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Did you know that gardening can boost your happiness? Studies show that spending time in the garden, working with soil and tending to plants can reduce stress and increase serotonin, the “feel-good” chemical in your brain. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just starting out, having the right supplies on hand can make your gardening journey smoother and more relaxing. Nothing drives me crazier than having an urge to plant seeds and realizing I don’t have everything I need! So let’s dig in.

Seeds

Every plant starts from a seed, and I always make sure I have extra on hand. Why? You never know which seeds will take off, so planting extras ensures you’re overprepared versus underprepared. If you end up with too many seedlings, you can always share them with friends or neighbors or even sell them for a small fee to help offset your costs!

When it comes to choosing seeds, quality matters. I’ve had nearly 100% germination rate with this seed pack from Amazon. It offers a variety of warm and cool season seeds, plus excellent quality for the price. You can check it out here: https://amzn.to/4hfn1e4.

Pots & Planters

Next on my list are pots and planters. These are essential for any gardener, whether you’re starting seeds or transplating mature plants. I have a collection of pots ranging from 4” plastic seed starters to heavy-duty 30-pound terra cotta pots for my house plants.

Each type of container has its own benefits and downsides. For instance, fabric pots are lightweight, breathable and easy to move around, making them ideal for large plants like tomatoes and peppers. However, they can wear out after a few seasons due to exposure to sunlight and water. The good news is that even when they’re no longer suitable for holding soil, they can be repurposed as weed barriers in your garden beds. It’s all about thinking outside the box!

If you’re in the market for new planters, I highly recommend this 6-pack of fabric grow bags. They’re versatile, affordable and come in sizes ranging from 1 gallon to 30 gallons, perfect for all your planting needs: https://amzn.to/4dVJTMM.

For those of you growing root vegetables like carrots, potatoes or radishes, you’re probably already aware that these plants are more susceptible to pests than most. Did you know termites can infest potato plants? Yeah, me either! I learned this the hard way during my first year of gardening in Florida…

That’s why I love using grow bags with a side flap for harvesting. This design allows you to easily check on your plants and harvest without disturbing the soil too much. You can find them here: https://amzn.to/3YxmtZC.

Soil & Fertilizer

Good soil is the foundation of a thriving garden. Without rich, nutritious soil, your plants won’t reach their full potential. I like to create my own soil mix by combining house-brand topsoil and compost from my local hardware store. This is an affordable and effective way to provide your plants with the nutrients they need. However, when I’m ready to splurge, I go for peat pellets or a high-quality seed starter mix that already includes added fertilizer.

Choosing the right soil depends on what you’re growing and where you’re planting. For seed starting, I recommend using peat pellets or a specialized seed starter mix that promotes healthy root development. For mature plants in containers, a good potting soil is essential. Here are some of my top recommendations for soil and fertilizers:

• 36 MM Peat Pellets: These are perfect for starting seeds, as they provide an ideal growing environment for young plants. You can find them here: https://amzn.to/4het42z.
• Potting Soil: A high-quality potting mix ensures that your container plants get the right balance of nutrients, moisture retention and aeration. Check it out here: https://amzn.to/4haom63.
• Shake-N-Feed Plant Food: This is a simple and effective way to provide your plants with nutrients over an extended period. It’s easy to use and a great option for those who want low-maintenance feeding. Available here: https://amzn.to/4eP9po9.
• Fox Farm Liquid Fertilizer: For gardeners who prefer liquid feeding, Fox Farm is one of the best. This liquid fertilizer provides a fast nutrient boost, helping plants grow strong and healthy. You can find it here: https://amzn.to/3Yvoplp.

Tips For Maximizing Your Garden Space

Now that you have the essentials, here are a few extra tips to take your garden to the next level:

1. Plan Ahead: It’s always a good idea to plan your garden layout before you start planting. Think about the amount of sunlight each area gets and what plants grow best next to each other, commonly known as companion planting. 
2. Water Wisely: Overwatering is one of the most common mistakes gardeners make. Ensure your plants get the right amount of water by checking the soil before watering. If the soil feels dry about an inch below the surface, it’s time to water.
3. Rotate Crops: If you’re growing vegetables, rotate your crops each season. This helps combat nutrient depletion in your soil and reduces the chances of pests and diseases.

Happy Gardening!