All-In Gardening

7 Gifts for the Gardener on Your Christmas (or “Just Because”) List

Winter may be on its way in, but the gardener is most likely already thinking about the next gardening season. Fall is when the garden gets put to bed, and winter is when the seeds and plants are ordered for spring.

If you have a gardener on your gift list, the 7 suggestions below are sure to be a hit with him/her. And if you’re also a gardener, feel free to treat yourself as well.

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Garden gloves
A good pair of garden gloves is a must-have for any gardener. They will protect your hands from thorns, dirt, and other potential hazards. Look for a pair that is comfortable to wear and made from durable material. Leather fingers and palms with a breathable fabric on the top is, in my opinion, the best. A soft leather works best as it gives more mobility, plus a better fit.

When I find a good pair of gloves, I tend to buy an extra pair the same; simply because styles are often discontinued. (That said, I should go to my local UFA and get another pair.)

Garden tools
Every gardener needs a good set of tools. Look for a set that includes all the basics, such as a trowel, rake, shovel, and pruning shears. If you are looking for a more comprehensive set, look for one that also includes a wheelbarrow and gardening hose.

For the indoor gardener, a set of mini tools is ideal. A full-size rake and spade are not the best choice for miniature gardens. A tool that’s often overlooked is a wooden platform (rectangular of circular) on wheels; ideal for moving heavy pots and planters.

Gardening books or journals
If the gardener in your life is always looking to learn more about gardening, give them a few good books on the subject. A few popular titles include The Vegetable Gardener’s Bible, The Flower Gardener’s Bible, and The Organic Gardener’s Handbook of Natural Insect and Disease Control.

One of my personal favourites is Square Foot Gardening by Mel Bartholemew. It has taught me a new way to garden in less space, yet have a bountiful harvest.

(If your gardener is into ebooks, grab them a copy of my gardening books over in the sidebar.)

A gardening journal is also a wonderful gift. Your gardener can keep records of their very own garden: seeds, plants, crop rotation, harvest dates, tools used, photos, and more.

Garden tools and journals. Image generated by Jasper Art.

Seeds or bulbs
For the gardener who loves to start their own plants from scratch, give them seeds or bulbs that they can plant in the spring. Some popular choices include sunflowers, tulips, daffodils, and lilies.

Putting together a combination of flower and vegetable seeds, along with blank plastic labels and a permanent marker, in a basket makes a wonderful gift.

Garden statue or birdbath
A garden statue or birdbath can add beauty and interest to any garden. Look for something that fits the style of the gardener’s garden. Popular choices include classic Greek or Roman statues, whimsical gnomes or fairies, or elegant angels or cherubs.

If the gardener on your list loves birds, a birdbath and bird feeder can be bundled together, along with a bag of bird seed.

Gazing globes are also a pretty addition, and are perfect for small gardens. I have a cherub with a 3 inch globe, but would love a 6 inch (or bigger) globe. The beauty of the gazing globe I have is it is made from a virtually unbreakable material. This is ideal because there’s no danger of pieces of glass everywhere when a rock from the mower hits it.

Garden furniture
If the gardener in your life enjoys spending time in their garden, consider giving them some new garden furniture. A comfortable chair or bench is perfect for relaxing in after a long day of gardening. A patio table and chairs would be ideal for entertaining guests in the garden.

A wrought-iron bistro set is a nice addition to a small garden, and can be purchased in green, white, or black (that I’ve seen). I have a white set that I bought over 10 years ago, and it has weathered well.

Gift certificate to a nursery or garden center
For the gardener who has everything, a gift certificate to their favorite nursery or garden center is always appreciated. This way they can choose exactly what they need or want for their garden.

Gardeners aren’t hard people to buy gifts for. It doesn’t take much to make us happy. Give us some seeds, potting soil, and a book about plants and we’ll be forever grateful.

So the next time you’re wondering what to get the gardener on your list, go back over this post and you’re sure to come up with a gift they’ll love.

What is the best garden gift you’ve received?

5 Herbs You Can Easily Grow Indoors

Cooking with fresh herbs can elevate any dish, but store-bought herbs can be expensive. If you love cooking with fresh herbs but don’t want to spend a fortune on them, why not try growing your own? Growing herbs indoors is easy and doesn’t require a lot of space. With a little bit of care, you can have a steady supply of fresh herbs all year round. And with winter just around the corner, here are 5 herbs that are perfect for indoor gardening.

