Welcome to The Gardening Network’s inaugural Spring 2026 Shopping Guide! This first-of-its-kind guide brings together exceptional brands—from tools and books to apps that help you identify plant issues. It also features charming products for your garden’s tiniest visitors—the bees. Whether you’re a beginner, gardening with kids, or a seasoned green thumb, you’ll find something here to spark inspiration and success. Bookmark this page: our seasonal guides—spring, summer, fall, and holiday—will remain available for reference for as long as the website exists. Follow along on Facebook for updates and surprises:
Editor: Siobhan Shaw, Founder of www.TheGardeningNetwork.com, Co-founder of www.GrowingtoGive.org and the Cancer Bites Podcast and Community.
Nicole Johnsey Burke’s Leaves, Roots & Fruit is a beginner-friendly guide that helps readers create an edible kitchen garden from scratch, even if space, time, or gardening experience is limited. Nicole began gardening when her young daughter asked for a garden of her own. That simple request led to not just a thriving kitchen garden but also an Instagram following of 1.5 million fans eager to learn from her practical, hands-on approach.
The book walks readers through planning beds and containers, selecting herbs, fruits, and vegetables suited to their space, and building seasonal habits that keep gardens flourishing year-round. Nicole blends practical guidance with sustainable practices, making this a resource not just for growing food but for growing confidence and joy in gardening.
Authored by Nicole Johnsey Burke, founder of Gardenary, this book teaches readers to eat what they sow, combining sustainability, accessibility, and practical gardening techniques. It grew from Nicole’s personal experience as a busy mom and beginner gardener, turning her journey into a guide accessible to anyone.
I have a kitchen garden and love the idea of walking out to snip fresh herbs for meals—basil for pasta, thyme and rosemary under the turkey skin. As I explored Nicole’s book, I realized no gardener knows everything, which is why sharing what works (and what doesn’t) is so valuable. Use this book as a reference rather than a one-time read. Over time, you’ll dog-ear pages, bookmark pages with seed packs, highlight your favorite ideas, and return each season to develop a winning kitchen garden. Nicole now has 1.5M followers—plus me.
Watch for her book The 5-Minute Gardener in Cancer Bites Summer Guide on www.growingtogive.org. A perfect gift for cancer patients and survivors learning to live with life-changing disease.
Keep this book alongside your planting calendar, recipe books, or kitchen notes.
Gardening takes patience and planning. Space, sunlight, and timing matter, and some crops will thrive better than others depending on your environment. Nicole encourages readers to start small, observe, and adjust—realistic expectations lead to lasting success.
Leaves, Roots & Fruit makes organic kitchen gardening feel approachable, practical, and deeply rewarding. It is especially helpful for beginners, small-space growers, and anyone who wants to turn fresh herbs, fruits, and vegetables into part of everyday life.
Bee Cups® are handcrafted porcelain flower-shaped cups that provide a tiny, safe water source for bees and butterflies. Each cup features Jen Rose’s signature Bee Vision™ ultraviolet glaze, which mimics flowers to attract pollinators—visible only through their UV eyes.
“As I learned more about pollinators, I was fascinated by how bees see ultraviolet light.” Jen Rose, the eco-artist behind Bee Cups, took that science further. The design combines art, science, and conservation in one small cup.. “It’s like a neon ‘WATER HERE’ sign that only pollinators can see,” she says, combining art, science, and conservation in one small cup.
When the Bee Cups arrived, I set them in my kitchen garden containers and other planters. The next morning, in John’s experimental containers, he thought tiny mushrooms had popped up — only to discover colorful pollinator watering stations! They’re playful, easy to position, and even attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and ladybugs. They’d be a charming and purposeful addition to a fairy garden or kids’ outdoor project. I also love that Bee Cups are already giving back to nature, supporting pollinators and ecosystems. They do this without needing a corporate program—something we always celebrate at The Gardening Network.
Gardens with Bee Cups often see more abundant blooms and produce. The small water volume is intentional—entomologists recommend refilling twice daily to match bees’ activity patterns.
