21 great garden tools

Nonstick shovel

Muddy clay soil sticks to most shovels. But it slides right off this perforated one, which makes big digging tasks a cinch. Toolite round point D-grip shovel, $73; midwestrake.com

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Lightweight hose

The Slim & Light hose is lead-free, so you don’t have to worry if people or pets drink from it. From $35 for 25-foot length; waterrightinc.com

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All-purpose bucket

We use the flexible Tubtrug for everything, from carrying tools and soil to carting clippings to the compost pile. From $11 for 13-inch diameter; tubtrugs.com

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Ergonomic hand tools

These essentials come in bright colors that are as easy on the eyes as the tools are on your muscles. From $10; radiusgarden.com

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Food-growing books

In addition to the basics, "The Essential Urban Farmer"(Penguin, 2011; $25) by Novella Carpenter and Willow Rosenthal tackles topics such as beekeeping. Backyard orchard­ists will find help in Colby Eierman’s "Fruit Trees in Small Spaces" (Timber Press, 2012; $25). Like to eat as much as you like to garden? Willi Galloway’s "Grow Cook Eat"(Sasquatch Books, 2012; $30) gives a recipe for each crop.

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Self-watering pots

At last, some good-looking self-watering pots for not-quite-green thumbs. GroBal ($25) and GroBal Baby ($15); velocityartanddesign.com

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Mobile planter

This mobile planter, ideal for decks and balconies, is made from recycled plastic milk jugs. 33-inch-long container on 30-inch legs, $255; foodmapdesign.com

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Artsy planter

Let this tiny modern planter stand alone as a sculpture or add some greenery to create a living roof. Truss planter (4 inches tall), $51; mollaspace.com

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Watering can

This old standby has been transformed into a punchy marriage of form and function, sturdy metal spout and all. Kiwi Watering Can (2 quart), $49; thegardener.com

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Portable spout

This portable spout — and inspired space saver — converts a used plastic bottle into a watering can. Twist & Spout (fits 2-liter bottle), $8; at Stumasa, 415-759-1234.

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Birdhouse

Inspired by 1960s Buckminster Fuller buildings, this geodesic-dome birdhouse has a back door for cleaning it out. Birdhouse by Kelly Lamb (8 inches), $95; areaware.com

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Metal basket

The galvanized mesh wire lets you hose off your produce right in the basket before carrying it inside, soil-free. From Peaceful Valley, $40; groworganic.com

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Berry cartons

Reusable ceramic replicas of traditional farmers-market baskets provide good air flow to keep your harvest fresh. From aHa Modern Living, from $13; ahamodernliving.com

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Herb-drying rack

Before you make tea or sachets out of your lemon verbena or lavender, you’ll need to dry the herbs, of course. Enter this useful foldaway rack from High Country Gardens, $20; highcountrygardens.com

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Drying rack

Herbs such as basil, mint, parsley and sage dry well in single layers on a rack (clean window screens also work). When fully dry, store in airtight containers. Medium herb, flower and bud drying rack, from $36; amazon.com

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Orchard rack

When your crops just won’t quit, set up this wooden stand with sliding drawers to handle the overflow. From Gardener’s Supply, starting at $80; gardeners.com

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Vegetable baskets

Potatoes like to breathe; let them do so in these willow baskets in a nice cool spot. From Gardener’s Supply, $50 for set of 2; gardeners.com

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Root storage bin

Perfect for beets, carrots or turnips. Fill it with alternating layers of damp sawdust and root veggies, and store in a cool, dark place. From Gardener’s Supply, $35; gardeners.com

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Pesto jars

Nothing says summer like fresh pesto. Freeze some for winter in one of these airtight, BPA-free baby-food containers. From Pottery Barn Kids, $30 for set of 4; potterybarnkids.com

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Pesto cubes

Freeze pesto in these airtight, BPA-free baby-food freezer trays. From Pottery Barn Kids, $20 each; potterybarnkids.com

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