Kitchen TimerKeep a kitchen timer outside in your garden to remind you to move the hose or go on an errand.
Use a Hose To Spray Off Pests the Organic WayUse the hose to spray vines off in the early mornings. It helps get rid of pests without having to use chemicals.
Handcrafted Wreaths from Your Own GardenNothing says "Welcome" like a wreath. Grab some of your favorite greens, blooms, and garden supplies and make a quick garden wreath.
Put a Wagon To WorkBuy a wagon at a garage sale. They are great for moving plants and heavy garden art around the yard.
Keep Baggies HandyKeep a box of baggies in the car to hold cuttings from friends' gardens, should the need arise.
Outside ClockA large wall clock in the garden helps you keep track of the time you’re spending outdoors and reminds you to put on more sunscreen.
Keep Your Car CleanKeep a drop cloth and a box in your car for surprise finds at garage sales, bulk trash pileups, or plant nurseries. You never know when an unplanned surprise will come your way!
Let Your Dreams Be Your GuideStart a dream list notebook that holds ideas, magazine photos, and ideas for your garden.
Less Mess When Repotting HouseplantsWhen re-potting houseplants or containers inside your house, use a cheap plastic table cloth from the dollar store as a working surface. Easy clean up by shaking the mess into a garbage bin, or if ruined, you can toss them. I cut mine in thirds.
Rooting Plants in Glass BottlesUse glass wine or beer bottles for rooting plants before you transfer them outdoors. The small neck helps the plant from falling into the water.
Inexpensive PlantsALWAYS go to the clearance racks at garden nurseries before shopping for full priced plants. Sometimes a little TLC is all a plant needs and at 75% off, you can’t go wrong.
Avoid DehydrationALWAYS keep a water bottle with you when you garden in the summer. Stay hydrated!
And the Award for Best Garden Hose Goes to . . .After spending too much money on a multitude of hoses that I disliked, I finally stumbled upon the answer to the perfect garden hose.
Alcohol Kills Mealy BugsIf you find mealy bugs on the coleus or other plants, dab them with a q-tip dipped in alcohol. They die instantly. I keep a bottle of alcohol and q-tips near the coleus plants so I don’t need to run indoors for some.
Soapy Water To Defeat Aphids3 teaspoons of dish soap added to a large squirt bottle helps get rid of pests, especially aphids. Spray both sides of your plants.
Garden BluesThe color blue brings the wow factor to your garden. Using Krylon spray paint, add a little color to ordinary metal or plastic trellises, stakes and containers.
Plant Marigolds To Deter InsectsPlant marigolds in your garden- they are wonderful companion plants and will help deter undesirable insects.
Rooting Plants Artistically: Thinking Beyond the Jelly JarWhy use old jars and glassware for your water rooting when there is a rainbow of colors and unique shapes just waiting to be found!
Carry Your Cell Phone to GardenAlways carry your cell phone in case of an emergency.
Keep Your First Aid Kit StockedKeep an emergency kit nearby, stocked with first aid cream, band aids etc.
A Source for Cheap Gardening ContainersScour garage sales for inexpensive garden pots, containers, and garden art. You get more for your buck!
Note Taking for GardenersKeep a white board outside to make notes as you garden. It’s a great place to list needed supplies, reminders, and dream plants you hope to purchase.
Keep Your Garden Supplies HandyKeep a scrap bucket outside, filled with scissors, twine, wire, and bag ties to use to tie plants to trellises when you see the need.
Be Ready Always with a CameraAlways keep your camera in a waterproof baggie when gardening. There is always a surprise photo op!
Keep Your Shoes HandyStore an extra pair of flip-flops, crocs or slip-on shoes by the back door just in case you need them.
Garden Art Creations: Polymer Clay in the GardenPolymer clay has been a popular craft for some time, but artisans are taking it out of the house and into the garden for a little added whimsy. Garden stakes, fairy doors, mobiles, and other fun objects are being created out of clay, bringing color and personalization to the outdoors. Meet three inspiring clay artists who have found creative ways to introduce polymer to their own gardens.
Roll Up Garden Hoses in Figure EightsRoll your garden hoses up in figure eights for the fewest kinks.
Garden Art Creations: QuikWall in the GardenOur garden art creation this week will both surprise and delight you. Beginners and pros alike will find this mini-tutorial easy to understand and fun to follow. Let's step into the Wisconsin garden of artist Chris Rentmeister, known at ATP as goldfinch4, and learn all about QuikWall.
All About PurslaneLiving in a dry heat with high temperatures between 105 and 110 during the summer, purslane laughs in your face and thrives here in Phoenix, Arizona. Add some incredible, edible ornamental purslane to your garden this summer! A salsa with purslane recipe is included in the article.