Vision Bee Cups supports both pollinators and people. A portion of every purchase goes directly to organizations focused on protecting bees and other pollinators, helping sustain healthy ecosystems and biodiversity. The cups are designed to be eco-friendly and reusable, reducing single-use plastic waste. They also inspire gardeners and nature lovers to make environmentally conscious choices. By choosing Vision Bee Cups, customers actively contribute to pollinator conservation and sustainable gardening practices.
SproutWorld’s plantable pencil turns an everyday writing tool into something meaningful - use it, and when it’s too short to write with, plant it. Soon, it will grow into herbs, flowers, or vegetables, transforming a simple pencil into a living reminder that small actions can create lasting impact.
Made from sustainably harvested wood with non-toxic graphite and a biodegradable seed capsule, Sprout pencils are 100% natural. With over 80 million sold worldwide, they’ve become a creative way to connect writing, learning, and growing.
Founder and CEO Michael Stausholm shares a moment from a school visit where children planted their used pencils together. Weeks later, basil and tomato sprouts appeared. That’s when it clicked for them. Something once destined for the bin had become alive. That transformation is the heartbeat of SproutWorld.
Sprout pencils slip effortlessly into real life. They’re just as at home in a classroom as they are tucked into a potting shed or resting on a sunny kitchen ledge. For beginners—especially children—they remove the intimidation factor. You’re not “starting a garden”; you’re simply planting a pencil. And somehow, that makes all the difference.
They also align beautifully with visionary work like my husband John’s spiral forests and Christopher Macy’s Phoenix Food Forest we support - the idea that small, accessible actions can ripple outward into meaningful environmental impact.
Not every pencil will sprout, and not every seed will rush to greet the sun. Germination varies by plant type and conditions. Think of the pencil as an invitation, not a guarantee—it still needs water, light, and a bit of patience. Indoors, you can plant year-round; outdoors, follow the natural growing season for best results.
If your Sprout pencil doesn’t sprout, don’t assume it’s a failure—placement matters. In my case, I planted the pencils and later discovered the seed capsule (the small nub at the end) had disappeared entirely. Buried too deeply in my excitement to get it planted. For best results, plant the pencil upside down with the seed capsule just below the soil surface. Depth is key—too deep and the seeds won’t germinate. Aim for about ¼ inch of soil coverage as a general guideline.
Sprout pencils are made from responsibly sourced wood, natural materials, and biodegradable seed capsules. Minimal plastic packaging and B Corp certification reflect SproutWorld’s high environmental and social standards. Initiatives like the Polish Forest Project show the brand’s commitment to giving back to the planet.
At first glance, it looks like a standard pickleball paddle—but it’s actually a fully functional electric bug zapper. The Pickle Zapper brings humor and utility to backyards, patios, cabins, and outdoor gatherings, offering a fun, chemical-free way to keep flying insects at bay. Designed for pickleball fans and anyone tired of swatting bugs mid-BBQ, it turns pest control into something a little more satisfying.
Co-founder Ian Kay shares that the Pickle Zapper really shines in everyday outdoor moments—whether sitting near the BBQ grill, prepping food like marinating meats, or tending the garden after watering roses. “Spring is prime time usage, and summer is when insects are at their peak with heat, humidity, and moisture,” he explains. “Think of it as a moment-based weapon of defense—especially after it rains, when increased moisture brings more insects out.”
I wish John had this chemical-free paddle last year when I was in the hospital and he came home to a full-on fly takeover. We’ve all had that moment—where did they even come from? Thankfully there was a basic fly swatter, but what he really needed was the Pickle Zapper to make fast work of the swarm.
I happen to know an International Pickleball player and champion, along with other friends who play the game—they would get a kick out of this. From flies to mosquitoes, it’s a clever invention that works both standing on its base or in hand when you’re on the offensive. Wasps might still test your patience during a patio meal—but please, leave the bees alone.
The Pickle Zapper is most effective for flying insects like flies and mosquitoes, especially in smaller outdoor spaces or targeted areas. It’s not a full-yard solution and won’t replace larger pest control systems for heavy infestations, so placement matters—keep it near where bugs gather but away from beneficial insects for best results.
