Quality garden implements constructed of steel and wood are made to last, but they require maintenance to keep them in good working order. Read on and learn how to care for and store garden hand tools. With these tips for cleaning, repairing, sharpening, and storage, your favorites will surely become family heirlooms.
Who hasn’t had a hard time at some point with trying to keep their plants watered appropriately? If you regularly forget to water or you keep giving your plants too much, get yourself a soil moisture meter. These garden tools take the guesswork out of watering, and this article will show you how to use a hygrometer.
Raised bed gardening is an efficient way of growing an abundant vegetable harvest, reducing the need for back-breaking labor and the use of synthetic fertilizers. Learn more about this simple but elegant growing practice and discover 9 top benefits of raised bed gardening in this guide. Read more now.
Fall is here and the garden is festooned with leaves, covering your lawn and making their way into every crevice. But what should you look for when choosing a leaf rake to make short work of this less-than-glamorous garden chore? Check out this guide for reviews and recommendations on how to choose the best leaf rake.
This year, thrill the gardeners on Santa’s nice list with the best holiday gifts for green thumbs. We’ve done the legwork, so you can select top-quality gardener-recommended presents and stocking stuffers. Shop our list for the best gift ideas – and maybe pick something out for yourself too. Read more now.
When you live in a northern climate, you know what a pain shoveling snow can be, but clearing it can be easy and even fun when you have the right equipment. Whether you only expect a few inches of precipitation or enough to build igloos, check out our review of 9 of the best snowblowers to get the job done. Read more now.
Forget the stress and feel the love when you give a Mother’s Day gift perfect for mom gardeners. We’ve done the legwork, so you have plenty of practical, fanciful, huge, or modest options to choose from. Only the best for mom! All our best gift picks will warm a gardener’s heart, the same way her great kids do.
For vigorous indoor gardens, grow lights can provide what plants need – a reliable energy source to mimic the spectrum of colors found in natural sunshine. An economical solution to cultivate greens, herbs, houseplants, and seedlings, here’s our list of 13 of the best grow lights for strong and healthy indoor plants.
Here comes winter, with a vengeance! Read our reviews of 7 popular snow shovels that will help you to clear your property in time for nature’s next onslaught. Did you know that some are for pushing, and others, for lifting? In addition, we cover how to use equipment properly and stay safe. Read more now.
If you enjoy splitting your own wood for the fireplace or backyard fire pit, join us in an exploration of the best tool for the job: the splitting maul. Different in design and function from an axe, this is a tool meant to divide wood along the grain with the least amount of effort. Read along as we take a closer look at the features that make this tool so effective, and discover our favorites for the task.
In the market for a leaf blower? Check out our top tips and recommendations and make sure you’re armed with the information you need to select the right machine – gas or electric, handheld or backpack – that’s right for your landscape and work style. We roundup 9 of the best leaf blowers in this guide. Read more now.
Finding the right heat and sun protective gear is a matter of trial and error that can quickly become expensive. Luckily, we’ve done the research for you, and have put together a collection of the best protective gear to keep gardeners comfortable in the heat and safe in the sun. Read more now to see our picks!
Container gardening makes it easy to vary floral displays throughout the growing season by changing the contents of the pots. Author Sarah Raven provides gardeners with a wealth of inspiration and instructions in her book, “A Year Full of Pots, Container Flowers for All Seasons.” Read on for our review of the book now.
If you’re new to gardening you’ll need to ensure you’ve got the right tools. Having decent equipment on hand is essential for specific gardening tasks like digging, weeding, and planting. But where do you start? What do you actually need? Learn about 13 essential tools for the home gardener in this guide. Read more now.
Are you in the market for a new garden hose that doesn’t kink, leak, or twist? In this guide, we review seven hoses that are up to any task, from light and flexible to heavy-duty workhorses. We even recommend a couple of top soaker and spray hoses to make irrigation more efficient. Check out our top picks. Read more.
