Yeah, we watch the infomercials, too. Nothing sadder than people in front of the TV reaching for the phone in the middle of the night for the gardening gizmo that’s going to change their lives, only to be fodder for next year’s garage sale. Been there, sold that. But trust us, Kmart shoppers, these gadgets are different. They’re real gardener tested and real skinflint-approved. These beauties, even though some may not be cheap, are so cool, they’re worth the price.
Atlas Cool Touch Gloves
It’s wet out there in the yard, folks. And it’s hot. And there are things created by nature that want to hurt your hands just so you’ll leave them alone. It’s a battle of the Band-Aids. Here’s your best defense: Atlas Cool Touch Gloves.
These marvels feel as if the parts covering your palms and fingers are made from rubber, but it’s actually breathable polyurethane. You can wear these babies in the sun and not worry about either your fingers swimming in sweat or getting splinters through tolerable cotton-glove cousins. They just rock whether you’re painting, weeding, harvesting, digging or sneaking sips from a cold beer. Surprisingly durable, they can even go in the washer. Available online and in some garden departments, and hardware stores. About $7 a pair.
Plastic Cable Ties
Not only are these things cheap, they’re universally useful in the garden. Electricians use them to bind wires. Easy-to-use plastic bands in assorted lengths that quickly lock into a loop to tie branches together, climbers to arbors and trellises, pumpkin vines to stakes. Buy two lengths or the longest ones you can get and cut to size. Available in the electrical department of any hardware store for about $7 per 100.
The Jackson VersaPlanter
Shazaam! Ninja star meets light saber. Well, almost. This 7-in-1 tool may look like a plain-old hand trowel, but it’s a gardener’s best secret weapon against spending your day hunting all over for things to cut twine, open bags of mulch, cutting sod, weeding dandelions, digging a small hole and measuring it to see if it’s really 6 inches. Best part? It comes with its own leather sheath and belt clip, so you can draw fast upon the only thing you need to carry around the yard. Available online and at area garden stores for about $35.
and departments for about $35.
Tubtrugs
You just gotta have at least three of these: Large, medium and small. Without a doubt one of the best inventions since the garden hose. These flexible bucket-basket-tub things are incredibly strong, freeze-proof and can sit outside in the sun without turning to trash. You can fill them with anything, mix concrete in them, wash the dog, fill with beer and ice, carry dirt, weeds or your harvest of cucumbers. Available at many big-box stores and garden departments. About $10-$40 depending on size.
Tommyco Nitrofoam Kneepads
Gardening hurts. After weeding your potato bed, you’re gonna hurt. But there’s at least one kind thing you can do for your body to make it a little less miserable: knee pads. Not just any pads, but Tommyco Nitrofoams. They’re cheap, easy to put on, stay on, and don’t soak up and get wet. You can never go back after wearing them. Available at department stores, garden centers and hardware stores for about $8.
GARDEN WARRIORS — April’s Cover Package
GARDEN WARRIORS: The Growing War in Aurora
GARDEN WARRIORS: Oh Yes You Can
GARDEN WARRIORS: Putting Down Roots
GARDEN WARRIORS: Grow, Grow, Grow Your Own
GARDEN WARRIORS: Something Old is Something New
GARDEN WARRIORS: Think Inside the Box
GARDEN WARRIORS: Five Garden Inventions That You Will Root For