Shop: Supplies
Contained here is our list of recommended gardening supplies. The links provided are for shopping in the US, and might work in Canada, Netherlands, UK, France, Poland, Germany, Spain, Italy and Sweden. In addition, product specs provided can be used as a guide for shopping elsewhere. Some of these links may earn Garden Revival a commission. It’s not quite an income but IG is grateful for any dosh that helps her pay for plants. Thank you for shopping through our links.
Indoor gardening
Barrina 2FT T8 LED Lights (Pack of 2)
What you get: Each light uses 20W of electricity and outputs 2500LM. The color temperature is 5000K, which is akin to daylight and close to full light spectrum. The lights are perfectly sized for a 24” wide wire rack. You will need 2-3 of these lights per 10”-14” shelf, which is the depth of most 24” wide wire shelving units. These are general guidelines and there are exceptions but the subject is too complicated to summarize in one paragraph.
Why we like it: Barrina is a reliable brand and using strip lights like these allows you to evenly distribute light over the surface area of your plant shelves without significant light hot spots and drop off. These lights are also cheaper than professional grow lights and don’t get as hot. You will need something like these cable ties or zip ties to attach the lights to a wire rack.
Barrina 4FT T8 LED Lights (Pack of 6)
Barrina 4FT T8 LED Lights (Pack of 10)
Barrina 4FT T8 LED Lights (Pack of 20)
What you get: Each light uses 40W of electricity and outputs 5000LM. The color temperature is 5000K, which is akin to daylight and close to full light spectrum. The lights are perfectly sized for a 48” wide wire rack. 3 to 4 of these lights per shelf are sufficient for seed starting, succulents and carnivorous plants. 2 or 3 lights per shelf will provide enough light for tropical plants. These are general guidelines and there are exceptions but the subject is too complicated to summarize in one paragraph.
Why we like it: Barrina is a reliable brand and using strip lights like these allows you to evenly distribute light over the surface area of your plant shelves without significant light hot spots and drop off. These lights are also cheaper than professional grow lights and don’t get as hot. You will need something like these cable ties or zip ties to attach the lights to a wire rack.
What you get: A powerful full spectrum light bulb that puts out 3250 lumens. You will need a socket that accommodates E26 base bulbs such as this. Note that at over 5" in diameter, this bulb likely won’t fit into a desk lamp.
Why we like it: It’s not as bright as a professional grow light but will keep a small grouping of plants alive over winter indoors at a budget price.
VIPARSPECTRA 2024 XS1000 LED Grow Light
VIPARSPECTRA 2024 P1000 LED Grow Light
What you get: Extremely bright professional quality grow lights you don’t want to hang too close to your plants without adjusting the handy dimmer knob. Viperspectra says their grow lights are designed to output light in optimized full spectrum. This light is better suited to hanging from the ceiling or inside a grow tent than using with a grow rack.
Why we like it: Samsung diodes and MeanWell drivers are considered to be the most reliable in the industry.
What you get: A device that measures temperature and humidity on your indoor plant shelves or in your outdoor greenhouse.
Why we like it: You can use the convenient Govee Home app to check both current and past temperature and humidity and receive alerts when temps or humidity go out of preset range. This monitor uses 2 AAA batteries. We recommend using rechargeable batteries. Govee has smaller size monitors that use CR2450 batteries but rechargeable batteries in that size aren’t widely available and buying new batteries can become expensive.
What you get: Smart outlets you can plug your lights into and program for the desired on and off times.
Why we like it: These are a great price and easy to use. The Kasa app lets you reprogram the on/off times without getting off the couch.
What you get: A fan that runs at 19 dBA and moves air at up to 135 CFM (the speed is adjustable.) Comes with a USB cord.
Why we like it: Computer fans are small and compact, taking up minimal space on a grow rack. A fan is a good addition to a seed starting set up, increasing airflow to cut down on the growth of diseases and aiding in the development of sturdy stems.
What you get: An adjustable speed fan that securely clips to your grow rack and can be pivoted and swiveled to point in a multitude of directions.
Why we like it: Sleek modernist aesthetic.
HCB 48” 6-Tier Wire Shelving Unit with Casters
What you get: Wire shelving unit that is 18" D x 48" W x 82" H. Each shelf holds up to 350 lb. You will likely only fit 3 or 4 shelves with grow lights in order to accommodate plant height.
Why we like it: Nothing special about this unit other than a good price and the convenience of casters for moving, whether to relocate your set up easily or to clean underneath.
