Let this fresh crop of design-savvy planters, tools, and harvest helpers add some spark to your gardening
Written bySunsetFebruary 26, 2009
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Photo by E. Spencer Toy; written by Julie Chai
1 of 20Photo by E. Spencer Toy; written by Julie Chai
Gardening gloves
West County Gardener’s landscape gloves ($32) are supple enough for planting, and reinforced with Kevlar for tougher chores too.
Photo by E. Spencer Toy; written by Julie Chai
2 of 20Photo by E. Spencer Toy; written by Julie Chai
Nonstick shovel
Muddy clay soil sticks to most shovels. But it slides right off this perforated one ($66.17), which makes big digging tasks a cinch.
Photo by E. Spencer Toy; written by Julie Chai
3 of 20Photo by E. Spencer Toy; written by Julie Chai
Lightweight hose
The Slim & Light hose ($65.17 for 50-ft.) is lead-free, so you don’t have to worry if people or pets drink from it.
Photo by E. Spencer Toy; written by Julie Chai
4 of 20Photo by E. Spencer Toy; written by Julie Chai
All-purpose bucket
We use the flexible Tubtrug ($16.35 for 3.5 gallon bucket) for everything, from carrying tools and soil to carting clippings to the compost pile.
Photo by E. Spencer Toy; written by Julie Chai
5 of 20Photo by E. Spencer Toy; written by Julie Chai
Ergonomic hand tools
These essentials (from $10) come in bright colors that are as easy on the eyes as the tools are on your muscles.
Photo by E. Spencer Toy; written by Julie Chai
6 of 20Photo by E. Spencer Toy; written by Julie Chai
Food-growing books
In addition to the basics, The Essential Urban Farmer(Penguin, $19), by Novella Carpenter and Willow Rosenthal, tackles topics like beekeeping. Backyard orchardists will find help in Colby Eierman’s Fruit Trees in Small Spaces (Timber Press, $17). Willi Galloway’s Grow Cook Eat (Sasquatch Books, $21) gives a recipe for each crop, for those who like to eat as much as you like to garden.
Photo by Thomas J. Story
7 of 20Photo by Thomas J. Story
Self-watering pots
At last, some good-looking self-watering pots ($20) for not-quite-green-thumbs. The pots come in a variety of bright colors to add punch to your yard or entry.
Photo by Thomas J. Story
8 of 20Photo by Thomas J. Story
Mobile planter
This mobile planter ($159)―ideal for decks and balconies―is made from recycled plastic milk jugs.
Photo by Thomas J. Story
9 of 20Photo by Thomas J. Story
Artsy planter
Let this tiny modern planter ($51) stand alone as a sculpture―or add some greenery to create a living roof.
Photo by Thomas J. Story
10 of 20Photo by Thomas J. Story
Watering can
Alessi translates an old standby ($58) into a punchy marriage of form and function, sturdy metal spout and all.
Photo by Thomas J. Story
11 of 20Photo by Thomas J. Story
Portable spout
This portable spout ($6) and inspired space saver converts a used two-liter plastic bottle into a watering can.
Photo by Thomas J. Story
12 of 20Photo by Thomas J. Story
Birdhouse
Inspired by 1960s Buckminster Fuller buildings, this geodesic-dome birdhouse(8 in., $95) designed by Kelly Lambhas a backdoor for cleanout.
Photo by Jeffery Cross; written by Johanna Silver
13 of 20Photo by Jeffery Cross; written by Johanna Silver
Metal basket
The galvanized mesh wire basket ($40) from Peaceful Valley lets you hose off your produce right inside before carrying it, soil-free, indoors.
Photo by Jeffery Cross; written by Johanna Silver
14 of 20Photo by Jeffery Cross; written by Johanna Silver
Berry cartons
Reusable ceramic replicas (from $13) of traditional farmers’-market baskets provide good air flow to keep your harvest fresh.
Photo by Jeffery Cross; written by Johanna Silver
15 of 20Photo by Jeffery Cross; written by Johanna Silver
Herb drying rack
This foldaway rack ($20) is so useful. Before you make tea or sachets out of your lemon verbena or lavender, you’ll need to dry the herbs, of course.
Photo by Jeffery Cross; written by Johanna Silver
16 of 20Photo by Jeffery Cross; written by Johanna Silver
Drying rack
Herbs such as basil, mint, parsley, and sage dry well in single layers on a mesh rack ($19); clean window screens also work. When fully dry, store in airtight containers.
Photo by Jeffery Cross; written by Johanna Silver
17 of 20Photo by Jeffery Cross; written by Johanna Silver
Orchard rack
When your crops just won’t quit, set up this wooden stand—with sliding drawers—to handle the overflow (available in 6-drawer version, $179).
Photo by Jeffery Cross; written by Johanna Silver
18 of 20Photo by Jeffery Cross; written by Johanna Silver
Vegetable baskets
These willow baskets($50 for set of 2) are the perfect place to store your harvested potatoes, which like to breathe; let them do soin a nice cool spot.
Photo by Jeffery Cross; written by Johanna Silver
19 of 20Photo by Jeffery Cross; written by Johanna Silver
Root storage bin
This bin ($40) is perfect for beets, carrots, or turnips. Fill it with alternating layers of damp sawdust and root veggies, and store in a cool, dark place.
Photo by Jeffery Cross; written by Johanna Silver
20 of 20Photo by Jeffery Cross; written by Johanna Silver
Pesto cubes
These airtight, BPA-free baby-food freezer trays ($15) are perfect for freezing portions of homemade pesto.