Co-founder Ian Kay emphasizes that the product “may not be needed every day; however, the peace of mind and having the zapping power of protection is valued in other ways.” In practice, it works well as an inspection tool during plant checks, for quick control around compost and waste zones, and for involving family in garden care.
With adult supervision, using the Pickle Zapper can even turn pest control into a fun, educational game that teaches responsibility and what it means to be on “garden patrol” instead of just yard duty.
By targeting pests without chemical sprays or insecticides, the Pickle Zapper helps gardeners maintain healthier, more organic harvests while remaining safe for the garden environment. It’s suitable for beginner, intermediate, and advanced gardeners alike.
The Pickle Zapper is designed with both people and the planet in mind. It meets EPA approval, ensuring the product adheres to federal safety standards that protect human health and the environment.
Unlike chemical sprays or plug-in zappers that consume electricity, it offers a safe, chemical-free alternative for backyards and gardens.In addition, Pickle Zapper gives back directly to The Gardening Network readers: use code ZAP2026 for a 12% discount at PickleZapper.com. This promo code is evergreen so keep it handy and share with friends and neighbors.
Y‑Stakes™ are a simple yet effective solution for plant and flower support. Barely visible in the garden, each stake features two 14" vinyl-coated, galvanized arms designed to bend and shape around stems, plus eyelets for adding twine or wire for extra support. The powder-coated aluminum shaft won’t rust and is pointed for easy insertion, providing hands-free, customizable support for flowers, vegetables, and climbing plants.
At first glance, Y‑Stakes™ might seem like a simple plant support, but they are a versatile, reusable solution for keeping flowers, vegetables, and climbing plants upright. Barely visible once in place, Y‑Stakes blend seamlessly into the garden while providing hands-free, customizable support that can be bent and shaped to fit each plant’s needs.
Garden Works is a family-owned business based in Florida, owned by Gabriel and Sunshine Chapman. The Chapmans bring their passion for gardening, quality craftsmanship, and sustainable practices to every product, ensuring gardeners have reliable, durable tools.
“I purchased Garden Works in August 2024 and immediately started testing the products in my home garden. The Y‑Stakes quickly became my favorite tool—they are now all over my garden, and the best part is, you can barely see them! Because of the color and design, they blend right in while supporting my trees, flowers, and vines,” shares the co-founder. “I use them to encourage trees to grow in the direction I want, train vines like honeysuckle and passionfruit, and hold up floppy bushes. I love that they are reusable year after year and easy to adjust—I just bend the arms as the plants grow. No ugly stakes or twine to mess with.”
This family-run company emphasizes durability, sustainability, and innovation. Their powder-coated aluminum shafts resist rust, and the vinyl-coated galvanized arms withstand repeated bending for years of use. Y‑Stakes™ are part of Garden Works’ Made in the USA lineup, supporting domestic manufacturing while providing gardeners with tools that are flexible, reusable, and environmentally responsible.
Sturdy and flexible, these stakes are a new essential in our farm and garden toolbox. They will be especially useful for our 6-foot pepper plants, which often need staking. Last season, our poblano plant outgrew its stake, requiring a workaround—Y‑Stakes™ make life easier by adapting to the exact shape of the plant. Beginner or experienced gardeners alike will appreciate their simplicity and versatility.
Y‑Stakes™ work best when inserted before plants become top-heavy—preventive staking is easier than rescue staking. For very large or heavy plants, pair with twine through the eyelets. Repeated bending over time can slightly weaken the arms, so gentle adjustment is recommended.
Most effective from spring through fall, with gardeners in warmer climates able to use them year-round. Properly supported plants benefit from better light exposure, improved air circulation, and more consistent flowering and fruiting. Suitable for all skill levels, intuitive for beginners, and flexible enough for complex plant shaping.
Built to last, Y‑Stakes reduce the need for disposable plant supports and minimize garden waste. The durable powder-coated aluminum shaft and galvanized wire arms align with Garden Works’ philosophy of sustainable, long-lasting tools, helping gardeners grow responsibly while supporting domestic manufacturing.
