10 awesome gifts for any novice gardener

Christmas is a coming, and though most gardens are put to bed for the season, a lot of us wait in anticipation for the last frost when we can get out in the garden and get our hands in the dirt. This excitement is probably most evident in new gardeners—whether they’re gearing up for their first garden ever, or excited about implementing lessons learned after their first season out in the garden.

If someone in your life is a new gardener, she’d probably appreciate one of these 10 items expert gardeners can’t live without. Or, if you’re a new gardener yourself, consider adding a few of these items to your holiday wish list.

1. A good-quality pair of gardening gloves
It’s important that a novice gardener remembers to protect her hands while digging in the soil. Andrea Bellamy, creator of Heavy Petal and author of Sugar Snaps and Strawberries: Simple Solutions for Creating Your Own Small-Space Edible Garden, suggests a durable pair of well-fitting garden gloves. “Some people go for leather, but I prefer flexible nitrile for the West Coast's wet soil. Atlas is my preferred brand,” says this B.C.-based gardener.

Atlas Nitrile Touch Garden Glove
Available at: Amazon.ca
Price: $8-$20


2. A good vegetable gardening tome
If your novice gardener friend is starting off with a vegetable garden, arm them with some knowledge. “The best advice on the topic comes from seasoned garden writer Sonia Day in Incredible Edibles: 43 Fun Things to Grow in the City,” says Lorraine Flanigan, editor of Toronto Botanical Garden’s Trellis magazine and avid gardening blogger at her City Gardening Online blog.

“Packed with Sonia’s earthy advice and her practical, no-nonsense approach to gardening, the book offers beginners great growing advice,” Flanigan adds.

Day’s book won silver at the Canadian Culinary Book Awards this year, so it’s sure to be a hot gift this holiday season.

Incredible Edibles: 43 Fun Things to Grow in the City
Available at: Indigo.ca
Price: $15

3. A gardening course or workshop
There’s no better way to find gardening inspiration than to go see how the pros do it themselves. “Check local gardening associations … or garden centres for info nights or classes, and see if you can pay their membership or class and let them have some fun learning and chatting with others,” says a representative from Shelmerdine Garden Centre Ltd. in Headingley, Man. Better yet, book yourself a spot in the same workshop so you can go together.

Gardening course or workshop
Available at: your local garden centre or botanical garden
Price: varies