Hi friends! By now, many of us have our gardens fully planted and thriving (or trying to!). Whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or just dabbling in backyard veggie beds, you’ve probably discovered that gardening is no joke. It’s rewarding—but also time-consuming, physical, and sometimes downright frustrating.    

Over the years, I’ve picked up a few tools and tricks that make garden life so much easier. If you’ve ever found yourself wrestling with drooping tomato vines or dragging a heavy hose around for the third time in one day, this post is for you.

Let’s talk about smart tools and garden hacks that save time, reduce strain, and help your plants thrive—with a little less effort on your part.

🌱 1. Tomato Clips: My Favorite Plant Support Hack

Forget twine that tangles and cuts into stems. Tomato plant clips are a game-changer. These clever little clips gently hold your vines to stakes or trellises without damaging them. They’re reusable, fast to install, and way easier on your wrists than tying knots. I use them not just for tomatoes, but for cukes, peppers, and even snap peas.

→ Dalzom® 300Pcs Tomato, Trellis, Plant Support Clips, Plastic, to Grow Upright for Healthier plants. Amazon affiliate link https://amzn.to/4kTjkfK

🌿 2. Watering Spikes & Self-Watering Devices

If you’ve got a vacation planned (or just forgetful like me on hot days), self-watering spikes are a must. Just stick them in the soil and attach a water bottle—they’ll slowly drip into the roots. I also love the glass watering globes—they double as pretty garden decor.

→ Drip Irrigation System Kit for Garden Greenhouse & Patio – 226FT Garden Watering System with 1/4 & 1/2 Tubing, Adjustable Nozzles, Barbed Fittings & Emitters – Perfect for Home Small Farms. Amazon affiliate link https://amzn.to/3TylhSu


→ MOONSOUND Self Watering Globes for Plants – 10pcs Automatic Watering Bulbs for Indoor & Outdoor Potted Plants, Vacation Plant Care, Water Conservation Device. Amazon affiliate link https://amzn.to/3HQqMte

Bonus tip: Water early in the morning so less moisture evaporates. Your plants will thank you.

📱 3. Use an App to Track Plant Care

There are free gardening apps that help you identify plants, set watering reminders, and track what you planted where. A few of my favorites:

Even if you’re old-school like me, a little digital help goes a long way—especially when you’re juggling different crops or container gardens.

🧤 4. Gloves with Claws = Instant Hand Tools

Yes, you read that right.  Claw Gardening Gloves for Planting, Garden  are the multitool of the garden world. You can dig, plant, rake, and weed without ever reaching for a trowel. I keep a pair near the back door—they’re perfect for quick backyard touch-ups.

→ Claw Gardening Gloves for Planting, Garden. Amazon affiliate link https://amzn.to/4lbKRZq

🌻 5. Rolling Garden Seat or Kneeler

If you’re tired of squatting, stooping, or kneeling on hard ground, do yourself a favor and get a rolling garden seat or foldable kneeler with handles. The older I get, the more I realize bending over for hours is not a badge of honor. Your knees and back will thank you—and you’ll get more done without the ache.

→ FLINTER Rolling Garden Work Seat with Wheels, Upgraded Heavy Duty. Amazon affiliate link https://amzn.to/44dFGBx


→ KVR Upgraded Garden Kneeler and Seat with Soft Kneeling Pad, Heavy Duty, Foldable; 2 Tool Pouches. Amazon affiliate link https://amzn.to/4k5gSRY

🪴 6. Smart Irrigation Timers

If you’re watering by hand every day, let’s fix that. A hose timer connects to your spigot and waters automatically—on your schedule. Perfect for raised beds, small yards, or anyone trying to keep plants alive during a heat wave.

→ Sprinkler Timer, Large LCD Display, for Garden Hose, with Rain Sensor to Automatically Stop Irrigation, Manual and Programmable Watering Systems, 1 Outlet. Amazon affiliate link https://amzn.to/465J9V1

🍅 7. Label Everything

You think you’ll remember where you planted those heirloom cherry tomatoes…until three weeks go by and the tags fade in the sun. Use UV-resistant garden labels and a waterproof marker to keep everything organized. Or go even cuter with chalkboard stakes!

→ KINGLAKE 100 Pcs 6 x10cm Plastic Plant T-Type Tags Nursery Garden Labels. Amazon affiliate link https://amzn.to/3Gau8GY


→ KINGLAKE 20 Pcs Wood Chalkboard Plant Tag, Wooden Stakes. Amazon affiliate link https://amzn.to/4jYS0ev

💚 Final Thoughts

You don’t have to reinvent the wheel—or your watering routine—to enjoy a lush, productive garden. A few smart tools and hacks can save time, prevent sore muscles, and give you more time to just enjoy your little green oasis.

Let’s make this garden season the easiest and most fruitful one yet!

Happy planting,
— Dana 💛

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