What to get for my birthday

Hey DGers!!!

My birthday is on the 29th and my parents, hubby, etc., want to know what I want. I want garden stuff. I need suggestions on what I should have for next year's garden. I'm a noob (thus my name) so I need suggestions on good tools, supplies, etc.

I can't wait for my party. We do it every year as a birthday party/end of summer bash. We have steamed crabs, burgers, hot dogs, ribs, all the sides you can think of and lots of soda, juice and sweets!!!!!

Can't wait!!!!!

Hey noob - point them to a Lowes or whatever is in your area, and say "I need at LEAST 1 of everything!!!!!" You will, over time, figure out what you use the most, and put those items on your next list for extras.

ginni

Ginni....thanks. Was there anything you wish you had when you first started gardening?

What are your garden dreams? What size garden are you going to put in and what are you going to grow?
If it's long handled tools go for the new non-wood handles that have atleast a 5 year warranty on them. Cheap tools are expensive, cause you have to replace them very often. I now am trying to get my wood handled tools to a minimum.
I personally in love with fiskars for
any kind of clippers. They stay sharp and have a good warranty.
A separate file for plant receipts. Almost every garden center guarantees their plants for 1 year, if you file all plant receipts in that "special" file it will be like having an insurance policy on them. No receipt, no warranty, on tools also.
sidney

A good strong backed handyman!!! No, seriously, just the basic stuff - shovel, hoe, rake etc. But at some point, I think you will find that a good, reliable, easy crank tiller will be the best tool to have. I have a Troy that I will never give up. It won't go real deep in my clay soil at first, but eventually I can work it down and get a beautiful bed. I add old mulch and manure and such as I go so it all gets worked in together while I'm tilling deeper. I originally had a bigger tiller that would go deep and was great, except it was so big and heavy, I had trouble controling it. I have found that middle size tiller, while needing extra passes, in the long run is better for me. I'm sure others can offer other brand names as well, so just check a bunch of them out and buy the one best suited for your needs.

If there are any horse, cattle or chicken farms around your area, see about being able to get good manure compost to stock pile and make your own potting soil. A pick-up load of something like that is one of my favorite birthday presents! Sounds weird, but I bet there will be several on here that agree with me! Oh yes, and save your newspapers for mulch!

Happy gardening - ginni

My husband bought me this cute little cold frame for my birthday this past February & I've been more than pleased with it. Although it can be purchased elsewhere for quite a bit cheaper, this particular company - "Deerbusters" - was very easy to deal with customer service-wise. I rated them here on Dave's Gardenwatch if you want to take a looksee.

Anyway, I not only used it to start greens like kale & chard outdoors, I also used it to harden off all the seedlings I started inside & it was great!! This fall I plan to use it to keep some hardy greens & lettuces going as far into the winter as possible. Should be fun!!

http://store.yahoo.com/deerbusterscom/too-1021.html

There are some tools out now that have interchangable heads. One handle and severval tool heads. Has anyone tried these and, if so, how good are they? I keep looking at them, but haven't gotten any yet.

I also spray paint dayglow orange paint on all my tool handles so I can see them after I put them down and forget where I left them.

Fiskars are expensive to purchase, but they will last forever, so you don't have to replace them. I love mine.

ginni

forget hand tools. go for the POWER STUFF. how about a small tiller.

LOL I was thinking small tiller too. I got a huge rear tine in the spring so I asked for a little one for my birthday. You can't go wrong with a bunch of mulch, or compost or soil, or new tools, or that shrub or tree you cannot get yourself to buy. Those garden wagons are super nice! Gift cards for Lowe's or HD would be favorites too or for any of my favorite online or catalogue stores. I am great at spending other people's money. :)

For those on your list with not so deep pockets, ask for Foxgloves, and Mudgloves, seeds for plants that self sow, and soaker hoses!!

I love my little Poulan tiller and wold be lost without it. This year we also got a lawn wagon and it is great for lugging around bags of mulch etc. - much better than the wheelbarrow.

Wheelbarrow, lawn cart, Garden Claw, good garden hoses and nozzel,
Nice containers...(they can get pricey)
Gift card to Lowes or Home Depot

Noobie, I looked at the threads you've started and it looks like you're mostly into veggies right now. So, think about what were your hardest gardening tasks last spring? What tools would have helped you the most? What was your least favorite part of gardening, and what would have made that quicker or easier for you? What do you want out of your garden next year? What will help you accomplish that?

When I first started gardening (veggies or flowers) I wish I would have had.....
good soil
a tiller
the garden claw
soaker hoses/sprinklers (still wishing!)
a fence around my garden to keep critters out (wishing away!)
a nice trellis for my cucumbers to climbe on - something antique looking to match my flower garden (see how far my wishing takes me? lol)

My indoor grow lights and my little springtime greenhouse have saved me TONS of money by letting me start all my plants from seed very early.

