Tis the season to pick the best holiday gifts for gardeners.  This year we chose items we think you’ll find surprisingly useful, and a few that are truly new and surprising. Without further ado, let’s reveal this year’s list.

Frank Catalano, a graduate of UConn, combined his skills as an engineer with his love of plants and invented a revolutionary new planter. The Naked Root planter is specially designed to allow roots to grow and breathe without becoming root bound, and it is a sure-fire cure for overwatering, too, the number one enemy of houseplants.  Frank and his wife Lisa created beautiful and functional planters in several sizes and colors, as well as reusable starter pots for the best seed starting, to help gardeners get next spring’s garden off to a healthier start, leading to a much more abundant harvest.’

https://nakedroot.us/

Protective Sleeves

Developed by a farmer, Farmer’s Defense long, stylish work sleeves are designed to help keep gardeners comfortable and protected from UV rays, scratches from prickly plants, burns from the sun, or rashes from a reaction. The sleeves are made out of recycled materials and come in compostable packaging. Farmer’s Defense also donates to causes such as saving the bees, defeating breast cancer, garden social rehabilitation programs, special needs farm programs, and more:  https://farmersdefense.com/collections/farming-sleeves

Gerossi High Carbon Bypass pruners

No doubt about it, a gardener can never have too many pruners!  This brand comes highly rated at a price that will fit any budget.

https://a.co/d/fdeHh9L

Bonsai Bar

Similar to Paintbar, Bonsai Bars teaches how to grow and care for bonsai trees. Adult gardeners of all abilities are welcome to come and learn all about bonsai trees.  Bonsai events are held at breweries and distilleries all over Connecticut.  A great gift for date night. https://bonsaibar.com/collections/ct-events

Yaheetech Outdoor Garden Potting Bench

What gardener couldn’t use a dedicated potting bench? This one has a galvanized steel countertop and plenty of storage space for tools, potting soil. Oh, and did I say it’s a back saver too?  https://a.co/d/aCzlkcB

Gift Cards

Still unsure what to get the gardener on your list? Why not a gift card to their favorite garden center or seed company?

That’s it for this year.  We at the UConn Home and Garden Center want to wish you and yours a happy holiday season and great weather for the best growing season in 2024. 

Marie Woodward
UConn Home & Garden Education Center