New (and old) hobbies have been a mainstay throughout the pandemic. Everyone has been hoarding sourdough starter or jogging around the neighborhood for the first time in years. One hobby we’ve been, ahem, digging is one of the more calming activities one can do around the home: gardening.

We’re not talking about zen gardens — although, that sounds pretty amazing, too — we are talking about good old-fashioned horticulture. Starting a garden, no matter how big or small (or even indoors) is a rewarding and often peaceful venture. There is something about working with your hands that feels right; in the end, we all just want to play in the dirt.

If you’ve found yourself staring out at your yard, or even at the empty space below your windowsills, longing to see some sunflowers or a tomato vine or a rosebush, it might be time to get a garden going. We have been doing the same, so we assembled this list of essential gardening tools to get you started. Aside from the items below, you just need to get to know your soil, get some seeds and you’re ready to go.

Atlas Nitrile Palm Coating Glove (Pack of 12 Pairs)

Showa

$32.00

Trust us, you don’t need expensive gloves. These let you keep all of your dexterity and are enough to make sure you don’t easily stab yourself on a thorn. 

Exceptionally Strong Digging Knife

Garrett Wade

$35.00

A digging knife is going to become your best friend in the garden. 

Ergo Aluminum Garden Rake

Fiskars

$28.00

Rakes: not just for leaves. 

Pruner & Sheath

Barebones

$40.00

Pruning and paring back your plants is a must. 

4-Tine Forged Spading Fork

Ames

$28.00

You’ve got to break down that stubborn dirt somehow. 

Burst Proof Expandable Garden Water Hose

Hydro Tech

$30.00

An expandable hose relieves the headache of trying to move a bulky rubber hose around. 

Outdoor Watering Can

Haws

$80.00

Some plants need the soft touch of hand-poured water. 

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Harvesting & Gathering Bag

Barebones

$68.00

Gather the fruits of your labor.  

Front Trigger Wand

Orbit

$23.00

For those hard-to-reach places.  

Hunter Green Garden Clogs

Jollys

$63.00

You’ve heard of house shoes — you’ll want dedicated gardening shoes, too. 

Pierside Straw Hat

Quiksilver

$20.00

Keep the sun off your head, face and neck — you won’t regret it.  

Poly Garden Dump Cart with Steel Frame

Gorilla Carts

$99.00

Don’t do the heavy lifting on your own, get a wheelbarrow. 

Dual Chamber Tumbling Composter

FCMP Outdoor

$95.00

Starting a compost bin is great for the earth and will help your garden (and soil) flourish over time. 

Organic Vegetable Seeds Variety (5-Pack)

Back to the Roots

$17.00

You need seeds. This vegetable pack is a great place to start if you think veggies are your thing. 

0.75 cu. ft. All Purpose Garden Soil

Miracle-Gro

$5.00

Getting some soil specifically for gardening gives your plants the nutrients they need to thrive. Regardless of your native soil, you will probably want some of this. 

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Your neighbor’s grass will be greenish-brown with envy.

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