The Must-Have Essentials for Budding Gardeners

Are you ready to dive into the wonderful world of gardening but not sure where to start? Don’t worry! We've got you covered with a list of essentials that will have your garden blooming in no time.

Nourish your plants:

• Seeds – first things first!

• Potting mix or soil amendments – good quality soil is key for healthy plant growth. Make sure to research what kind of soil is best for the plants you ae looking to grow.

• Watering tools - You have got to keep those plants hydrated!

• Mulch – helps to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, an regulate soil temperature.

• Raised beds or containers – beneficial if you do not have naturally good soil conditions in your garden.

• Garden sprayer – faster way to apply fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides.

• Pesticide - keep those bugs away from your precious plants! Just be careful, a lot of pesticides contain dangerous chemicals.

• PH testing kit – test acidity or alkalinity of your soil to ensure healthy plant growth.

Groom your plants:

• Pruning shears - These handy tools are essential for keeping your garden in tip-top shape. Crucial for trimming and shaping plants, removing dead branches, and harvesting plants.

• Hand trowel – perfect for planting small plants, digging small holes, and planting seeds. This tool will be your right-hand man!

• Garden fork/spade – helpful in turning soil and breaking up clumps.

• Rake – great for leveling soil, removing debris, and spreading mulch.

• Garden hoe – The ultimate weeding weapon! This tool aids in weeding, breaking up compacted dirt, and cultivating soil.

For your own sake:

• Gloves – protect those precious hands from dirt, thorns, and rough surfaces.

• Sunshine Supplies– protect yourself too with sunscreen (at least SPF 30) and a trusty hat.

• Plant labels and markers – Keep track of what you've planted with handy plant labels and markers. You don't want any mystery sprouts popping up in your garden beds!

• Garden matt - gardening can be hard on the knees. Make sure to get a matt so you and your joints can feel better while gardening.

• Bug bite cream – you don’t want your plants to be tortured by bugs, so why should you? Get some bug bite cream to alleviate any pesky itches. Try Nature’s Willow itch cream out for a chemical free option!

Gardening can be an overwhelming hobby to delve into, but with these tools your garden will flourish! Want the chance to win some free garden gear? Click here to learn more about the Nature’s Willow gardening giveaway and how to enter. Happy gardening!