Basil
Basil is a fragrant herb that’s commonly used in Italian cooking. It’s easy to grow indoors, and it doesn’t need a lot of light. Water your basil plants regularly and snip off the leaves as needed. You can also propagate basil by taking stem cuttings and planting them in water or potting mix.
Rosemary
Rosemary is a hearty herb that’s perfect for indoor gardening. It prefers well-drained soil and lots of sunlight, so make sure to place it in a bright spot. Water rosemary sparingly; too much water can cause the plant to become rootbound or even die. When harvesting rosemary, cut the stems back by a third to promote new growth.
Cilantro
Cilantro is a versatile herb that’s used in cuisines from all over the world. It grows best in cool weather, so it’s perfect for indoor gardening in the spring or fall. Cilantro prefers moist soil, so water it regularly and mist the leaves if they start to look dry. Harvest cilantro leaves as needed; cutting back the stems will encourage new growth.
Mint
Mint is a refreshing herb that’s commonly used in desserts and cocktails. It’s easy to grow indoors, but it can be quite invasive, so make sure to plant it in a pot with plenty of room for the roots to spread out. Mint prefers moist soil, so water it regularly and mist the leaves if they start to look dry. When harvesting mint, cut the stems back by a third to promote new growth.”
Thyme
Thyme is a fragrant herb that’s commonly used in Mediterranean cooking. It prefers well-drained soil and lots of sunlight, so make sure to place it in a bright spot. Water thyme sparingly; too much water can cause the plant to rot.”

With a little bit of care, you can easily grow any of these 5 herbs indoors year-round. Fresh herbs are a great way to add flavor and excitement to your cooking without breaking the bank. A sunny window will work, but if you don’t have enough natural light there are inexpensive gro-lights available. Give indoor herb gardening a try today!

3 Easy-to-Grow Herbs

If you want to try your hand at growing herbs this season but aren’t sure which to try, read on.

When it comes to herb gardening, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, herbs need at least six hours of sunlight per day. They also prefer well-draining soil with a neutral pH. However, perhaps the most important factor is choosing the right herb for your level of experience. If you’re a beginner, it’s best to start with an herb that is easy to grow. Some good options include basil, oregano, and chives. These herbs are relatively tolerant of different conditions and can be easily propagated from cuttings. With a little care and attention, you can soon be enjoying fresh herbs straight from your own garden.

Basil

Basil is a popular herb that is commonly used in Italian cooking. It has a strong, unique flavor that can add depth to any dish. Best of all, basil is relatively easy to grow, making it a great choice for anyone who wants to start their own herb garden. It requires little maintenance and can be grown indoors or outdoors. It prefers warm weather and plenty of sunlight, but as long as these basic needs are met, basil will thrive. Additionally, basil is not particularly susceptible to pests or diseases, so it can be left largely unattended. With just a little bit of effort, basil can provide fresh herbs for your kitchen all year round.

Oregano

Oregano is a hardy herb that can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions. It is a versatile herb that can be used in many different dishes, and it is easy to dry for later use. Oregano can be planted in the spring or autumn, and it does not require much care once it is established. It will tolerate partial shade, but will produce more leaves if it is grown in full sun. Oregano is a drought-tolerant plant, so it does not need to be watered often. When oregano is grown in containers, it should be fertilized every few weeks. It can be propagated by seed, cuttings, or division. Oregano is susceptible to root rot, so it is important to make sure that the soil drains well. It’s an easy herb to grow and can be a valuable addition to the garden.

Chives

Chives are a versatile herb that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to soups. They have a mild onion flavor and are often used as a garnish or seasoning. Chives are also very easy to grow, making them a great option for beginner gardeners. They require very little maintenance and can be grown in both sun and shade, and tolerate being allowed to dry out. Chives are also resistant to pests and diseases, which further reduces the amount of work required to keep them healthy. As a result, chives are an ideal herb for anyone looking for an easy-to-grow plant that will provide them with ample harvest.

Conclusion

Basil, oregano and chives are all easy to grow herbs that can be added to your garden or balcony. They’re perfect for beginner gardeners because they don’t require a lot of maintenance and they add a pop of color and flavour to any dish. Have you grown any of these herbs before? If so, tell me about your experience in the comments below. I’d love to hear from you!