I spent last week at the Independent Garden Center Show at the Navy Pier in Chicago. To say the event was overwhelming is an understatement.

The tradeshow spanned five acres and was filled with hundreds of vendors ready to take orders that will stock the shelves of local garden centers from coast to coast. It seems I walked every aisle and looked at every product, because I was certainly tired enough at the end of the three-day show.

One of the most popular stops was at the window of the Burpee food truck. Burpee representatives handed out vegetable “shots” as a way to introduce the Grow Anywhere Tour and to help sustain weary shoppers.

Burpee is a well-established brand known for its innovative approach to gardening and this tour is another way the company plans to get more fresh vegetables to people around the country.

The tour begins in March and will stop in areas of 25 cities where there are people, but little fresh produce. The tour will distribute 13,000 vegetable plants and 40,000 pounds of produce. Watch for information about the tour starting early next year.

Another new introduction from Burpee is its line of grafted tomatoes. These heirloom tomatoes, part of Burpee’s Home Gardens line, will make it easier for gardeners to harvest bigger crops of flavorful heirlooms in their home gardens.

One of the vegetable gardening trends I noticed at the show was the large number of organic fertilizers and natural pest control products. Organic gardeners should have a good selection to choose from next year.

I also noticed there were more products aimed at small-space vegetable gardening, including new approaches to patio gardening and vertical gardens.

Some of the products I thought especially attractive were the Home Allotment planters from Burgon & Ball. These planters include a planting bag that fits inside a willow planter allowing gardeners to grow greens, potatoes and large vegetables in containers outside the kitchen door.

Do any of these new gardening ideas appeal to you?

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Consistent & Even Watering Drip Irrigation Hose: Makes use of a clog-resistant fabric cover recycled vinyl for consistent slow soaking seep throughout its entire length. Deliver water to the entire area that it covers. Only certain areas of your garden bed getting watered. For waste-free watering in garden beds and other tight spaces. Waters the base of the plants so less water-related leaf damage. Linkable Garden Soaker Hose For DIY Irrigation System: End to end connectable drip water hose, flexible versatile Above-ground or bury it below a up to 3-inch layer of mulch or soil; this fit with garden hose threads and come with rust resistant end caps that make it possible to connect multiple hoses and works well with timers. Maneuverability And 100% Environmentally Friendly Drip Hose: Double layer design PVC Covered With Extra-Strength Fabric material protect from sun damage than rubber weeping hose; ensure the longevity of the soaker hose, which is ideal for you using it regularly through all seasons in your garden. Made of 100% environmentally friendly recycled vinyl, pass CA65 test, water is safe for ground which makes it perfect for use with vegetables, herbs, and other edible plants. Easy To Store Flat Soaker Hose: This irrigation drip hose flat design is kink-resistant, lies flat makes it a breeze to roll up and store for next season.The flat shape also makes it simple to snake under existing plant growth. One-Year Warranty on Flat Soaker Hoses: Ensure a water pressure of 40-90 psi for best results—hot water is not suitable.

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Burpee Organic Coconut Coir Concentrated Seed Starting Mix, 16 Quart

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ORGANIC COCONUT COIR: Made from recycled coconut husks, coir is a light, sustainable growing medium that holds the perfect amount of moisture for starting seeds. 100% biodegradable soil alternative. Environmentally friendly and a renewable alternative to peat moss. OMRI listed and certified organic. IDEAL GROWING MIX: Improve seed germination and root growth with this premium coconut fiber mix, which improves nutrients absorption! Great for flower, vegetable, herb, and more plant types. OMRI listed. Naturally disease and pathogen resistant, it will help you grow healthy live plants. EASY TO STORE & EXPAND: Each compact coconut coir brick expands into 8 quarts of seed starting mix, providing 16 quarts total. Just add water to expand! Dehydrated bricks save space until planting. Once expanded, coconut coir provides a quality growing medium for all types of plants—indoor plants, house plants, outdoor plants, and more! NATURALLY CONSERVES WATER: Renewable coco coir has excellent moisture retention and better air circulation than peat. This eco-friendly, premium seeds starting mix combines well with other potting soil and compost for container plants & raised beds. 100% GUARANTEED: Burpee is committed to the success of all gardeners. We treat each order with care to ensure healthy seeds, plants, soil mixes, and gardening supplies are sent in excellent condition. If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, we aim to make it right!

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Ho-Mi Digger - Korean Triangle Blade

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Versatile Tool: The Easy Digger Korean Triangle Blade Ho Mi Ho-mi is a versatile gardening tool designed for leveling and digging in home and garden settings. Efficient Design: Its unique triangular blade shape allows for easy soil penetration and efficient leveling of garden beds or landscaping areas. Durable Construction: Crafted with sturdy materials, this tool ensures long-lasting performance and reliability. Ergonomic Handle: The comfortable handle provides a secure grip, reducing hand fatigue during extended use. Compact Size: Its compact design makes it easy to maneuver in tight spaces and store when not in use.

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