by Christine Lorraine

Created on: July 04, 2008   Last Updated: August 19, 2011

Rule number one of spring gardening is to be armed with energy and enthusiasm. More tangible must-haves on your short list of spring gardening tasks might include:

Gathering Supplies

This is an important step as it can alleviate unnecessary footsteps to and from your house, yard or garage. Items to consider assembling are:

1. Gloves - To ensure the success of your gardening experience, you will need to handle dirt. After gardening, try to remove as much dirt as possible from your gloves, and don't leave them laying around outside. Nothing is more creepy than putting a glove onto your unsuspecting hand, and wind up with a frightened spider or potato bug crawling up your arm to escape its five-fingered fate.

2. Hand tools - You'll find that having both a hand shovel and hand-held hoe will make it easier for you to achieve gardening nirvana. When shopping for handy items such these, closely scrutinize the strength of the tool where the metal meets the handle. Many cheaply-made gardening hand tools fall apart within the first hour of serious gardening.

3. Gardening apron - Some specialty stores sell aprons specifically for gardeners, but if you choose, you can really use any full-fronted apron for gardening to protect your clothing.

4. Padded kneeler - This is another modern convenience that can be found at most garden centers and department stores. It is not an absolute necessity, but your knees will thank you if you choose to use one. Another option is make your own by stuffing a couple of old bed pillows into a discardable pillow slip.

5. Floppy hat - Wearing a comfortable hat with a broad brim serves two purposes. First, it protects your face from the sun's harsh rays which can lead to sunburn or skin cancer. Second, you can adjust the brim to help keep the sun from shining into your eyes.

6. Watering can or hose - You'll need to have water close at hand to wet the soil, both before and after planting.

7. Potting soil - It's always good when you are planting seeds or flowers to fill in the hole or cover the seeds with potting soil. This extra effort ensures healthier, stronger seedlings and plants.

8. Seeds and plants - It might sound silly, but there have been individuals who have attempted to begin gardening without these essentials. Don't be one of them.

9. Strong set of additional hands (optional) - An extra set of hands can always come in handy after you're done gardening, especially if they're willing to give your tired back a massage.

Select Your Garden's

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>