Plantum is an AI-based digital tool designed to help gardeners identify plants, diagnose plant diseases, and improve overall plant care. The app can recognize over 40,000 plant species, assess plant health, and provide customized care advice for light, soil, water schedules, temperature, and more. With Plantum, gardeners can quickly identify a mystery plant or diagnose a sudden problem, all from their smartphone, replacing the need for heavy field guides or reference books.
Dmitry Serafin, Product Owner at Plantum, explains: "We study our audience and hear a lot of similar stories from gardeners who had no idea what they were looking at, let alone how to care for it. Instead of spending hours flipping through heavy botanical encyclopedias, trying to figure out why their beloved rose bush was suddenly losing its leaves to a mysterious black spot, gardeners can use Plantum to identify plants and assess their health. Your pocket botanist just gave you the answer. That exact feeling of wanting instant, reliable support to save a plant you care about is the heartbeat behind everything we built into this app."
As low-tech as I am, getting the app was simple. I immediately headed outside taking photos of my plants and neighboring plants. Plantum tells you what the name of the plant is, if a plant is healthy or not, which would be especially helpful for new gardeners trying to learn the difference between similar plants. I like the Express AI Consultation to have your unhealthy plant checked. The app got all of the plants I asked to be identified right except one hot pepper. To be fair, hot peppers are tricky to distinguish from other varieties. We planted a whole bunch of poblano peppers in a community garden, and it turns out they were another type of hot pepper entirely. I can see it being valuable in a nursery setting, where plants often get mixed up—this app can confirm you’re buying what you think you’re buying. It could have saved us a lot of heartache when we thought we were buying 300 poblano pepper plants.
Plantum is ideal for all skill levels, from novice gardeners identifying weeds to experienced horticulturists tracking plant health across multiple beds. The app is a great tool for monitoring multiple plants in different locations, though occasional misidentifications may occur—especially with very similar species.
Plantum helps gardeners reduce waste and plant loss by providing accurate care advice, preventing mistakes that can kill or weaken plants. By supporting healthier plants, the app encourages sustainable gardening practices and more productive home gardens.
Just because you’re getting your hands dirty doesn’t mean your footwear has to follow suit. The Harper Slip-On from BOGS brings a bright, modern look to garden wear while combining low-profile comfort with the durability you expect from a serious gardening shoe. Easy to slip on, designed to stay comfortable all day, its waterproof rubber construction and BioBased Rebound insole stand up to mud, wet soil, and changing weather—making it your reliable companion from planting to cleanup.
BOGS has long been known for creating durable, weather-ready footwear built for real outdoor conditions. The Harper Slip-On, a brand-new Spring 2026 release, blends that trusted performance with a lighter, stylish design gardeners will want to wear all day. Comfortable, cute, and built to handle the wear-and-tear of serious gardening, this versatile boot transitions easily from muddy garden beds to errands around town.
The image shows the exact color I received to review—Kiwi. I like them all, so I asked the team to surprise me—and they did not disappoint. These BOGS are new this season, and I’m among the first to wear this style. They’re easy to slip on for a quick garden check, and comfortable enough to keep on longer than planned—which, let’s be honest, always happens in the garden. I appreciate the heavy-duty treads, as I’ve had some slip-and-fall accidents this past year, and in my health I'm extra cautious on wet, slippery, or uneven ground.
TBOGS also offers the Harper in a Chelsea version ($100), which brings the same comfort and durability in a slightly different silhouette, more of a low rainboot, so there’s an option for every gardener’s style and fit preference.
The Harper Slip-On is built for everyday garden tasks, from container planting to general yard work. They’re durable, waterproof, and comfortable enough to wear all day. Best suited for light to moderate gardening rather than heavy-duty digging or rugged terrain. The slip-on design prioritizes convenience, making them perfect for gardeners who value speed, ease, and long hours outdoors.
BOGS isn’t just about durable, garden-ready footwear—the brand is serious about sustainability and reuse.
