The Tools We Use
These are the tools we use both in our garden and in the studio. They are the things we reach for again and again to make our job just a little bit easier. We’ve tried many products over the years, and these are the ones we feel comfortable recommending to you for your success.
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Grow Light
If you plan to start your seeds indoors, this light is a must have.
Wire Shelf
This wire shelf comes in handy for storing all of your gardening supplies and fertilizers. You can also use it as a space saving seedling growing zone, with a light on each rung.
Sprayer
This is one of the best tools we use for foliar application of organic fertilizers and pesticides. We also have one of these for plain water only that we use to mist our floral installations.
Vermiculite
This is a moisture regulator that we highly recommend if you start your own seeds. We sprinkle the tops of our seed trays with it to prevent mold and algae. We also use it to store our dahlias over winter.
Heat Mat
We germinate all of our seedlings in a basement so this heat mat has been perfect for helping to germinate those seeds that require a bit of warmth. Basil, celosia, gomphrena, and zinnias all germinate better with it.
Sluggo Plus
This organic insect deterrent keeps the slugs, earwigs, snails, etc. from munching on our dahlias and other flowers. We wouldn’t be without it.
Sea Grow
One of the best natural fertilizers we’ve found. It’s low in nitrogen, so it’s great for boosting blooming power.
Liquid Kelp
We use kelp to help our flowers fight disease. It’s also been known to prolong the life of cut flowers, but we haven’t done enought experimenting to prove that yet.
Pure Neem Oil
Not all neem is created equal (or effective). We’ve learned that this brand works well as a component of our organic pesticide.
Poly Twine
We like to use this to corral our dahlias and other vigorous, branching plants. It is long lasting, strong, and does not stretch out and become useless like regular twine.
Path Cover
Of all the tools we use, this on probably saves us the most work. Our disastrous first year taught us that an effective weed barrier for paths is a must. This one has done the trick for us.
Critter Netting
Join Mr. MacGregor’s club like we did. Keep deer and bunnies at bay with this heavy duty bird netting.
4′ Hortenova
Use this handy 4′ wide netting horizontally to grow straight stems, or vertically to provide a trellis for vining plants like sweet peas.
3′ Hortenova
Use this handy 3′ wide netting horizontally to grow straight stems, or vertically to provide a trellis for vining plants.
Favorite Clippers
We’ve bought many garden shears over the years, but this pair is our favorite, hands down. It’s bright red, so easy to spot if you misplace it. It is deft and sharp and can handle delicate and thick stems alike.
Flower Bucket
Heavy Duty 3 1/2 gallon buckets, perfect for harvesting cut flowers. We like these for taller flower stems and woody branches.
Flower Food
To prolong the life of our cut flowers, we use this after harvest. There are different kinds of floral food, some for holding flowers, others for encouraging them to open faster. Be sure to get the right kind for what you need.
Bench Cutter
Game Changer. These bench cutters are generally used for high production flower farms and high volume wedding florists, but guys, this one save our lives on a wedding or two. Just be careful with your fingers, especially when cleaning. Speaking for a friend.