Buying Your Gardener a Gift

By Debbie Roland and Emmy Ulmschneider, Master Gardeners

2020 started many people down a new path that led to gardening, whether it was for food, beauty, or habitat, the trend seems to have caught on.  We are now searching the internet for knowledge, talking to gardeners, shopping for tools, seeds and plants, and best of all, getting outdoors.  As gift giving approaches, here are our gardening gift choices for 2024!   So first, outdoor gifts:

·        The first one I always add is this ever-so-handy garden stool.  It is a padded kneeling bench with handles to help stand up.  Then flip it over and it’s a padded seat for trimming plants or just resting. 

·        I always find that garden gloves that only come to my wrist are continually getting soil in them when I dig.  These longer ones take care of that problem and give a bit of protection from the sun and bug bites.  Pick a design that “matches” your gardener! 

This selection may look more like part of a Halloween costume, and I believe they are relatively new to the market.  Friends tell us they are great for keeping soil from compacting and getting rid of new weeds trying to form.

·        After two bouts with melanoma, I am a firm believer in farming sleeves, farmers’ neck gaiters, and sun shirts to protect against harmful UV rays. Neck gaiters provide protection from the sun and wind on the lower face as well as the neck and come in a variety of designs and colors.  Farming sleeves are a must for gardeners and great for all outdoor activities such as biking and fishing.  Most of these products have a UPF 50+ rating, but you could add sunscreen, a sun shirt, or a wide brimmed hat for extra love! 

Your gardener has enough outside tools?  No problem, there are also indoor gifts:   

·        A gardening journal will prove to be one of the best things a gardener can start using.  You always think you will remember what a plant you planted or where and when you planted it!   But that is not the case!  Look for journals in local office supply companies or online.  Choose one that covers more than one year so you can easily look back and see what has changed or needs to be changed from year to year. 

·        How about a good gardening book?  And even better, a local book by Permian Basin Master Gardener, John Cappadonna.   West Texas Vegetable Gardening is an excellent vegetable and herb book for West Texas.  John’s Facebook page “West Texas Vegetable Gardening” has the book as well as his other references ready for you to print.  Look for his classes through PBMG and talk with him at our local Spring and Fall Plant Sales.

·        Finally, after a long day outside, nothing says “I love you” better than a pretty basket filled with rejuvenating pick me ups.  Try a scrub brush for hands and nails, a wonderful soap, lotion and then branch out with to bring a smile to someone’s face. 

If you have questions, call the AgriLife office in Odessa at 498-4071 or in Midland at 686-4700.   Additional information, and our blog for access to past articles, is available at westtexasgardening.org.  Click on “Resources”.