As someone with a terrible memory for anything that’s important, I have been a terrible garden record keeper. I want to know what I planted and when, ideas for combinations or designs, and things that one should notice (weather and such). History has taught me that if I wait to write things down when I get back in the house, I will forget completely. On the few occasions I have tried to write things down, the paper has turned into a dirty ball of mush.

So it should come as no surprise that when I found Rite in the Rain notebooks, I immediately bought a bunch of them. These notebooks are filled with coated paper (environmentally responsible ingredients, completely recyclable) that stands up to water (be it from rain, the hose, or just morning dew) and dirt. They even have pens and pencils that will write in the rain, but I haven’t tried those.

The only thing these notebooks don’t do is make my handwriting, spontaneous abbreviations, and improvised symbols easier to decipher.

Source: Riteintherain.com

This Week’s Spring Picks:

Days to Spring: 12 – Native Plants for New England – and Beyond

Like many gardeners, my awareness and appreciation for native plants has greatly increased in recent years. I love discovering native plants that are well-adapted to my garden’s soil conditions and climate… Read more.

Days to Spring: 13 – This Garden Tool is a Must-Have

There isn’t much that Eliot Coleman doesn’t do well. He’s a farmer, author, lecturer, and arguably the father of the modern organic movement. Now add to that list inventor and garden tool innovator… Read more.

Days to Spring: 14 – Pelletized Seeds Mean Easier Sowing – and Designing

I have always admired gardeners who put in the effort to arrange their vegetable plots in an attractive manner. The artful arrangement of lettuce plants always gets me, but try as I might… Read more.

See the whole list.

Countdown to Spring:

Check back tomorrow for Fine Gardening’s Countdown to Spring to find out what tools, plants, books – and more! – we are excited about this season. And join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest – tell us what you are excited about this spring, too!

Fine Gardening Recommended Products

Worx WG323 20V Power Share 10" Cordless Pole/Chain Saw with Auto-Tension (Battery & Charger Included)

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[12’ EXTRA REACH] It takes just a few minutes and no tools to attach the pole. And with a reach of up to 12’ and only 10 lbs., you’ll be able to get to branches and limbs before they become a problem. Please refuel before use, but oil is sold separately. [FAST, CLEAN CUTS] This cordless 20V PowerShare chain saw is as fast and powerful as anything in its class. And with no gas, and no cord, there’s much less muss and fuss. [SAME BATTERY, EXPANDABLE POWER] The same battery powers over 75plus 20V, 40V, and 80V lifestyle, garden, and power tools in the Power Share family. [AUTO-CHAIN TENSION] The automatic, tool-free chain tension system ensures you’ll always have the correct tension for the job at hand. [AUTO-CHAIN LUBRICATION] The automatic chain lubrication system not only makes for smoother, more efficient cuts, but it extends the life of the tool. And the oil level indicator lets you know exactly where you stand. [COMPACT, LIGHTWEIGHT] The saw itself weighs only 10 lbs. You’ll work longer, with less strain on your hands, arms, back, and legs. [PLENTY OF JUICE] These are the same batteries we use on our Jawsaw and in our lawnmowers. They’re powerful enough for those, and powerful enough for a chainsaw.

Buy at Amazon

Corona CT 3344 Premium Stainless Steel ComfortGEL Hoe/Cultivator, Red

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Dual working heads—2 tools in 1. Sharp hoe to break up clumpy soil. Cultivator for weeding. Package Weight: 0.34 kilograms.

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Fiskars 28" Power-Lever Garden Bypass Lopper and Tree Trimmer

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IDEAL BRANCH TRIMMER: Fiskars Power-Level Garden Bypass Lopper glides through branches up to 1.75" thick for easy cuts; works well for trimming tree branches to maintain your yard and garden and to encourage overall plant health and appearance. MAXIMUM POWER AND PRECISION: Low-friction blade coating makes smooth cuts, reduces gumming, and enhances rust resistance; non-slip grip handle allows for more control of clippers. LONG-LASTING AND RELIABLE: Steel blades stay sharp through heavy use and provide excellent durability for lasting value; Fiskars pruning shears and tools are built to last. QUALITY GARDEN TOOLS: Designed to help you cultivate a better garden, Fiskars garden and yard tools are equipped with smart technologies and award-winning, ergonomic features that make it easier and more enjoyable to transform your outdoor space. INCLUDES: 1 Fiskars Power-Lever Bypass Lopper; Full lifetime warranty.

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