Chirp and Charm offers beautiful, nature-inspired journals in both hardcover and spiral formats. Each 8.5” x 5.5” journal features playful pop-art covers inspired by birds, flowers, and outdoor life. Spiral journals (140 dotted pages) are ideal for sketching and layout planning, while hardcover journals (150 lined perforated pages) are perfect for logging planting dates, tracking varieties, documenting birds, or capturing gratitude from time spent outdoors.
Chirp and Charm is a small creative brand founded by artist Luisa Ossa, blending nature photography, illustration, and playful design into uplifting stationery and gifts. Every design begins with original photography and transforms into colorful prints for journals, greeting cards, mugs, puzzles, and wall art.
“My story is rooted in nature and birdwatching. I began birding a few years ago, photographing the birds I noticed, then expanded to flowers and landscapes. From there, I started experimenting with whimsical designs, and Chirp and Charm was born,” shares Luisa.
Coming from a family of gardeners—grandparents and mother who grew vegetables, herbs, and flowers—she continues the tradition in her own small front flower bed and indoor gardening projects, including mushrooms and herbs. These journals are inspired by her love of capturing and celebrating the beauty of nature in everyday life.
Chirp and Charm journals are both practical and joyful. The spiral format makes sketching garden layouts easy, while hardcover journals keep your planting notes tidy. They’re a creative way to track your garden’s progress, document observations, or reflect on your time outdoors. Perfect for gardeners of all levels, they combine functionality with uplifting design.
Chirp and Charm journals are best suited for gardeners who enjoy tracking planting dates, sketching layouts, documenting observations, and reflecting on their garden experiences. Spiral journals offer flexible layouts for creative sketches and notes, while hardcover journals provide structured pages for detailed record-keeping. Lightweight and portable, they’re easy to carry outside or keep near a favorite indoor spot. While not designed for heavy-duty field use, they help gardeners stay organized, remember planting details, and track seasonal changes over time.
Chirp and Charm reduces waste by using print-on-demand production, avoiding overproduction and excess inventory. Each journal supports independent artistry and sustainable creative practices.
Luisa sent a second journal for us to gift to a cancer patient as part of Cancer Bites Podcast and Community Comfort and Joy Gift Bag campaign.
One of the biggest challenges for gardeners isn’t composting itself—it’s consistently collecting kitchen scraps in a clean, convenient way. When that step gets messy or inconvenient, people stop separating scraps, limiting how much organic material actually makes it into compost systems. The Compost Collector® was designed to solve that.
This toss-able, 100% pre-consumer, PFAS-free molded fiber paper pulp container comes with a lid and is specifically designed for quick and easy curbside composting. For gardeners, it creates a steady, cleaner flow of material from kitchen to compost without extra handling, liners, or cleanup.
The idea for the Compost Collector® came during a simple kitchen cleanup moment. After years in residential property management, founder Michelle Horneff-Cohen noticed that composting programs often break down inside the home. This product was created to make that step easier, ensuring more food scraps actually make it from kitchen to compost.
The Collector sits neatly on the counter, ready for everyday cooking scraps. I love that it’s disposable yet sustainable—no liners or extra bins, and it’s PFAS-free. For gardeners who want to make composting part of their routine without fuss, this is a thoughtful, practical solution.
I can also see another use for this: bury it directly in your garden, where it will naturally break down and compost into the soil, giving your plants a gentle nutritional boost over time.
The Compost Collector® is designed for short-term, week-long use. Keep it in a well-ventilated area and empty regularly for best results. It’s ideal for kitchens with regular food prep but not for long-term storage or large commercial operations.
Moon Juice Tree & Plant Health Maximizer from Moon Valley Nurseries is a concentrated nutrient solution designed to help trees, palms, and garden plants thrive. The formula combines organic enzymes, amino acids, and essential micronutrients to support stronger root development, improve nutrient uptake, and encourage vigorous seasonal growth. Key nutrients like iron, manganese, zinc, and vitamin B1 help plants establish quickly and reduce transplant stress, making Moon Juice especially helpful for new plantings or trees in challenging soils. Applied as a liquid concentrate directly to the root zone, it gives gardeners a simple, effective way to boost plant performance throughout the season.