If you need to be able to customize your raised bed but don’t want to DIY the whole thing, Vego Modular Raised Beds might be a smart option for you. Their adaptable designs are made with environmentally friendly painted metal and come in many shapes and sizes, with optional accessories like trellises and solar lights.
Looking for a way to stay cool but still protect your arms while you’re gardening? Farmers Defense Protection Sleeves are made to do just that. This review takes a look at these protective sleeves that ward off sunburn and keep your arms safe from minor scratches. Learn about where they succeed and where they fail.
Irrigation hoses are a huge help in the garden, and learning how to care for and maintain them is very useful. In our guide on extending the life of a garden hose, we go over everything a gardener needs to know to keep hoses usable for as long as possible, from fixing damage to preventing it in the first place.
Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned gardener in need of stylistic aid, Ryan McEnaney’s “Field Guide to Outside Style” will help you identify your outdoor style, find plants for your location, and get ideas for your own designs. Read our review to learn more about this guide to designing your perfect outdoor space.
How many times has a quick visit to the garden turned into a ruined pair of shoes? If you’re looking for footwear made specifically for garden use, that clean up easily and are comfortable enough to wear all day, check out our roundup of 13 of our favorite choices. We’ve got boots, clogs, shoes and more! Read more now.
Light meters come with many features and are available at a wide range of price points. But is there really that much difference between these different devices? With so many choices, which light meter should a well-meaning plant parent choose? Discover 11 of the best light meters for houseplants now in our roundup.
A well-mowed lawn starts with a proper mower. But which to choose? In our roundup of the best gas mowers, we go over a handful of excellent models, their features, and what makes them so special. Additionally, we’ll discuss what to consider before buying, along with some general maintenance and safety tips. Read more now.
If your houseplant is failing to thrive, it could be that the two of you aren’t on the same page when it comes to light exposure. But with a quick wave of a magic wand – er, light meter – you’ll know whether your light is low, medium, or bright. Keep reading to learn more about using a light meter for houseplants.
If you’re looking for a versatile, multipurpose gardening knife, look no further than the Japanese hori hori knife. With its unique concave blade featuring both a serrated edge and a sharp, straight edge this knife makes short work of digging, edging, pruning, harvesting, and sawing. Learn about 5 of our favorites now.
If you are looking for a simple water feature for your garden, why not add a birdbath? The relaxing tones of chirping birds and trickling water will make your backyard into a restful haven and welcome your feathered friends. Discover 11 of the best birdbaths and some must-have accessories, plus helpful buying advice.
A hanging planter can help a favorite plant to really shine. But when choosing a planter, certain practical details are as important as appearance. Does it have drainage holes? What size plant will it hold? Keep reading to discover 25 of the best hanging planters out there, and get all the details you’ll need.
Are you looking for a backyard storage solution? Not sure which deck box is best for your outdoor space? We’ve reviewed 11 of the best products and created a convenient, easy-reference article for simpler shopping. Take the guesswork out of your deck box purchase and check out our buying guide. Read more now.
A garden bench is an invitation to feel grass between your toes, smell the flowers, and relax in the shade. Choose a seat that reflects your style, and place it where you can enjoy relaxing and reading, or chatting with a friend. Learn more about 11 of our favorite garden benches in this guide. Read more now.
Finding the right pair of gardening gloves for all of your varied projects is no small task. Most people who pick up a pair don’t learn the pros and cons until they’re well past the return period. Let’s skip all of the inferior pairs and focus on the best gloves, based on our firsthand reviews, in this guide. Read more.
Are you looking for a way to extend the use of your outdoor living space well into the winter? A patio heater, fire pit, or both might be just what you’re after! In this guide, we review 13 of the best products to heat your outside space, including natural gas, propane, electric, and wood-fired options. Read more now.
For small gardening jobs like weeding and aerating the soil in tight spaces in your garden, a hand cultivator is an essential tool. The trusty gardening claw is ideal for plucking out unwanted little sprouts or removing debris around your plants. Learn about 7 of the best hand cultivators in this guide. Read more now.