Don't overlook the little things that can make a huge difference like kneepads and good, comfortable gloves that you'll wear! (I can let you know where to get Foxglove knock-offs for $5 vs $25, if you're interested. I just don't know if I'm allowed to post the web addy here or not. I love the gloves. *I'm not associated w/ them in any way, just think it's a great deal!* D-mail me if you want to.)

If nothing else, get gift cards/certificates for Lowe's, HD, or your favorite nursery and buy all your veggie plants next spring! Then be sure to share your havest w/ all your family!! :)

I just found out I can post the link, so here it is, if anyone is interested.
http://shop.store.yahoo.com/flyyourflag/wela8wonywil.html

I have this Great Garden Cart, it's a Rubbermaid (I think). It has 2 wheels, 2 shelves, a bin for soil and some holes for long and short tools. A Handle for pulling around. I rigged up a strong wire that I can hang my garden tote on so all my necessities are right there. Pruners, Little Saw, Scissors, Small Shovels, Plant Labels, Marker, and all my long Handled tools as well and I can load it up with pots so they are right there and I don't have to run back and forth carrying 2 at a time. Now would be a good time to buy ,,,,"Clearance Sales". I just love it. When I first got it all Bill did was tease me about my granny cart LOL,,,,but it is really wonderful. Happy Birthday!!!

This message was edited Aug 21, 2005 12:58 PM

I have used my garden clogs for years, these are the ones with the backs on them (the backless ones I would slide out of) Mine have no tread so the mud rinses right of and the cork sole comes out.
My first pair lasted until my feet changed size....don't ask! :)

i have several gbarden cartgs. the first one i bought wasw a big mistake. i'm sure you have seen these things. it is green and made of metal. all four sides unlock and hang down to make loading easier. it has four rubber wheels and it is pulled by a long handle and cost about 90.00 dollars i think. the problem with this is that its hard to pull even when its empty. and when i load it up i have to use my mower to pull it. LOL

my last cart, which was only 39.00 comes with two biycle wheels and a nice long handle and you can set it down without it tipping over.

Herbie,,,We all have wasted so much money on "just the right thing" that was going to make gardening so much easier,,,,that is until we get home, start using it and realize it's another thing for the junk pile! LOL,,

I really like my cart,,,however I still look for "a better one" LOL. I wish mine had 4 wheels. It only has 2 and you have to lift the front to roll it,,,,I can't tell you how many plants have had broken leaves. Thank God they keep growing new ones. Other than that, it's so handy, I really like it. Kelly

thanks for all of the input, guys. I still have no idea what I want for next year's gardening...LOL I think one thing is one of those tray systems to start my seedlings inside and a cold frame.

noobie,,,Hope we all didn't confuse you too much. One last suggestion. Tell EVERYONE who buys you a B-Day gift that you want gift certificates to several different stores and garden centers. That way you are sure to get a little of everything you need to get you started. With gifts people have good intentions,,,,but,,,,you would have more fun picking stuff out yourself. Good Luck & Happy Birthday.

And you can get a variety of things on sale this time of year too.
sidney

thanks GardenGeek, but don't wish me happy birthday yet....it's not until the 29th.....don't want to turn 35 before I have to LOL

LOL @ noobie,,,know the feeling,,,I was that way with every birthday after my 30th,,,and that was 11 years ago. So 11 years of my birthday isn't until,,,,,my family knows,,,, not before the day.

What a wonderful age to garden. You will never regret becoming an avid gardener and you are on your way.
sidney

I agree with sidney,,,,I'm most happy when working in the dirt,,,,people always comment on how much work the gardens are. To me they are not work,,,,they are therapy and one can always use more therapy (gardens).

Hi Noobie, boy this thread was fun. Everyone loves a wish list! Don't you wish there was a gardener's registry? Two things that appeal to me as a vegetable gardener are a nice sturdy high quality basket for harvesting vegetables, and a good garden apron with lots of pockets for pruners, twine, seeds, etc. I couldn't find a good apron, so a dear friend made me one. The basket came from a local farmers market. I can't imagine heading out to the vegetable patch without either of them.

have a wonderful day with family and friends next week. What a great way to celebrate the end of summer.

Lee

Lee:

Thanks so much. My party is on Saturday because I figured no one would come to a party on Monday (my actual birthday). I am so excited! I can't wait.

I also love your ideas. Any DGers want to make me an apron or send me a veggie basket? :)

Happy Birthday!!!

Yeah! Happy Birthday!! And what did we get?? LOL

Thanks, Butter!!!! Thanks, Badseed!!!!! I had a huge birthday party thrown by my hubby with crabs, hot dogs, burgers, ribs and every side you can think of!!!! We had a ball on Saturday. My parents gave me some money and I got some really nice earrings, and some clothes. I had a ball!!!!

Earrings and clothes??? Where did we go wrong??? LOL
Glad you had a good day!

Bwhahaha

Well, at least the cash is there for your gardening shopping spree. LOL Glad you had a good B-Day. Kelly