There's nothing quite like that first garden shopping trip of the season to get your green thumbs tingling with anticipation! Recently, we ventured to Burlington, Vermont for the Vermont Flower and Garden Show, but our first stop was the flagship Gardener's Supply Company store. We couldn't wait to share our favorite finds and garden must-haves for the upcoming growing season.

Seed Starting Essentials

With spring on the horizon, our minds are firmly focused on seed starting. After seeing our pansies thriving in the self-watering seed starting systems we're currently using, we were eager to pick up a few additions to our setup.

Our Seed Starting Picks:

• XL Seed Starting Cells: These come in both brown and yellow, offering larger cells than standard seed starters—perfect for plants that need more root space from the beginning.
• Humidity Domes: These clear covers are essential for maintaining moisture during germination. We picked up several to complement our existing seed starting trays. As one gardener to another, there's something uniquely exciting about finding the perfect humidity dome!
• Self-Watering Windowsill Planter: We spotted a compact self-watering seed starter that would be perfect for our office grow light system. We're planning to grow cat grass in it for our feline friends—practical and pet-friendly!
• Wicking Mats: These affordable replacements (just $2 each) keep seed starting systems functioning properly. Pro tip: Clean your seed starting equipment promptly after transplanting your seedlings to extend the life of these mats!

Essential Garden Tools

Every gardener knows that having the right tools makes all the difference. We were thrilled to find some of our favorite tools and a few new items to test out this season.

Our Tool Favorites:

• Mini Scoopy: A compact version of the "Super Scoopy" (our favorite tool from last year), perfect for container gardening and repotting houseplants. Its smaller size allows for precise soil placement in tight spaces.
• Gardener's Lifetime Trowel: This is our go-to trowel that stays sharp season after season. It's so essential that we decided to get a second one to ensure we always have one at hand.
• Root Slayer Tools: We already own and love the standard Root Slayer for tackling stubborn roots. We spotted a smaller "Nomad" version with an interesting handle designed for leverage. This might be perfect for removing root-bound plants from pots or tackling smaller invasive roots.
• Garden Rake: We were delighted to find our all-time favorite rake—a simple, affordable tool with the perfect tine spacing. After accidentally running over one of ours with the lawnmower last season (it still works, minus a few tines!), it's good to know where we can find a replacement.
• Nitrile Touch Gloves: These Bellingham gloves offer the perfect balance of protection and dexterity. We made sure to grab the right sizes this time!
• Nippers: These bright neon green hand pruners are perfect for deadheading and precise cutting. They're so useful that we want multiple pairs strategically placed throughout the garden.

Support Systems for Growing Plants

As experienced gardeners, we know the importance of proper plant supports, especially in regions like ours that receive significant rainfall.

Support Solutions:

• Expandable Rings: We spotted adjustable plant supports that hook together to create custom-sized rings. These would be perfect for our younger Annabelle hydrangeas in the hydrangea room that haven't yet developed strong woody bases.
• Jordan Stakes: These reliable plant supports are a staple in our garden. We already have plenty waiting in the garage for deployment this season.
• Arch Supports: We noticed some charming small arches designed for raised beds. While our 2-foot space between beds might be too narrow, these could be perfect for other areas of the garden.

Container Gardening Finds

Our adventures in container gardening continue with some beautiful pieces spotted during our shopping trip.

Container Garden Inspiration:

• Bird Baths: We admired several beautiful bird bath designs, including one with a gentle water feature. The Campania International collection (the same brand as our existing cast stone containers) offered several elegant options.
• Decorative Accents: We couldn't resist a charming little barn owl statue for the garden. Sometimes these small decorative touches add just the right amount of personality to outdoor spaces.
• Agapanthus: After years of admiring these stunning plants in Monty Don's garden, we finally found two healthy specimens to add to our container collection. These "Blue Lilies" produce stunning blue allium-like flowers and prefer to be somewhat pot-bound to encourage blooming.

Practical Garden Solutions

Beyond the fun stuff, we also focused on practical solutions that make gardening easier and more successful.

Smart Garden Solutions:

• Garden Kneeler: With dual functionality as both a seat and a kneeling pad, this will be a welcome addition now that our favorite pants with built-in knee pads are no longer available.
• Plant Protection: We explored various options for deterring garden pests, though we've had mixed results with many commercial repellents in the past.
• Folding Grow Light Shelf: We confirmed that the three-tier grow light system we currently use has 13.5-inch clearance between shelves—perfect for starting seeds and growing cat grass for our pets.
• Garden Stains: We spotted the Vermont Natural Coatings stain in Graphite Gray that we used on our raised beds. It's good to know where to find it when we eventually need to refresh our beds.

Organic Fertilizers We Trust

Proper nutrition is essential for healthy plants, and we've developed some clear preferences after years of experience.

Our Fertilizer Go-Tos:

• Neptune's Harvest: This fish-based organic fertilizer has been excellent for our seedlings. We use it in a very diluted form for young plants and occasionally in our raised beds.
• Organic Plant Foods: We've had success with several organic options, including products from Espoma, Fox Farm, and Bonide.

Final Thoughts on Seasonal Preparation

As we filled our cart with seed-starting supplies, tools, and garden accents, we couldn't help but feel that familiar excitement that comes with the start of a new growing season. Even though the outdoor garden center in Burlington was still closed for the season (it will be June before many plants go in the ground this far north), the indoor shopping experience left us inspired and prepared.

Whether you're just starting your garden journey or you're a seasoned gardener like us, having the right tools and supplies makes all the difference. From proper seed-starting equipment to the perfect hand tools and plant supports, these investments pay dividends in garden success and enjoyment.

What garden tools and supplies are on your must-have list this season? Do you have favorites that you replace regularly or tools that have lasted for years? We'd love to hear about your garden shopping adventures!

Thanks for growing with us!