Pay Dirt for Gardeners

Pleasing gardeners is almost too easy. For one thing, they're always looking for new ways to improve the soil. Adding organic matter helps to ensure that plants are lush, healthy, require less water and are therefore more disease-resistant. Unlike petrochemical fertilizers, those that are organically derived are slow to leach from the soil and less likely to contribute to water pollution and problems like blue-green algae growth. Depending on your budget, there are many ways to improve soil fertility.

Worm castings, the digested soil that worms leave behind, are a source of nutrients for plants and help soils retain water ($5.95/5lb. bag; www.planetnatural.com, 800-289-6656).

If you're feeling flush, a Compost Tea Brewer with Catalyst makes up to 10 gallons of a solution rich in microbes that benefit plant growth ($495; www.seedsofchange.com, 888-762-7333). The catalyst is added to aerated compost at the beginning of the tea-brewing process; the tea can be used as a foliage spray or soil drench. John Dromgoole, organic gardener and owner of The Natural Gardener in Austin, Texas, says, "Compost tea is the cutting edge of new technology for sustainable farming and organic gardening at home."

Joan Gussow, author of This Organic Life (Chelsea Green, 2002, $19.95), finds indispensable a beautiful glazed pottery crock she uses for collecting kitchen scraps. For one with a washable charcoal filter to help with odors, try the Country Compost Crock ($29.95; www.gardeners.com, 888-833-1412).

If you're tired of bending over to hoe, try the durable Swan Neck Hoe, which is 65 inches high ($39.95; www.gardeners.com, 888-833-1412). It makes weeding much less painful and tedious. The handle is made of seasoned ash and the blade is hand-forged steel.

With many areas of the U.S. experiencing drought, Recycled Rain Barrel Collection Systems made from recycled food-grade barrels hold 57 gallons ($79.95; www.abundantearth.com, 888-513-2784). They also offer a way to save on your water bill.

For more, see our Greener Gardening Supplies Product Report.

Photo courtesy of Paul McRandle. All rights reserved.