Jun 09, 2023
30 Gardening Products For Anyone With A Green Thumb
We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed collects a share of sales and/or other compensation
We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed collects a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
A seeding square will make you look like a planting pro.
BuzzFeed Staff
Made with a bamboo handle and powder-coated steel, it uses a simple lever system to made weeding easy. Added bonus? Grampa's Weeder is a small business!
Promising review: "Oh my god, I friggin' love this tool. I bought this on a whim given we bought our first house and know nothing about caring for a yard. Boy has it come in handy. Our new house had a ton of weeds in the front yard and this tool helped me get most of them out in no time. In fact, the process of yanking out the weed was strangely satisfying! I don't think anyone can say that weeding is fun but this tool made it as close to fun as you can get, especially when you see a long root along with the weed you pulled." —JG
Get it on Amazon for $39.99.
Reviewers mention it's worth using this product with a water hammer arrester.
Promising review: "These timers have been around for a long time. My dad used them for his garden for years without any issue. The batteries last a long time in these things as well. I’m able to program what days of the weeks to water, how frequently (every 12 hours for twice a day), and how long to water each time. Then just leave the faucet on and you’re good to go. If you want to do another watering on hot days or use the hose for another purpose just click the manual button to trigger a manual watering no need to disconnect." —Taylor
Get it from Amazon for $50.30+ (available in quantities of one, two, three, and ten).
Promising review: "Used these for the outdoor herb garden in photo. They were a little smaller than I expected, but definitely fit my needs." —Katy
Get 10 from Amazon for $17.99+ (available in three colors).
Promising review: "I used this in the spring to fill out our lawn more, and it worked great! I was worried because I feel like you always hear grass seed horror stories, but I just raked our lawn good, spread seeds all over, and watered it once (sometimes twice) per day and it filled the lawn in beautifully!" —Mariah
Get it from Amazon for $19.49+ (available in five sizes and multipacks).
Promising review: "Have hesitated for years to buy a hedge trimmer, but took the plunge on this one. I am pleasantly surprised, light weight, easy to handle, cuts my shrubs back easily and trims my 10-foot tall Cyprus cedar with ease!! I'm 76, wish I had bought one years ago!!" —George Goddling
Get it from Amazon for $40.45.
Promising review: "I purchased these as a gift for my mother who gardens extensively. She thanked me again for them today, declaring that these were the best pruners she has ever owned (she has been at it over 50 years). She cuts the branches off her trees and shrubs, then further trims them into small sections to fit in the recycle trash bags. It is her great joy to work in the yard made even my pleasant through the use of these pruners." —A. Kelly
Get it from Amazon for $24.95+ (available in three styles).
Promising review: "Light, easy to use for pruning my trees, but sturdy. Pruning is effortless. So well-engineered. I can't recommend these enough. And they're affordable. My favorite garden tool now. I don't like heavy tools that I can't maneuver or hurt my hands. This is perfect." —Patsy
Get them from Amazon for $26.99+ (available in five styles).
Plus, it folds up into the included carrying case for easy storage in the off-season.
Promising review: "I was able to pick up my leaves in record time using this leaf collector. I wish I had know about it years ago. It would have saved me so much money hiring people to do my leaves. I have told everyone I know about this product. They are all amazed when they see the video I did showing how I raked the leaves on the leaf collector. Folded up the ends like a taco and put it in the bag and released. SO EASY! Absolutely worth the money." —Ronnie
Get it from Amazon for $25.95.
I have a similar one of these in my yard! I like the way that it showcases the vegetable garden itself instead of just digging out a spot in our lawn. If we have success with our veggies this year (fingers crossed) my husband and I plan to invest in a second planter bed next year.
Promising review: "This raised bed is very affordable. The bed looks thin and flimsy at first, but once it is set up, it is very sturdy even though very light to carry around empty. I also appreciate that this is a foot tall and not too shallow like some other raised beds being sold. This is an excellent product and I would recommend it highly for what you are paying for." —JT
Get it from Amazon for $49.82+ (available in two sizes and colors).
Promising review: "This model is definitely a cut above the other spreaders made by Scott. It is quite well constructed and has lots of nice features like a large hopper, four drop holes, and dual spreader mechanisms. The wheels on this are very nice as well and the edge guard feature works well. Very easy and effective to use and should provide years of use if maintained properly. Beats the pants off of every other spreader I have used. And it's attractive to boot!" —Gila Monster
Get it from Amazon for $55.99+ (available in a single or three-pack and in four styles).
