I wish I had Sili-Seedlings seed starting trays a long time ago. Every spring, gardeners plant seeds into small peat pots that dry out or crumble, or we use plastic trays that crack and tear, so they have to be thrown in the recycle bin. Sili-Seedlings are reusable, 100% silicone, BPA-free, food-safe, UV resistant and made of FDA-grade silicone. They are sterilizable after every use and are dishwasher safe.
Rooted seedlings slip easily out of each pliable, tapered cell with their roots intact, so transplanting is less messy and there is minimal transplant shock. They can be labeled by writing directly on them with dry-erase markers. After the plants are removed, the label wipes off with rubbing alcohol.
There are three sizes. The 10-pack and six-pack are the standard cell size of around 2-by-2 inches. The four pack has larger cells for bigger plants. They are sold at garden centers, in mail order catalogs and at sili-seedlings.com.
Some gardeners don’t have room to store a bunch of empty flower pots all winter. Smart Pots are sturdy BPA-free polypropylene fabric that feels like thick felt. During the growing season, this breathable fabric keeps roots cool and provides optimal drainage and soil aeration. At the end of the season, just empty and fold for storage. They are great for any gardener, but especially for balconies and patios.
When the roots reach the fabric walls of the pot, they branch instead of circling the pot. The fabric pot stays cool, unlike plastic pots, which heat up in the sun. The fabric pots can’t be overwatered. All of this creates a larger, healthier root system. More roots mean a larger and healthier top to the plant so there are more flowers and more fruit.
They are available in several colors and sizes, from 1 gallon to 100 gallons. There are also milk crate liners, square and round raised beds and wall flower planters. They are available at many garden centers, with a location finder map at smartpots.com.
It can be a big hassle to switch from one type of nozzle to the next as you walk through the garden watering your plants. Some spots need a gentle spray and other spots need a good hosing down. The Dramm One Touch Fan Nozzle is a fan-shaped hose-end watering nozzle that allows you to control the pressure and amount of water with just a touch of your thumb on the slider valve, so you can walk through the garden easily adjusting the water flow up or down as needed.
Use it to very gently water delicate tiny seedlings, fragile plants and container plantings, or open the nozzle up to fan out over a large area like your big vegetable beds or wildflower garden. This adjustable nozzle allows you to apply just the right pressure and amount of water wherever you need it.
It has an ergonomic insulated grip, and the corrosion-proof head contains a filter that can be cleaned or changed as necessary. Dramm also has some of the best garden hoses and watering wands. They are found in many garden centers, and their website is rainwand.com.