Are you forgetting one of the most important tools you can use to grow a productive and healthy garden? A gardening journal can help you record, design, plan, and improve your garden. To learn more about how journaling can help you all year, and discover 7 of the best gardening journals available today, keep reading.
Need some inspiration to add flowers to your menu? “Edible Blooms” by Monica Nelson presents the lore and botany of over 100 edible flower possibilities, along with recipes and a quick guide to harvesting them to eat. Read our review now to look inside this compendium of edible blooms from acacia to zinnias.
Who needs a companion planting chart when you have a book that explains the science behind successful plant partnerships? Jessica Walliser’s Plant Partners does just that. Packed with gorgeous photos of real life combinations, this book will guide you in growing a diverse and resilient garden. Read our review now.
Everyone needs a patio umbrella to shade their outdoor space. We found 7 cool canopies to shield any type of open air grouping, from small conversation spots to alfresco dining areas. We even recommend a unique half-canopy for decks, and a portable choice for shade-on-the-go. Read our full buying guide now.
Comfortable and relaxing, porch swings are the perfect option to spend a little down time lounging outdoors. Styles and sizes vary from single-seaters to sumptuous daybeds – and some come with their own stands, so technically, you don’t even need a porch! Check out our review of 11 of the best porch swings now.
The Worx WG184 Power Share 2-in-1 Trimmer and Edger operates on batteries for up to an hour, plenty of time for weed-eating jobs of up to half an acre. It features instant line feeding at the touch of a button, simple assembly, and nearly double the power of some other models. Check out our review to learn more.
Discover the wonders of the natural world in your own backyard or neighborhood with ideas from 11 of the best books for children. From germinating seeds to watching birds in flight, you’ll be inspired to enrich your family with the themes and activities presented in each. Read our roundup now and choose your favorites.
Succulents are funky and fun to grow, especially in the trendy and functional containers we’ve gathered for you. Read on to discover 7 of our favorite pots and planters, plus key growing tips and a foolproof design scheme. Learn how to show off your water-wise plant collection now, right here on Gardener’s Path.
In the wide world of water features, nothing complements a landscaped outdoor space like a good fountain. We’ve put together an overview of the best models sold by excellent craftsmen for you to consider. Prepare to immerse yourself in fine design, because it’s fountain time at Gardener’s Path. Read more now.
If you have a garden hose, you’ll want the perfect place to store it. A hose reel fills that need, protecting your hose from the elements, keeping it clean, and making it easier to roll up when not in use. We found 7 great reels that will fit any size hose, yard, and budget. Read our full buying guide now!
It’s time to move outdoor entertaining off the deck and into the yard with one of 11 exceptional DIY gazebos. Choose your favorite from an array of styles to create a comfortable garden retreat that’s the perfect focal point for photographing family gatherings. Read our reviews of the top kits now!
Think your deck or balcony is too small to become an outdoor oasis? Well, think again. Outdoor furniture comes in all shapes and sizes, and we recommend the best chairs, tables, dining sets, and sofas for small spaces. We also offer planning tips for before you go shopping. Read our complete buying guide now!
Whether you’re considering an in-ground sprinkler system, buried reservoirs, soaker hoses, or drip irrigation, get expert advice about the benefits of each and learn how they can help to maintain moisture levels in the home landscape. Read more about irrigation methods for home gardeners now on Gardener’s Path.
Thinking about buying an outdoor rug but not sure where to start? We explain the types of mat materials that are available, and how to pick the right color and shape to really tie together your outside groupings. We also recommend some of the best natural and synthetic choices. Read our guide now to help you find your favorite designs.
When your home is full of lovely houseplants, why not choose an attractive watering can too? This tool doesn’t have to be an eyesore, it can add to your prized, chic decor. But looks aren’t everything – it has to do the job well too. Keep reading to discover 9 of the best watering cans for houseplant care.
