TWO PRODUCTS THAT MAKE GARDENING EASIER

I love finding efficiencies in my day-to-day life and this year I discovered two gardening products that make that part of my life just a little bit easier.

First up: self-watering seed trays. After purchasing these new self-watering trays this summer and starting some pansy seeds toward the end of summer, I can say they are a game-changer.

The trays sit on a raised platform that has water underneath it. On top of the platform is a mat that wicks up the water and allows the soil to get water through the drainage holes. I went from checking on my seeds every day or so to once per week, and even then I didn’t always need to fill the reservoir or provide any additional water to the soil. This product is well worth the additional couple of bucks you’ll spend on it.

Secondly: an auger for bulb planting.

I’ve had this for a couple of years but I didn’t quite know how to use it properly in my clay-y, rocky soil. However, when my mom and I set out to plant the 275 bulbs in November, we whipped out the dusty 3” auger and man, did it save us time! We planted the bulbs in 3 hours but I’d guess it would have taken us 5 hours without the auger. I’ve watched many-a-Garden Answer video showing their auger use in a dry climate, but the key for my soil was to go in spurts. Aug a 1” hole, and pull it out, then go 1” deeper into the soil, and pull it out. This motion made it so I wasn’t getting caught on hard clay or rocks. Also, this thing drains your drill battery so make sure you’re charging your spare! I’ll be sure to try this out next year on more annual and perennial plantings too.

And, since it is the gift-giving season: both of these would make great gifts for any gardeners in your life!