Moon Valley Nurseries is a family-run business with a long history of helping gardeners grow healthier, stronger plants. Their team developed Moon Juice to combine science-backed nutrients with practical ease-of-use, providing a solution that supports both beginner and experienced gardeners in nurturing thriving landscapes.
It’s a small world! When I saw the name Moon Valley, I smiled — our Phoenix Food Forest recently received donated trees from the nursery for a Planting Day. Moon Juice delivers a noticeable lift to trees and garden plants, helping roots establish quickly and encouraging vigorous seasonal growth. The blend of organic enzymes, micronutrients, and vitamin B1 makes it ideal for transplants, container plants, and palms, supporting strong, resilient plants that thrive throughout the season.
Moon Juice works best when applied as part of a regular feeding schedule and with plants that have space and proper soil conditions.
Moon Valley Nurseries is committed to giving back to the community. They generously donated trees to the Phoenix Food Forest, providing opportunities for neighborhood residents to harvest fresh fruit. Planting more trees along city streets also helps reduce the urban heat island effect, creating a cooler, greener, and more vibrant environment for everyone.
South 23rd offers sophisticated, stylish planter covers that elevate the look of any garden, patio, or indoor space. Their black-and-white patterned designs provide a bold, modern touch while coordinating easily with other pots and containers. Perfect for gardeners who want functional plant containers with a curated aesthetic.
South 23rd was founded to bring home and outdoor decor that’s “outside the ordinary.” The team curates and creates pieces that combine style, quality, and practicality, helping homeowners and gardeners transform ordinary spaces into visually striking, harmonious environments.
These decorative planter covers are a game-changer for container gardens. On my patio, I paired a black-and-white patterned cover with a tall black pot against a desert-colored wall, creating a modern, eye-catching effect. I posted a photo of it in our socials. They’re perfect for gardeners who want their plant displays to be both functional and stylish. I’m already planning to purchase more for my back patio and even for holiday decor.
A quick sizing tip: I tested them with 16-inch rimmed containers. While the rim was 16 inches, the measurement just under the lip was a perfect 13 inches in diameter—so don’t let nominal sizing stop you from buying. Just check under the rim for the true fit. John is already brainstorming pairing my green garden containers with black spray paint to match the cover sent for review.
These decorative planter covers are best suited for use over existing pots with proper drainage to keep plants healthy. They work well indoors or on covered patios and balconies, but exposure to harsh weather may affect the finish over time. Check dimensions to ensure a proper fit for your pots. While primarily decorative, they provide a stylish way to unify mismatched containers and elevate your garden or patio display.
South 23rd supports sustainable production practices by curating durable, long-lasting pieces designed to reduce disposable decor waste.
The Folding Garden Kneeler/Seat from Plow & Hearth is a simple but game-changing tool for comfort in the garden. Designed with a thick, weatherproof foam pad on both sides, it easily flips from a supportive kneeler to a sturdy seat—giving gardeners flexibility for planting, weeding, or harvesting. The durable steel frame features locking spring-loaded catches for stability, while side handles provide extra support when standing up. Lightweight and foldable, it’s easy to carry, store, and keep close at hand for everyday garden tasks.
In 1980, husband-and-wife team Peter Rice and Peggy Rice, along with Michael Burns, founded Plow & Hearth in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Madison, Virginia. What began as a small “Essentials for Country Living” store—solar-powered and heated by a wood stove—has grown into a multi-million dollar retailer focused on home, garden, and outdoor living. Their roots in self-reliance, sustainability, and practical living still shape the products they create today.
This is one of those tools you don’t realize you need—until you use it once. Then suddenly, it becomes part of your daily rhythm in the garden. The ability to flip effortlessly from kneeling to sitting is what makes it stand out. And the side supports? Quietly brilliant. For anyone managing sore knees, muscle weakness, balance issues, or just long planting days, this feels less like a tool and more like a gardening companion.
From my perspective, I especially appreciate having something sturdy to push up from when kneeling. Breast cancer has weakened my body, so I’m not as strong as I used to be, and this simple support makes a noticeable difference. John is happy he doesn’t have to rush to my rescue to help me up.