Product Details:
Smith & Hawken Boots, Smith & Hawken Gloves, Basket Bag (similar here)

Especially after a few tantalizingly sunny days recently, we’re eagerly counting down to spring! Thomas and I can hardly wait to get back into our beloved garden, this time with our tiny gardening assistant nearby to enjoy the sights, smells, and sounds alongside us. While we wait for the right time to start planting, we’ve been in preparation mode. Thomas is chiming in below with our plans, while I’d love to share a few of the items I’ve found that balance the pretty and the practical for our upcoming months outdoors.

Floral Rain Boots

On our most labor-intensive gardening days, nothing but rain boots will do when it comes to footwear. This budget-friendly pair has a pretty floral print—a sweet reminder of what our hard work will accomplish.

Sun Hat

Even in the early days of spring, sun protection is crucially important. I rarely spend much time in the garden without a wide-brimmed hat on, and love the scalloped edge of this straw style.

Picnic Set

Even when we aren’t working in the garden, we loved spending time out there lounging and relaxing last spring. This chic picnic set makes finding an excuse to sneak outside for an hour even easier.

From Thomas

In the second half of 2019, my enthusiasm and energy for gardening really slowed down. The summer heat was unbearable and made it tough to keep with the demanding watering schedule. Of course, Clementine’s arrival in August also quickly rearranged my priorities.

This spring, my enthusiasm has returned, mixed with a heavy dose of reality that I’m only going to be able to garden sparingly. With that in mind, I’ve decided to focus exclusively on my vegetable gardening. The bulk of my work is going to take place in the next few weeks, so I put together a short list of everything I need to get accomplished.

Reread gardening books:

I followed Square Foot Gardening with incredible success last year. I’m going to scan through it again as a refresher and to see if any new things stand out with a year of experience under my belt. I’m growing a wider variety of things this year, so I’ll also be turning to The Vegetable Gardener’s Bible with my questions.

Order seeds:

I’ve already checked this off my list. I’m growing seeds from Row 7 and High Mowing Seeds.

Planning my planting:

Last year, I used a great free tool called Kitchen Garden Planner. This year, I’m using Smart Gardener.

Cleaning up gear and doing inventory checks:

My shed is nothing to show off right now. I can all but guarantee everything gardening-related needs some TLC or restocking.

Building and prepping raised beds:

Last year, I ordered two of these raised beds, but only built and planted one. This year, I’m going to install the second and then clean, till, and prep both beds for growing this year.

Find more everyday spring gardening essentials below!