What you get: Wire shelving unit that is 14" D x 24" W x 60" H. Each shelf holds up to 150 lb. You will likely only fit 3 shelves with grow lights in order to accommodate plant height. Note that this unit doesn’t have casters.
Why we like it: Cheapest heavy duty 24” wire rack at the time this list was compiled.
Seed starting
GrowEase Self Watering Seed Starting Kit
What you get: A kit that includes a 24 cell tray, water reservoir, wicking mat with platform and humidity dome.
Why we like it: this kit is extremely sturdy with all the black pieces being dishwasher safe. The cells are large enough that you don’t have to transplant your seedlings too quickly. And best of all, you only have to fill the reservoir occasionally to water your seedlings, no micromanaging required. The only caveat is that seedlings can be difficult to remove from the trays, as the plastic has no flex
Winstrip Air Prune Tray (72 Cell)
What you get: A sturdy plastic cell tray that’s compatible with industry standard 1020 bottom watering trays. Individual cells measure 1.37" at the top, 1" at the bottom and 2.29" tall. The hole at the bottom of each cell is .87".
Why we like it: The large hole at the bottom and slits at the side keep the roots from circling.
What you get: Set of 10, 6 cell trays with vented humidity domes and base trays.
Why we like it: The 2” deep cells are large enough that you don’t have to pot up your seedlings too quickly.
Ladbrooke Micro 20 Soil Blocker
What you get: Zinc-coated steel soil blockers. The Micro blocks nest inside the Minis and the Minis nest inside the Maxis. If you can only get one, go for the 2” Mini Soil Blocker.
Why we like it: Soil blocking is an environmentally friendly alternative to plastic pots and soil blocks have the added benefit of air pruning seedling roots. You can find a peat based substrate recipe for soil blocking here and a peat free recipe here.
What you get: Plastic tray with cut-away front that measures 23-1/2 in. x 21 in. x 6 in.
Why we like it: Potting trays are useful for containing the mess and this one is very attractively priced.
What you get: A paint marker you can use for plant labels and winter sowing milk jugs.
Why we like it: This marker truly is permanent, it won’t fade from the elements or wash off with water, soap or even alcohol. Got black labels? Use the white marker.
What you get: Set of 1000 plastic labels for all your seed starting and prop labeling needs.
Why we like it: Nothing special about this set, just that it was the best value at time of publication.
Garden tools & accessories
10 Gallon Grow Bags (Pack of 5)
What you get: 12” x 17” fabric grow bags with carrying handles.
Why we like it: 10 gallon bags are just the right size for growing tomatoes and potatoes.
7 Gallon Grow Bags (Pack of 5)
7 Gallon Thickened Grow Bags (Pack of 12)
What you get: 12” x 13.5” fabric grow bags with carrying handles.
Why we like it: 7 gallon bags are a good size for growing peppers over one growing season but if you’re in a mild climate where peppers overwinter, 10 gallon bags will give your peppers room to grow.
What you get: The gold standard for hand pruners. They cut branches up to 1” in diameter.
Why we like it: Sharp! These pruners disassemble completely for cleaning, sharpening and oiling so you can keep them in tip-top shape for a lifetime.
What you get: Budget pruners that will serve you well. These sheers cut branches up to ⅝” in diameter.
Why we like it: Good price and a lifetime warranty.
What you get: Lightweight high carbon steel shears for shaping boxwoods, yews and other hedges.
Why we like it: The light weight makes a huge difference in reducing fatigue with the repeated clipping motion and the rubber buffers act as shock absorbers.
What you get: A hori hori knife but the name isn’t as cool.
Why we like it: This inexpensive tool is a Jack of all trades in the garden, useful for weeding, planting bulbs and plug size plants, dividing perennials and cutting minor tree roots.
HOSELINK Automatic Retractable Garden Hose Reel (Charcoal, 82 ft)
HOSELINK Automatic Retractable Garden Hose Reel (Beige, 82 ft)
HOSELINK Automatic Retractable Garden Hose Reel (Charcoal, 50 ft)
HOSELINK Automatic Retractable Garden Hose Reel (Beige, 50 ft)
What you get: 9/16" PVC retractable hose hose, 8 pattern spray nozzle, quick connect fittings, leader hose and mounting bracket.
Why we like it: Putting away your hose neatly takes seconds.
What you get: 30 gallon collapsible bag
Why we like it: This bag is lightweight and folds flat. The bottom is made of plastic so you won’t tear it on a twig and the drainage holes in the base prevent water from pooling.
What you get: Memory foam cushion with a water resistant case and carrying handles.