There are various ways to keep bees, but can beekeeping be done naturally and sustainably? Common Sense Natural Beekeeping says it’s possible, if hive management decisions are made through the lens of the bee. Our comprehensive review of this book will help you decide whether it’s for you! Read more now.
Perhaps you’ve considered adding a soilless hydroponic growing system to your home but you don’t want the cold pipes-and-fittings look to intrude on your interior design. Read our review of “Home Hydroponics: Small-Space DIY Growing Systems” and learn how to build compact, attractive units that complement your decor.
Hydroponics setups have advanced over the years. Most were once large, bathtub-like greenhouse units, but simple space-saving kits are now available that fit on a countertop. AeroGarden manufactures several options, and we had the opportunity to test their Harvest model and grow a mini garden in the kitchen. Read more.
he Worx WG584 40V Power Share Turbine leaf blower has all the cordless electric advantages and its battery lasts up to an hour – three times longer than similar models. Three speeds and a Turbo function handle multiple lawn chores with one-handed operation. Read our review to learn if this model is right for you.
As any gardener worth their dirt will tell you, a good tote bag is an important component for saving time and staying organized. It will hold your hand tools and accessories, and keep personal items like a phone, water bottle, and keys safe and easy to access. But not all gear bags are of the same quality. To save you the time and effort, we’ve culled those that don’t make the grade, and sourced only the cream of the crop. Keep reading on Gardener’s Path to find out which ones get our seal of approval!
There’s no way to overstate the necessity of a good pair of pruners in the garden and in the yard. Despite the overwhelming variety of pruners on the market, the Felco F-2 outperforms the rest by a long shot. Read more about why the F-2 is so great, right here on Gardener’s Path.
If you’ve ever wanted to peek at some of the most fabulous private gardens in Washington and Oregon, there’s a book that you’ll want to check out. Private Gardens of the Pacific Northwest lets the reader look at 20 different private gardens, ranging from tiny half-acre urban lots to massive island escapes.
If you’ve always wanted to grow houseplants but lacked the space, you need to read our review of certified professional horticulturist Leslie F. Halleck’s new book, Tiny Plants. Packed full of how-to’s, species descriptions, and colorful photos, you’ll discover a world of miniature indoor gardening you never imagined.
National Audubon Society Trees of North America contains over 540 species and is a valuable resource for landscapers, home gardeners, environmentalists, and botany students. With almost 2,500 color photos and descriptive text, it’s the Society’s most authoritative work on trees to date, and we review it for you here.
National Audubon Society Birds of North America is an exciting new version of a classic field guide that hasn’t been updated since 1994. Read on for our review of this comprehensive new resource with more than 3,500 color photos of over 800 birds. You’ll want to keep it handy for identifying the species you observe.
Not sure when to water your plants? For serious gardeners, moisture meters are a must-have tool. But there are a lot of different options out there, from digital to analog, and Bluetooth enabled to simpler, basic meters. Check out 9 of the best soil moisture meters and choose your favorite in this guide.
Are you shopping for backyard playground equipment and feeling overwhelmed by your options? From safe clearances to customization, you’ll find everything you need to know in this informative article. Plus, we share 17 of our top picks, with favorites based on age group and materials. Enjoy years of outdoor fun!
One of the best things that you can do to spruce up your backyard is to purchase a wicker furniture set or an accessory or two. Read about what you need to know to choose the best for you and how to take care of this natural material.
Wellness-through-gardening instructor and writer Stephanie Rose’s new book, Garden Alchemy, is a handy DIY manual of organic gardening solutions. Eighty step-by-step recipes provide natural alternatives to chemicals, and a sustainable approach to having a healthy garden. Read on for our in-depth review of this book.
It’s the perfect time to start growing your own herbs, fruits, veggies, and mushrooms at home, or to take up a new hobby like terrarium-making or succulent propagation. We’ve found the best kits to help you get started. Most include everything you need, with helpful instructions. Pick your favorite, and get growing!
