What I use in the garden
A short list on purpose. These are the things I reach for every single season, most of them under ten dollars. If it isn't here, I probably don't own it.
The sturdiest garden arch
Around a hundred dollars and it hasn't budged through wind, snow, or a full load of climbing beans. The one thing in the garden people always ask about.
Fruit protection wraps
The single thing that saved my apple harvest. You slip one over each young fruit and the moths and maggots simply can't get in. No spraying.
Apple maggot traps
You hang these next to the apples and they catch the larvae before they ever hatch. Wraps keep them out, these stop them showing up in the first place. I use both.
My gardening gloves
Under ten dollars, coated palms, and thin enough that I can still feel a seed. I buy two pairs at a time because one always ends up in a bed somewhere.
A mini shovel for planting
Also under ten dollars, and it does ninety percent of the digging I do. Transplants, garlic cloves, bulbs. A full-size spade stays in the shed most of the year.
Kneeler with a tool pouch
Saves your knees and keeps the snips where you left them. I put off buying one for two seasons and I don't know why.
A cushioned bucket seat
Snaps onto the top of a 5-gallon bucket so you have a comfy seat while you weed, and storage underneath for tools.
These are Amazon affiliate links. If you buy through one I may earn a small commission, at no cost to you. I only list things already in my own garden.
Get my apple trees*
This is the number one question in my DMs. Here's exactly where mine came from.
* Not paid, not affiliate. I don't earn anything if you buy these. I'm working on a partnership, but right now these are just the trees I grow and love.
Where did the apple trees come from?
Raintree Nursery, here in Washington. They're where I get my columnar varieties. I'm working with them on something for you all, and I'll share it here first when it's ready.
Read the apple tree guide →