It’s been a while since I splurged on anything “new,” “improved” or “cutting edge” for the garden, finding that the old standby’s, combined with my abs of steel, really do the best job anyway.
I can’t even be sure why I even opened the Gardener’s Edge catalogue; most go straight to recycling these days. Maybe it’s because I knew of the parent company (A.M Leonard) as being one of the best in the biz for quality gardening tools? Don’t know, cuz I can’t remember. Suffice to say that the stuff I did end up buying, I actually love.
Thought I’d just take a minute to show you the haul in case you are in the market for something new and fun for the garden.
First know this: I HATE HOSES.
I actually think I just wrote about this in one of the last posts. –Their kinking and getting caught on stuff? Don’t even get me started on rolling them back up. — Although, we do have these water powered hose reels that usually work pretty well — for a few seasons, anyway — before breaking down. However, like hoses, they too, have their caveats. You will often hear me screaming obscenities from a mile away at the “solution” to my “hose problem” that seems to just create more problems. However… this year I tried a couple new hoses that I am in love with:
X Hose Pro
While looking for the link to this product, I just saw that this hose does not have good reviews. Most are saying that it doesn’t last long. However, I really like it so far. We’ll just have to see if it lasts. This particular model has a nice, heavy-duty shut off valve and shrinks when the water is turned off. It’s lightweight and doesn’t kink. It’s similar to the “As See on TV” Pocket Hose, but claims to be heavier duty.
Zero-G Hose
I bought this one after getting the X Hose and wanting to pick another one up quickly at True Value. I saw the Zero-G and was intrigued to compare the two. I definitely like this one the best. I don’t have to worry about the hose laying in the sun, nor do I have to concern myself with letting the hose shrink for storage. I’m using it in the garden and it is so lightweight that it doesn’t run the risk of breaking plants off when I’m dragging it around. It is also easy to give it a whip to unhook it from an obstacle. And the best part is winding it back up. I have a hand crank reel in the garden and LOATHE the effort it takes to wheel back up long lengths of hose. With this baby, it’s SO EASY! Thinking of replacing all my main hoses with these.
Root Pouches
I wrote about the Root Pouches in my post about re-planting the pool pots. (I was mistakenly calling them Root Bags, which is what they SHOULD be called. Pouch is just such a gross word…) Time will tell if these were a good investment, so stay tuned. I also bought a couple for my mom, who grows tomatoes on the deck up in Hayward. I thought these would be easier for her to move around (lighter, handles, etc.). They are also quite inexpensive, so that’s another reason I wanted to try them out.
A.M Leonard Deluxe Garden Knife
I LOVE THIS THING! I even — for no good reason — went online and bought a second one (though they were out of the orange handle so I had to order pink…). I think this might be my hoarding complex kicking in? I was worried I wouldn’t be able to get another one if I lost mine and rationalized the purchase by saying I would give it as a gift. But I’ve already foiled that plan by using it, so…
Anyway. This thing is STRONG and SHARP (cut myself) and works as a weed digger/twine cutter/plant chopper/lawn edger/miracle tool. So awesome.
Rubber Garden Tub Trug with Colander Insert
Another AWESOME tool. I fill my trug with water, add the colander, pick my lettuce and greens right into the colander, swoosh it around and carry the colander into the house.The greens are no longer all wilty b;y the time they get to the house. It’s still a mess from drying the greens, but so much LESS of a mess as to already be a beloved tool.
The Garden Stamp (aka Silly Planter Thing):
This one is, in my humble opinion, sort of a silly gimmick. I’m using it though to see if I can plant my greens more densely rather than in rows. In order for it to really work easily, your soil has to be tilled very finely, which I don’t really subscribe to, but I find that if I stomp on the square I can still see the holes well enough to drop the seeds into. The other downside is that the depth of the spikes is too deep for things like carrots and other smaller seed, so I have to be careful when covering the seeds with dirt or they will never sprout. There is another version of this on the market that addresses that concern but I didn’t buy it because it looked even more gimmicky that this one. I’ll update you on my findings in a month or two.
That’s my haul. Let me know if you have any of these things and how you like them in the comments. I’d love to compare notes.
Bev says
Yes to the hose and garden knife! Perfect! And it’s all your fault I spent so much. 🙂
Diane Felicetta says
I have had one of the “garden knives” for many years, it is so great. Mine isn’t as fancy as yours, but one of my beloved tools for sure.
Dawn says
I tripped over your blue fescue diatribe when searching for info on them. I was considering them for a large landscaping project, but I think I’ll find something else. Thanks…enjoyed the rant.