If you want to get your gardening chores done right, with minimal effort and maximum efficiency, you gotta have the right tool. It might mean the difference between missing your favorite reality TV show or not, or more importantly sparing yourself injury. So, without further ado, here is your required “I gotta go back inside to get that one” not-so-ordinary tool list:

1. Shovel – sounds like a no-brainer, but even if you’re using raised beds that don’t require major soil moving anymore, you will need this valuable tool somewhere. If you need a straight edge cut for borders like I do, a sod shovel is also needed. For smaller tasks, you gotta score its smaller cousin, the trowel.

2. Cultivator – Again, you will probably benefit from having both the regular and hand-size versions.

3. Gloves – Prevents blisters, slivers and fire ants from munching on your fingers. You don’t need the most expensive ones in the store, but you do need good quality pairs that fit your hands comfortably. Notice I said “pairs”—yes, you need more than one set.

4. Hose-end spray gun/sprayer – Again, don’t skimp on cost and quality. Get one that’s very comfortable in your hand that you can hold for long periods of time without fatigue. The kind with multiple spray settings (5 minimum) is mandatory.

5. All-purpose storage bucket – Yes, friends, I LOVE my orange Home Depot Homer bucket! Ya gotta have a bucket for weeds, trash collection, soil hauling, tools, water, and of course, freshly-picked produce.

6. A Sharpie® or other permanent marker – Writing on your plant labels was just the beginning…

7. Utility knife – Opens bags of compost, cuts string and plastic, slices cardboard. Remember to keep the blades new and have extras on hand.

8. Hammer – A nicer and less painful alternative to setting tomato stakes with your fist, feet and forehead. Guaranteed.

9. A second (or third) set of shirts, shorts, socks and shoes – I have a dedicated set of gardening clothes that I can feel totally comfortable getting as dirty, smelly and sweaty as I want without guilt.

10. Sunscreen – In the U.S., the American Cancer Society estimates that over 33,000 men and 26,000 women will be diagnosed with melanoma this year. Need I say more?

11. Water – Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Oh, yeah, when you’re done with that, hydrate.

12. Mosquito and bug repellant – I know there are more Earth-friendly options available (which I’m looking into), but until I can find one that works reliably and consistently, the OFF! is still ON me.

13. Allergy medication – I have allergies…BIG TIME. Rather than sharing my drips and sneezes with all of you, I’d much rather prefer to take care of this one ASAP.

14. Tunes – I normally enjoy peace and quiet when I’m doing garden work, but once in a while I have to have an audio diversion. Whether it’s my favorite music or podcasts, I gotta rock while I’m weeding.

15. Outdoor easy chair or bench – After a long hot afternoon tilling, shoveling soil or weeding, my back will tap out quicker than a WWE wrestler. You must allow for frequent breaks in the shade on those long workdays.

Anything else you all can think of?

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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Flat Soaker Hose 75 150 FT for Garden Beds

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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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