Garden purchases can be hit or miss, but these are currently the top ten tried-and-true favorites that have won my heart. Most are things I use on a daily basis and can’t imagine doing without. Many would make excellent gifts. All are things I’ve personally used for years and highly recommend.
And each one of these lovelies is better than the last…
- Organic Coconut Coir Concentrated Seed Starting Mix
This (combined with perlite) is my go-to for seed starting success. Made from certified organic recycled coconut husks, this coir is a light and fluffy, sustainable growing medium that is a great alternative to peat moss. It is naturally disease and pathogen-resistant and also holds the perfect amount of moisture. I get great results starting seeds in this medium. It also comes in condensed blocks that are easy to store and strangely satisfying to watch as it expands when water is added. It’s a little gardening ASMR. Learn more… - Portable Potting Tray
This tray is the perfect size for carrying around to wherever you’d like to do a bit of repotting or seed starting. I often start seeds indoors and this helps to keep the mess contained. Afterward, it can simply be carried outdoors and hosed off. Most of the time, I keep it in my greenhouse where I up-pot lots of seedlings, but this handy tray can go anywhere. Learn more…
- Metal Round Raised Garden Bed
One of my favorite raised beds is a long-lasting, weather-resistant metal circle that is environmentally safe, rust-resistant, and safe for edible planting. I have several in my garden. I find them easy to assemble and very affordable. I love that I can plunk these down just about anywhere and they’re easy to maneuver around as I plant or harvest. Learn more… - Large Flexible Plastic Trugs
I have these in several sizes, but probably use my ten-gallon one the most. I use them when I’m weeding, to create soil mixes in, and to mix compost teas in … they have so many uses! They are UV resistant, flexible, and survive the beating I’ve given them for years, leaving them out in the Florida sun and rain with my daily use. To carry them, I usually gather both handles together in one hand and this creates a perfect pour spout when I’ve used them to make a tea. Learn more…
- Solid Aluminum Mushroom Hose Guide / Garden Stake
I have these scattered here and there to protect plants from my hose meanderings. They also just look adorable as garden art. Made from cast aluminum in a rustic brown, they are as beautiful as they are functional. I love mushrooms, so they always make me smile. Learn more… - Easy-to-Clean Wooden Mason Bee House
Here in north-central Florida, both mason bees and leaf-cutter bees use this house. I mounted it on a post and also put a bee water dish nearby. This is great for attracting and protecting our precious pollinators. I have tried several kinds of bee houses and this one is my favorite. It comes apart easily for cleaning. It is solid and well-constructed. A few bee houses I’ve tried have only lasted a season. This one is in its third year and still looks as good as new (I did put wood sealer on the roof to give it added protection from rain). It’s not only super cute and beneficial to the garden but fun to observe! Learn more… - Candy Cane Garden Arch
As I write this, I have two of these garden arches and I may get more. I’ve had them for a couple of years and they’ve withstood Florida wind and weather like champs. They come with ground stakes that anchor them well. I wouldn’t lean against one, but they’re more than sturdy enough to support any vine. I currently have passion vine on one and grapes on the other. I assembled them myself with no trouble. They have a lovely rustic-looking patina that ages well (they still look new). They also have cute curly-cue details that I’ve used to hang small wind chimes and garden art from. Everyone loves walking through them. Learn more…
- Elegant Cast Aluminum Bistro Table Set
This is a solid set, very sturdy. If a hurricane heads our way, these are very unlikely to move. I’d just turn them upside down. Beyond that, they are just beautiful. I have them on a tile patio and they have little rubber feet on the bottom, so they don’t scrape across the surface, which I appreciate. I find them very comfortable. Now they do have armrests that sort of hug your sides. The seat is over sixteen inches wide and the bow out from there. I have small hips, so I find them spacious. Even my husband, who is a large man, finds them comfortable (and they support up to 280 pounds). There is a hole for an optional umbrella that I’ve never used yet, but it’s a charming detail I’d consider. After sitting in the elements for over two years, they still look brand new. I’d buy them again, but unless I want a second set, I’m sure I won’t need to. And they come at an amazing price! Learn more…
And I think I’ve saved the best for last…
Do you have a sit spot in your garden? If not, you should! It was my mother who suggested a swing and I’m glad I listened. I think that everyone should have one. We need a place where we can turn off our phones, get comfy and relax. A place we can become more aware of all the sensory pleasures of a garden. This is what I use for mine…
- Heavy Duty Metal Outdoor Garden Swing
We’ve had this for over two years now and use it frequently even though it’s a bit of a walk from the house. It is heavy-duty yet elegant. Two large adults can swing on this without putting a bit of strain on it. It has been exposed to the elements from day one and still looks as good as new. I love this swing. There is just something about swinging and being in the garden that warms my heart. The price is right and it is nothing short of amazing for how sturdy it is. Learn more… - Outdoor Swing Stand
Made by the same manufacturer as the swing. Again, solid and priced well. Learn more…
BONUS TIP: I’ll add a small bonus recommendation, just because it’s so darn clever I can’t resist. Do you ever get ants invading your hummingbird feeders? Early on in my garden journey, I put feeders out (now I just plant LOTS of flowers, especially Coral Honeysuckle to lure them in). This brilliant hook frustrates the most persistent ants. When my mom called and mentioned that ants were invading her feeders, I sent some moat hooks to her and she loves them too.
- Hummingbird Feeder Ant Moat
Add a little bit of oil or water in the center cup and hang the hummingbird feeder from the ant moat. No toxins are needed! You’ll need to check the moat every time you refill the feeder, but this clever little hook does the trick. What a great idea! Learn more…
I hope you’ve found these recommendations inspirational! Each one of these winners is not only beautiful and functional, but affordable. What are some of your gardening favorites?
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These are my honest reviews of a few of my favorite things. I am not sponsored by any of the brands mentioned here.
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