It also comes with a measuring stick called a dibbler that pushes down the dirt to the correct depth for you to drop your seeds. The holes are color coded to let you know exactly where to plant seeds of different varieties.
Promising review: "Love this thing! I have been gardening for a while and this takes all of the guess work out of spacing. I used this for the first time this spring using the planting chart/guide and it has worked out perfectly. I have had little to no weeds (I mean come on, you're gonna get some weeds). Planting per the Seed Square will for the most part choke out the weeds, while promoting growth for the plants. I even used this to plant growing plants and not just seeds. Just put the square on the ground used the stick to mark the spot and dug a hole where it was marked. Simple enough. Would highly recommend. Super easy!" —Jennifer Geisel
Get it from Amazon for $29.95.
WoodNSparks Co. is a small business based in Montana making wooden garden makers.
Get it from WoodNSparks Co. on Etsy for $1.95 a stick.
Rockin K Creations Shop is a family-owned small business based Lemont, Illinois.
Promising review: "Beautiful and very well made! They fit in my hand and are very comfortable to use. It looks amazing in my garden tote next to my other wooden tools!! Will purchase more as gifts!" —Kimberly B
Get it from Rockin K Creations Shop on Etsy for $19.88 (available in six material sizes).
My Little Belleville is a small business based in Salt Lake City, Utah that sells kitchenware, stationary and other home goods.
Promising review: "Such a fun way to add more of a thrill into our gardening skills. One set was for my daughter and one for a friend who shares the green thumb phenomena. Adorable designs." —Barbara
Get them from My Little Belleville on Etsy for $18.40 (available in seven styles).
Promising review: "If you're like me, I typically ditch the gloves when I'm weeding because I can't get a good hold on the smaller weeds. Not with these gloves! They help me dig up those small weeds quickly. I thought I'd have a hard time picking things up because of the claws, but no. They make weeding so much quicker, and save my nails and hands in the process." —MomOfR&D
Get them from Amazon for $7.95+ (available in two colors and in a set of two).
This device uses scent-free repellent mats using naturally occurring repellents found in plants to rid of mosquitoes.
Promising review: "It doesn't smell. It doesn't make noise. It doesn't get hot. It just clears the mosquitos and only mosquitoes! I am the person a mosquito will find from miles away even in my house. The only one they find in a room full of people. I live in a tropical climate and never have a moment's peace in my garden. I've used sprays, foggers, candles, torches, the list goes on. This is the first time I've been able to sit on my patio in peace, even the cat was safe. Already ordered another for a friend and put the refills on subscribe and save." —J&J
Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in 11 colors and in sets of two).
Promising review: "I bought a couple of different soaker hoses and this is the best by far. Unlike the rubbery ones that are heavier and more difficult to intertwine and stay where you place them within your plantings, these are easy to curve around, reposition, or remove. They have clamps to securely connect the hose at the hose ends which helps avoid leaks or breaks. By comparison, the other kind that has the texture of recycled tires, without clamps, leaked at the connection points and disconnected/failed resulting in separation of the hose from hose ends. Any leaking tends to negate the whole function of the soaker hose. In contrast, this style and brand provides a steady, consistent drip along the hose which is exactly what I want. So far, durability has been good and the hose will fold up nicely for storage during the winter months." —Gail
Get it from Amazon for $13.99+ (available in five sizes and in packs of two).
Promising review: "WOW!!! This is the fourth grass clipper I've had — all different brands. This is BY FAR the best! The blades cut well, it's easy to turn on and off (you don't need to be a contortionist or use two hands), fits nicely in my hand, and the battery lasts far longer than any other cutter I've had. I can't tell you how pleased I am! Highly recommend this. Haven't tried the trimmer yet, but can't imagine it not being just as great! SO glad I bought this." —suezieqt
Get it from Amazon for $39.
This device has two needles to ensure accuracy and doesn't require batteries. Just push it 2–4 inches into the ground and select what you want to test for.
