Gardening Essentials. Spring has sprung. It's time to get those beds ready and to get the seed babies in the ground. Here is a collection of my must-haves, my essentials that I need to get my garden started. Tis the season and it's about time.
Let's get started!
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Hats and Sunscreen - Gardening Essentials for Your Face
First and foremost, you're gonna be outside. Gardening Essential #1 means that you're gonna need a good hat with a wide brim and a great sunscreen. Nobody has time for wrinkles or skin cancer.
I have two of these Hemlock Brand Hats and they're amazing. Great quality and the brim is wide enough to keep the sun off. And, if the West Texas wind shows up in your neighborhood, it's got a stampede string. They also have these cool patterns on the underneath. Since this is a gardening essentials post, I naturally picked out the fruit one to show you!
Sunscreen is also a subject I am very passionate about. As a naturally pasty-ass person, sunscreen is a daily necessity for me. Elta MD makes wonderfully effective sunscreens and I highly recommend. Every time you step outside, slap on another layer. Your skin will thank you.
Tools & Gloves
Another gardening essential is a set of Small Gardening Tools. These don't have to be fancy, but you'll need some things to help you dig in the dirt. This is a great set and it comes with a perfect assortment of tools and a heavy duty bag. You gotta love a good bag situation!
Gloves are also a necessity and a gardening essential for sure . Whether you're trying to save a manicure or avoid touching a creepy crawly, you want a pair (or two). I suggest not spending too much money here. I tear mine up or lose them all the, so just pick out something fairly heavy duty to keep thorns out.
Also, there is no such thing as a waterproof glove. No matter what the marketing people tell you.
A Watering Can is also an essential, especially when you are in the beginning stages of seedlings. I like a spout like the version below because it creates an even shower over your plants.
The Soil - A Very Important Gardening Essential
Moving on with our gardening essentials, let's talk soil. A successful garden needs 3 things. Adequate sun, plenty of water, and good quality soil. A good Potting Soil is something I routinely add to my raised gardens. I look for an organic mix and something that has good blend of vitamins and minerals. They're usually very easy to find in the spring.
Something else that I add to both my raised gardens and my traditional garden space is compost. Compost is basically a mix of decomposed organic matter. Don't worry it's not nearly as bad as it sounds. You are basically trying to replicate what happens to organic matter in nature.
This Compost Bin is a perfect, simple version and very close to what I do at home. I add plant scraps from my kitchen and yard to our pile, keep it moist as needed, and turn it over from time to time. Eventually, everything will break down and become the most wonderful superfood for your garden.
It's great for your plants and it cuts down on kitchen waste. It's a win-win!
Another Gardening Essentials Must-Have - The Raised Garden
If you don't have a Raised Garden, you're missing out. Having a raised garden brings your plants up higher to you don't have to bend over so much - it saves your back and you don't get as tired as quickly. This version is a very basic version, but it's all you need. I have something almost identical.
If you plan to start your own seeds, a Seed Starting Tray is an essential. Peat pots are great to transfer seedlings once they get big enough. And, once you're ready to put these in the ground, you can plant the entire container!
The Essentials For the Bugs and Creepy Crawlies
For the most part, I don't use anything to deter bugs. However, if I have something I think needs to shuffle off its mortal coil, I use Neem Oil. You simply mix a little with water and soap and spray it on the affected plants. It's worked wonderfully for me anytime I've had a bug issue!
I will warn you though, there is a definite smell. It's unlike anything I've ever smelled, but the bugs hate it, too! Hold your nose and spritz away!
Where I Buy My Seeds and Starts
I love David's Seeds for my general collection of seeds. It's a small, veteran-owned business in South Texas. The owners are wonderful and the seed quality is amazing.
I buy my onions from Dixondale Farms and have had wonderful results each time. They have a great selection and it's super easy to order.
My garlic babies come from Keen Garlic. Again, a wonderful selection and amazing results every time.
Thank you!
I am so incredibly happy that you are here! Please share and tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok for any recipe you make or your garden victories. I absolutely love seeing each and every one of your kitchen masterpieces and anything you cook that you've grown yourself! And, as always, if you ever have any questions about any of my recipes or Rufus Recommends, please don't hesitate to contact me!
Happy Cooking!
-Rufus
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