all about those failures? But you're reinforcing the point ... secateurs are a really personal choice. But I do find that once gardeners find "the one" for them, they are very loyal!

[@adz5bneweng589]

I LOVE the Okatsune pruners that I've scored from the Amazonian. Great sound, too. I'm also a professional gardener, and I use these daily, sometimes for hours. Highly recommend (around $30). They also sharpen well.

[@douellette7960]

It's Felco of course, no 'a'. Sure you're a pro gardener? Anyway, my personal choice are the Felco 8 model which is great for smaller hands.

[@TheImpatientGardener]

@ Great recommendation! Thank you!

[@adz5bneweng589]

Also, the Okatsune pruners are available in small, medium, and large.