Promising review: "Oh how I wish I had this a long time ago when I started my plant mom life! I killed too many plants by overwatering. This moisture reader is a lifesaver! Or — plant saver, as the case may be. Anyway, you can’t go wrong and your plants will thank you!" —Caren
Get it from Amazon for $11.93+ (available in five colors).
Promising review: "These are the best knee pads I have ever used. They allow me stay on my knees for an extended period of time without getting uncomfortable. I have worn them for 9-hour working days without any issues with fit, adjustment, or comfort. They have great cushioning and are very comfortable, but in my opinion what really makes them better than most other knee pads on the market is the fact that they have two adjustable straps with slip buckles instead of one of the straps being Velcro. —Shannon Huett
Get them from Amazon for $34.99+ (available in two additional styles).
Promising review: "Have used this for about three weeks, watering flowers, grass and washing cars. Have used it almost every day in some way or another. It's very light, easy to maneuver, and doesn't kink. However, I think that's because I followed the directions on the box for how to unwind it for the first time. When I was first unraveling, it kinked in multiple places so I had to carefully unravel and lay it out fully extended before I even hooked it up to the water source. Has been kink-free ever since." —Sean Cotter
Get it from Amazon for $12.94+ (available in nine styles).
Promising review: "This is great for the garden. Keeps my knees out of the stickers and the padding is very comfortable, helps me get up and down — easy to maneuver around the garden and in between the rows. Haven't tried sitting on it but i'm heavy and this feels very sturdy under me. Pockets deep enough for tools and seed packets, easy to remove and wash if necessary." —Cpt Dragon
Get it from Amazon for $36.99+ (available in five additional styles).
My dad had been battling it out with a mole for MONTHS before he got one of these bad boys. His prized possession has always been his lush, green lawn, so when a mole started tunneling through it he was not pleased. After installing these stakes he was able to claim back his grass (and his pride).
Promising review: "I strongly recommend a Solar Mole Repeller for everyone who wants get rid of nasty, extremely destructive moles and gophers. I live in the mountains at 7,500 feet elevation where is really hard to grow anything. My small flower garden, very meticulously cared for was completely destroyed by gophers. I used all kind of home remedies hoping that creatures leave my garden, but non of those remedies worked. After putting outside Solar Mole Repeller my problem has been solved. Approximately within 50 yards you won’t find a single hole, tunnel or mound. Satisfied more than 100%." —Violletta Pawkik-Alexandrowicz
Get a pack of four from Amazon for $39.60+ (also available in a pack of two and eight).
Promising review: "These plant supports each consist of two semi circles that fit together to encircle the plant. I have two snake plants that are getting taller and needed support. These plant stakes are working perfectly. They can easily be inserted into the soil to the desired height, and the green color obscures their appearance. My plants look prettier and stronger now that they are standing tall." —A.Consumer
Get a pack from Amazon for $15.99+ (available in two sizes).
Promising review: "I have several fruit trees (orange, lemon, tangerine, grapefruit, pomegranate, and persimmons) and so I decided to try out this colander/basket to make the job of collecting fruit a little easier. It does its job well and allows me to easily hose off the fruit after collection. I can’t fill it more than halfway with fruit, though, or else it gets too heavy. It’s also useful to tote the fruits to my workplace and share them with everyone." —Melody R.
Get it from Amazon for $15.95+ (available in four colors and two sizes).
Each pack includes 1,300+ seeds consisting of zucchini, eggplant, beet, pumpkin, butternut squash, cabbage, bok choy, cauliflower, broccoli, rapini rabe, celery, cucumber, kohlrabi, radish, bell pepper, cayenne pepper, okra, Brussels sprout, beefsteak tomato, and cherry tomato.
Promising review: "I purchased it for my mother as a gift and I absolutely love the product. Huge variety and very affordable price! The package looks great and each seed bag is individually labeled along with a QR that takes you directly to all the information you need pertaining to that type of vegetables. Love it." —V. G
Get it from Amazon for $17.99+ (available in varieties of 15, 20, and 25 seeds).
The set includes a hand trowel, transplant trowel, and cultivator hand rake. Each tool has a nonslip ergonomic handle to make long hours of planting easier!
Promising review: "Purchased these since several other brands/types that I've used over the years just bend when any pressure from digging is done. If you want something that can dig in regular soil rather than potting blend — these are for you." —Joe in MO
Get it from Amazon for $20.80 (available in three colors).