Why we like it: The memory foam makes this kneeling pad truly comfortable for extended use and will save your knees from pain and bruising. It’s also nice to sit on when you’re taking a break.
3” x 4” Organza Bags (100 count)
4” x 6” Organza Bags (100 count)
What you get: Sheer organza baggies to put around flowers to control cross-pollination and around fruit to keep bugs out of your snack.
Why we like it: Cheap and effective.
What you get: Long gloves that protect your hands and arms from rose thorns.
Why we like it: This pair does the job at a budget price.
Haxnicks Slim Soft Tie (Green)
Haxnicks Slim Soft Tie (Woody)
What you get: 26.3’ ft (8 m) spool of wire encased in a soft rubber tube, can be cut to size.
Why we like it: This product is excellent for tying plants to supports without hurting the stems. The green color looks much more natural than the blue-green of other brands.
Fiskars 4-Claw Stand Up Weeder
What you get: 39” long weeding tool you operate by stepping on a lever.
Why we like it: Easier on your back and knees than crawling around to weed.
Pest control
What you get: Fungus grants, whiteflies and some other flying pests that are frequent visitors to houseplant and indoor seed starting setups are attracted to the color yellow and stick to these handy little papers. This is an easy and pesticide-free method of controlling some pest populations.
Why we like it: Nothing special about this set, just that it was the best value at time of publication.
Southern Ag Triple Action Neem Oil (16 OZ)
Safer Brand 5182-6 Neem Oil Concentrate (16 OZ)
Garden Safe Brand Neem Oil Extract Concentrate (12 OZ)
Bonide Captain Jack’s Neem Oil (16 OZ)
What you get: 70% neem oil extract that can be mixed with water for use as an insecticide, fungicide and miticide spray. Neem oil is safe to use on food crops and considered to be approved for organic gardening.
Why we like it: Buying the concentrate is much cheaper in the long run than buying a premixed spray. All of these brands are good and come with dosage instructions. If you buy neem oil that isn’t marketed for gardening, you’re on your own with dosage for the neem and any necessary surfactant to help the oil mix with water. Note that any neem solution you mix will need to be used within as little as one day, although timeframe guidelines from different sources vary.
Bonide Captain Jack’s Neem Oil Ready-to-Use Spray (16 OZ)
Bonide Captain Jack’s Neem Oil Ready-to-Use Spray (128 OZ)
BioAdvanced Organics Brand Neem Oil, Ready-to-Use (24 OZ)
Safer Brand Garden Neem Oil Spray for Plants (24 OZ)
Natria Neem Oil Spray for Plants (24 OZ 8 Pack)
Bonide Captain Jack’s Neem Oil Ready-to-Use Spray (32 OZ)
Natria 706250A Neem Oil Spray (24 OZ)
What you get: Premixed neem oil spray.
Why we like it: No measuring required and the mix is shelf stable.
Southern Ag Thuricide BT Caterpillar Control (16 OZ)
Bonide Thuricide BT Concentrate (16 OZ)
Safer Brand Caterpillar Killer II Concentrate (16 OZ)
What you get: Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies kurstaki (Btk), a naturally occurring bacterium in soil. This strain of Bt kills the larvae of certain moths and butterflies like tomato hornworms and budworms that are common pests on petunias and pelargoniums. Read more here.
Why we like it: Safe for application on edible crops.
Bonide Captain Jack’s Deadbug Brew, (16 OZ)
Monterey Garden Insect Spray (8 OZ)
Southern Ag Conserve Naturalyte Insect Control (16 OZ)
Southern Ag Conserve Naturalyte Insect Control (8 OZ)
What you get: These products contain Spinosad, a mixture of spinosyn A and spinosyn D which are derived from naturally occurring bacteria. Spinosad contrills caterpillars, thrips, leafminers, beetles and flies. Safe to use on edible plants. Toxic to bees and other beneficial insects when wet but harmless after drying so spray in the evenings after bees go to sleep.
Why we like it: Bt won’t control sawfly larvae which attack roses, but this will.
Solo One-Hand Pressure Sprayer (1 Liter)
Solo One-Hand Pressure Sprayer (2 Liter)
What you get: Pump sprayer. The 2 liter size has a telescoping wand.
Why we like it: These pump sprayers are small enough for most home gardeners and easy to use with one hand.
What you get: The active ingredient in this product, Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies israelensis (Bti), kills fungus gnat larvae.
Why we like it: Easy to use, just sprinkle on top of or mix into your planting medium.