BEST GARDEN GIFTS OF 2022

This self-watering grow system uses low-wattage LED lighting and high-tech soil capsules to grow flowers, fruits, herbs and vegetables. Grow edibles indoors year-round, or use the optional seedless "Grow Anything" capsules to start your own seeds, like I do, before transplanting outdoors. My model is the Smart Garden 9. Use the link below and promo code JESSICA10 to save 10%.

I've had my Swiss-made, F6 model pruners for 15 years, and they're still going strong. Because all the critical parts (blades, handle grips and springs) are replaceable, I consider these lifetime investments. A range of models offers a variety of sizes, left-handed and right-handed options, and ergonomic rotating handles. They have super-sharp blades that make clean cuts that promote fast healing, and their nonslip, comfortable handles are red, so they won't get lost in a pile of clippings.

Gone are the days of balancing a wheelbarrow on one wheel only to have it get stuck in the grass and tip over. Several models are available, including my GCG4, which is as steady as they come. It has a comfortable handle, a strong bed, and 10" pneumatic tires that make it super easy to steer and change direction - even when going backward. Its quick-release dumping system allows for easy unloading of mulch, soil or whatever you're lugging, and it has a four-cubic-foot, 600-pound capacity.

These are truly the highest-quality windchimes I've ever owned. Created by a Grammy-award-winning musician and made in upstate New York, each instrument is musically tuned to replicate specific tunes. One, for instance, is reminiscent of Amazing Grace; another plays the harmonized pitches of Pachelbel's Canon. You haven't likely heard anything like it.

I've been wearing my German-made, red Birki clogs since 2007, and I suspect I'll wear them for the rest of my life. The proprietary Birkenstock cork footbed, lined with a moisture-wicking fabric, is replaceable, though I haven't had to swap mine out yet. And I can rinse them off with a garden hose when they get muddy before placing them by the back door until next time. 

When you need a closed work shoe, you can't go wrong with the Outscape from Muck. Made of  flexible neoprene with a comfortable memory-foam footbed and breathable mesh lining, they're 100% waterproof. Available in several color choices (mine are olive, as shown) in low and high-top models.

I received my first EarthBOX as a gift circa 2007 and bought a second a year later; I've been using them ever since, usually to grow extra tomatoes, but you can grow almost anything in them. They're self-watering (from the bottom, which helps prevent disease), self-feeding and can be easily wheeled around to chase the sun if your garden gets shady during the day.

I have two of these full-spectrum lamps, which provide the 12 wavelengths of color output perfect for optimum plant growth and yield. They each use only 130W of power and have fire-resistant reflectors. A daisy chain is included for hanging and re-adjusting their height above plants. 

From the folks who brought us the Roomba robotic vacuum comes this weeding robot that roams garden beds. How does it distinguish your prized dahlias from pesky dandelions? Size. And the included guards protect smaller plants and seedlings from getting whacked. The four-wheel-drive, solar-powered trimmer cuts weeds at the soil line and includes 10 strings, 10 plant guards and 10 row guards. And you can control it all with a smartphone app.

I replaced two of my years-old, leaky hose nozzles with two of these this past season, and although I can't speak for their longevity yet, I can attest to their sturdiness, ease of use, comfort and variety of stream options. I'm happy with the purchase.

I've replaced a difficult-to-clean feeder with this 4-port model, which is sturdy and super easy to clean, as its seed tube disconnects from its base with the pop of a button. The birds flocked to it all summer.

This Mobile Tool Storage Caddy keeps everything I need handy and in one place and can be easily rolled around the garden. The included fabric liner holds and organizes hand tools around a 5-gallon bucket (which itself stores long-handled tools), and there's an additional bin I like to use for harvests or pulled weeds. 

Ever wish you could peek into garden designers' home gardens? This book provides that access. Covering different styles of expertly designed spaces from all over the country, the authors also share design tips and plant suggestions to help put that inspiration into practice.

Wildflowers and meadows are having a (long) moment, with perfectly manicured gardens taking a backseat. This primer will guide you as you select and plant native species and convert your garden to the nature-based, sustainable gardening approach popping up everywhere in garden design. There are profiles of more than 40 gardens from around the world to get your hands itching to dig.

It couldn't be any easier -- or more inspiring -- than this. With 100 garden photos, charts and plant lists offered between the covers of this beautiful book from the Royal Horticulture Society, anyone can design beautiful beds and borders.

If you've always wanted a beautiful flower garden, but the plants didn't bloom at the right time, or their placement just seemed off, this is the book for you. You'll learn to combine color, texture and shapes for a garden brimming with blooms. And as a bonus, the author provides some sample layout ideas to get you started.

Beautiful photography, plans and illustrations of the trailblazing garden designer's work will provide endless ideas for home gardeners while telling the story of an inspiring icon.

The latest from the father of the native plants movement, The Nature of Oaks chronicles a year of fascinating changes in the wildlife sustained within the most important tree species in North America. It also explains their importance to the survival of birds and insects, as well as humans. It's a must-read for anyone who cares about the environment.

The 2009 book that started the native plants movement is every bit as relevant today as it was then. In it, the University of Delaware entomology professor explains how native plants sustain wildlife in our gardens and why that wildlife is essential to the survival of human life. It'll change the way you look at, well, everything.

This 5-gallon grow kit includes everything you need for a healthy indoor harvest -- just add water, seeds and light. And the included Superb Soil blend contains all the nutrients needed for the entire grow, so there's no fussing with fertilizers. You'll get a 5-gallon fabric pot, saucer, seed germination kit, 2 packs of Superb Soil, beneficial bacteria, diatomaceous earth, aeration top soil mix, coco bricks, rooting booster, a smartphone camera magnifying lens to help time your harvest, natural leaf shine, a watering can/spray bottle and trimming scissors -- all in a pretty gift box.  Additional grow bags and soil packs can be purchased separately.

After the harvest, it's vital that you dry your flowers at 50% humidity. Higher levels of moisture in the air may lead to mold, mildew or rot, which means your whole grow would go up in smoke--and not in a good way. This small investment will help protect your much larger one. It's the same model I have.

Use the seedless Grow Anything capsules with your own seeds to give plants their best indoor start. Self-watering from the bottom eliminates mildew and damping off diseases, and the super-nutritious pod material boots seedlings to their highest potential before transplanting into grow bags. I have the Click & Grow 9 but other sizes, like the 3 model, above, are available.

Use the promo code JESSICA10 to save 10%.

I have two of these full-spectrum lamps, which provide the 12 wavelengths of color output perfect for optimum plant growth and yield. They each use only 130W of power and have fire-resistant reflectors. A daisy chain is included for hanging and re-adjusting their height above plants. 

There's no better way to keep  trimmed and dried flower buds fresh than vacuum sealing, and the FoodSaver makes the process quick and easy.

So, you've got all your supplies, but where are you going to find high quality, reliable seeds that will grow well? First, a primer: Cannabis seeds can yield male or female plants, but only the females produce harvestable buds. Conventional plants require very specific exposure to light, which needs to change as the plants enter different phases of maturity. 

I recommend getting around all that by purchasing only feminized autoflower seeds: All female, no light adjustments necessary. Easy Peasy! My pick for you is this three-strain Autoflower Mix pack, which is perfect for indoor growing. 

*Check local laws prior to purchasing seeds.