Joyful Dirt is a small business based in Portland, Oregon making organic, all-purpose plant food since 2013.
Promising review: "I never write reviews but had to share what a great find this was! I have routinely killed every living plant I've ever brought home. Joyful Dirt has completely changed that. All my plants look full and healthy with little to no effort on my part! I am so amazed that for teacher gifts this year, I am giving terrariums and will include a shaker of Joyful Dirt to go with each. If you have any trouble keeping plants alive, this is the solution." —KB13
Get a bottle from Amazon for $19.95+ (also available in three additional sizes/styles).
Promising review: "I over-planted with tomatoes this year in the garden, and with the way they were still growing, I splurged on the 6-foot stakes. Strong and sturdy, these fit the bill well. The thicknesses differ slightly within the bundles, too, which is perfect for using them with different plants/stages of growth, too, as the plants need more or less support. After using them for a season, they are also still very strong and have little if any signs of weakening in the bottom foot that I'd pushed into the ground, which means I will be able to get multiple years out of them, even though my soil isn't the best draining — one of the best garden investments I have made in a long time for sure!" —JJ
Get a 25-pack from Amazon for $34.99.
Promising review: "I bought a new home in the woods and haven’t really gardened before. The previous owners already had a very impressive garden. Me being new to the scene, I wanted to learn as much as possible to keep up my garden beautiful, fresh, and healthy. This book has everything a first timer like myself could need. From plans, designs, sowing, pruning etc. I was also excited about the fruit and vegetable section, as I plan to grow my own. I definitely recommend the Complete Gardener’s Guide book. It just arrived today and I’ve been flipping through bunny earring pages all night. Excited to prune my rose bushes tomorrow after reading the section on them." —QueenJ
Get it from Amazon for $29.41+ (also available in a spiral-bound option).
Some reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
Promising review:In fact, the process of yanking out the weed was strangely satisfying! I don't think anyone can say that weeding is fun but this tool made it as close to fun as you can getPromising review: I’m able to program what days of the weeks to water, how frequently (every 12 hours for twice a day), and how long to water each time.Promising review: Promising reviewI just raked our lawn good, spread seeds all over, and watered it once (sometimes twice) per day and it filled the lawn in beautifully!Promising review:Promising review:Promising review:Promising review:I wish I had know about it years ago. It would have saved me so much money hiring people to do my leaves.Promising reviewI also appreciate that this is a foot tall and not too shallow like some other raised beds being soldPromising review:Very easy and effective to use and should provide years of use if maintained properly. Beats the pants off of every other spreader I have used.Promising review:this takes all of the guess work out of spacingPlanting per the Seed Square will for the most part choke out the weeds, while promoting growth for the plants.Promising review: Promising review:Promising review:I thought I'd have a hard time picking things up because of the claws, but no.Promising review:Promising review:Unlike the rubbery ones that are heavier and more difficult to intertwine and stay where you place them within your plantings, these are easy to curve around, reposition, or removePromising review:The blades cut well, it's easy to turn on and off (you don't need to be a contortionist or use two hands), fits nicely in my hand, and the battery lasts far longer than any other cutter I've had.Promising review: This moisture reader is a lifesaver! Promising review:They have great cushioning and are very comfortable, but in my opinion what really makes them better than most other knee pads on the market is the fact that they have two adjustable straps with slip buckles instead of one of the straps being VelcroPromising review:Have used it almost every day in some way or another. It's very light, easy to maneuver, and doesn't kink.Promising review:Keeps my knees out of the stickers and the padding is very comfortable, helps me get up and down Promising review: After putting outside Solar Mole Repeller my problem has been solved. Approximately within 50 yards you won’t find a single hole, tunnel or mound. Promising review:I have two snake plants that are getting taller and needed support. These plant stakes are working perfectlyPromising review:It does its job well and allows me to easily hose off the fruit after collectionPromising reviewHuge variety and very affordable price!Promising review:Promising review:All my plants look full and healthy with little to no effort on my part!Promising review:The thicknesses differ slightly within the bundles, too, which is perfect for using them with different plants/stages of growth, too, as the plants need more or less support. I will be able to get multiple years out of them, even though my soil isn't the best draining — one of the best garden investments I have made in a long time for sure!Promising review:This book has everything a first timer like myself could need.