You may see something new while strolling through garden centers this season—and I’m not talking about all the new seeds and plants out there. Be on the lookout for the special square black and white or color barcodes on plant tags and shelves.

Gardeners with smartphone cameras can scan these two-dimensional QR (Quick Response) codes for product information. Most codes access websites that give gardeners detailed plant and planting information to help them make the best purchasing decision. Some codes are even linked to “how to” videos.

The QR code technology is just one of the new ways plant and seed companies are connecting with gardeners. The phrase “having a green thumb” seems to have another meaning these days with so many gardeners using their thumbs to connect to mobile gardening applications. Gardeners with iPhones now have an unlimited amount of gardening information available at their fingertips.

For example, iVeggieGarden is a new mobile app designed by a farmer who happens to be a software developer, too. Gardeners can use the app to view a catalog of over 500 vegetable varieties and access planting and growing information for all the veggie types. Planting dates and climate zone information take the guesswork out of sowing and growing.

Need someone to remind you to water the garden? VegeNag is a free subscriber service that helps new vegetable gardeners grow better through virtual nagging. The service sends email reminders when gardeners should plant, fertilize, and harvest 35 different vegetable crops. Customized planting guides are included.

Even if you don’t have a smartphone, you can tap into a free mobile web tool called the Burpee Garden Coach. The Garden Coach uses text messages and web-based interaction to give gardeners helpful information. The Garden Coach sends timely reminders, gives plant information, and even suggests recipes for after the harvest. To get started gardeners sign up by texting their zip code to 80998.

What high-tech gardening tools have you seen so far this season?

Fine Gardening Recommended Products

Ashman Garden Cultivator (1Pack)

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Solid Build—The Ashman Garden Cultivator/Tiller is strong in construction so that it can withstand heavy work in the garden. The blade and the shaft are coupled well for deep digging and uprooting the soil from the depths. It serves the purpose of cultivation very well. Create a blooming crop and watch it blossom and reap the benefits. Sharpened Fine piercing Blade—The blades are razor sharp and are made to pierce into any kind of soil and to serve digging, loosening soil, and weeding. The blades are rust-proof and have chip-resistant coating enhancing durability. Use it to control weeds, bury crop residue in the soil, and for preparing a proper seed bed. High-Quality Design—The thoughtful design incorporated to shape the blades in L shape helps dig deep into the soil and rip it from beneath for cultivation. This helps a lot when weeding. Dig well and plant well. The handle is made to fit in the hand well and can be held tightly to apply push and pull forces effectively. Practical Utility—The garden cultivator is made with “practical utility” as the core of its purpose. It serves all the necessary purposes when gardening. Helps mix soil, which will loosen it up, providing more nutrients for the crops.

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A.M. Leonard Deluxe Soil Knife & Leather Sheath Combo

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MULTITASKING DUAL EDGES: a deep serrated edge and a tapered slicing edge ideal for tough or delicate cuts. DURABLE 6-inch stainless steel blade withstands 300 lbs of pressure. TWINE CUTTING NOTCH, DEPTH GAUGE MARKINGS & spear point - no need to switch tools when using this garden knife. LEATHER SHEATH: heavy duty, protective, clip on sheath to keep your knife convenient and secure. LIFETIME WARRANTY.

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