Gadgets and gizmos should make gardening easier, more enjoyable and more fun. If you ever see something and say, "Why didn't I think of that?," these tools may be for you.
1. 7-inch square watering mats (figure A)
Container plants dry out faster than those in the ground, and if you travel a lot or sometimes forget to water, these gadgets may be just what you need. You may even be able to water your plants weekly, as opposed to daily.
- Each square can hold a full quart of water.
- Cut the square to fit the bottom of the container. Then fill the container with soil, add the plant, and water. The potassium-polymer-impregnated mesh will absorb and then slowly release water.
2. Water reservoir (figure B)
- Give your plants a built-in water supply: place the reservoir in a 10-inch or larger pot, extend the telescopic filler tube to the desired soil level, fill the pot with soil, and add your plant.
- From there, just pour up to a quart of water through the tube.
3. Terra-cotta cones (figure C)
- This is a great way to recycle plastic containers, and help your garden grow at the same time.
- Fill a 32- or 16-ounce plastic bottle with water, screw on the cone, and stick the cone into a potted plant.
- The porous cone slowly releases water directly to the root zone.
4. Hose wrench (figure D)
- A hose wrench may help you get the leverage you need to easily attach and detach your hose from the spigot. With this handy tool, you're more likely to get a tight, leak-free connection.
- Attach one end of the hose wrench to the hose and one end to the faucet or spigot.
- Use your whole hand to twist the wrench.
5. Hose hanger (figure E)
- The hose hanger requires no drilling or mounting hardware, is made of plastic, is cheap, and can hold up to 75 feet of hose.
- Slip the hanger over the faucet or spigot and coil your hose.
- In winter, store the hose on the hanger in a garage or shed.
6. Non-slip footpad (figure F)
- A non-slip footpad for a shovel can make a digging job a little bit easier. If your shoes are wet, your foot could slip off the shovel and you might hit your shin. So use this pad to reduce foot strain and protect footwear as well as your shins.
- It's easy to install on shovels, spades, and forks--with nothing more than a few seconds and a screwdriver.
7. Hand-held sprayer (figure G)
A hand-held sprayer with an extension can help in watering the underside of leaves, where pests may live and lay eggs.
8. Landscaping flags
These flags are usually sold in bundles at reasonable prices and are handy for all kinds of uses in and around the yard:
- Mark sprinkler heads that need repairing.
- Lay out a path or a new garden border.
- Decide the right planting pattern for a new flower or perennial bed.
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