If you’re looking for a tough, reliable, waterproof gardening shoe, look no further than the Muckster II Ankle boot from The Original Muck Boot Company. Lightweight, breathable, and specifically designed with outdoor work in mind, these will keep your feet warm and dry while you deadhead the roses or dig up the garden.
Interior stylist Clare Nolan’s book, “In Bloom,” is a creative guide to growing, harvesting, and arranging flowers. Illustrations, photos, and descriptive instructions make it fun and easy to confidently add color to your decor. Read our in-depth review of this essential garden resource, here on Gardener’s Path.
Do you have a petite garden plot or collection of pots on the patio? Gardener’s Guide to Compact Plants: Edibles & Ornamentals for Small-Space Gardening is for you. Discover over 150 plants with blossoms and harvests as robust as full-sized varieties. Read our in-depth review of this book now!
Infinite Cedar Raised Garden Beds available in 3×3 and 3×6-foot sizes represent excellent value for the money. Easy to assemble, they can be stacked to create high raised beds. The cost of the kits is usually less than buying the lumber and hardware from your local lumberyard, and a 5-year warranty gives peace of mind.
Check out the updated version of Rodale’s Ultimate Encyclopedia of Organic Gardening for the latest on plants, growing techniques, and natural pest control. Since its debut in 1959, the name Rodale has become synonymous with eco-friendly practices. Read on for a review of this essential guide, here on Gardener’s Path.
The Encyclopedia of Country Living, 40th Anniversary Edition has over 900 pages of instructions, recipes, and resources for self-sufficiency and simple living. Practical and fun topics include growing nut trees, raising goats, beekeeping, soapmaking and wood harvesting. Read our review of the book, on Gardener’s Path.
Are you living in the city and wondering how to create a mini garden oasis with a just few square feet of ground, a balcony, or even a stairwell? It’s time to check out a comprehensive practical guide called The Urban Gardener, by popular UK garden design expert Matt James. Read our review now on Gardener’s Path.
Whether you’re a seasoned hen-raising expert or a newbie about to embark on this egg-producing hobby, Kathy Shea Mormino’s “The Chicken Chick’s Guide to Backyard Chickens” will teach you all about raising these generous birds in your garden. Read our review of this easy-to-read and humorous book now at Gardener’s Path.
Before you begin your next landscaping project, read this book review. Essential Native Trees and Shrubs of the Eastern United States is an expert compilation of top performers that provide much-needed habitat for wildlife. Discover this go-to gardening guide now, as recommended by your friends at Gardener’s Path.
If you are a gardener in the Midwest, this book is for you. It’s Adelman and Schwartz’s Midwestern Native Shrubs and Trees: Gardening Alternatives to Nonnative Species. Read our review on Gardener’s Path now to learn why this illustrated guide is a must-have horticultural resource.
Are you seeking a fresh outdoor seating solution? It’s time for the standard, benches, swings, sliders, and rockers to step aside! Consider these inflatable options instead, to add bold style to your porch or patio. Read more now on Gardener’s Path.
Pursue a fresh approach to gardening with naturalist Nancy Lawson in her new book, The Humane Gardener. Dare to be different. Savor profiles of gardeners whose compassionate practices create thriving habitat. Read our review of this humanitarian approach to backyard wildlife here on Gardener’s Path.
Teaming With Microbes was a landmark guide for raising awareness of the soil food web in 2006 – and promoting more environmentally aware, chemical-free gardening techniques – fueling an organic food revolution. Does it still apply today? Read more on Gardener’s Path now, and find out why you should toss out those chemical pesticides and fertilizers!
We link to vendors to help you find relevant products. If you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. I’ve Tested Many Tillers, and I Always Come Back to My Mantis This spring I had to replace my favorite garden implement, my Mantis 2-Cycle tiller. This is the little red tiller that …