Even during the winter a gardener had some connection with the soil. It seems to be in their blood- they can’t get enough of it. Help your gardener through this difficult time by providing them with the supplies they need for a bountiful spring planting season. Here are some great gift ideas for the gardener on your list:

1. Tools – Tools like rakes, hoes, shovels, spades and so on are usually much appreciated. Although your gardener might have many of these items tools that are well used become flimsy over time. A sharp new blade, a wide rake with all its teeth, or a cushioned handled shovel can mean a more comfortable and efficient growing season for your gardener.

2. Gloves –Protecting your hands is very important when it comes to gardening. From waterproof gloves to warm gloves for chilly mornings to textured gloves to help hold tools there are many different varieties to choose from. Even leather work gloves can be a great asset to the manly gardener on your list.

3. Knee Pads – Dirty, sore knees are all part of the gardening game. However you can help your gardener be more comfortable with some knee pads or a kneeling bench. Some extra padding between the earth and their knees is much appreciated.

4. Books –Even experienced gardeners still have a lot to learn. You can get them a book on soil planting methods, plant types, or even a journal on someone’s real life experience with gardening. Picture books with identification of weeds and wild plants, magazine subscriptions and the like are always appreciated as well.

5. Soil –It takes a lot of good dirt to make a garden grow. Help your garden friend out with the gift of soil. A gift card to a garden center or landscaping supply company can mean lots of dirt for their gardens. Or offer some of your own composted dirt as a homemade gift!

6. Seeds –Gardeners love to experiment with new kinds of seeds. Help them out by giving them some seeds from your heirloom plants, finding some unusual seeds online or ta the garden supply store, or even taking a clipping or seedling to them from something you thought they would like. The gift of new plants is always welcome.

7. Time – Weeding, planting, harvesting, and even canning produce is a time consuming process. Volunteer your time this upcoming garden season. Set aside some dates you can come and help out. That way you get to see more of your friend and have a gift that lasts all year round.

8. Freezer or Dehydrator – Growing a bunch of food does not do any good if you have no way to store it. A large freezer or a dehydration machine makes great gifts for gardeners. Help them to keep their produce fresh and tasty even through the winter months.

9. Boots – Wet feet are no fun at all. Keep the mud and rain out with a great pair of gardening boots. Depending on your friend’s location, you could go with the warm and dry option or the cool and dry option. Either way, they won’t be getting their feet wet and muddy this season.

10. Wheelbarrow or Cart – Moving all those plants and all that soil around is hard on your back. Help out your gardener by offering them some wheels. Make it easy to transport everything they need.

11. Hose – Water, water everywhere except where you want it. Watering the plants is a long process. Make it shorter with a nice hose. You can even get an irrigation type hose to help the gardener water without having to take up a lot of their time.

12. Tool Belt or Bag – You have to have some way of keeping your hand tools with you. There is nothing more frustrating than laying down a tool and then not remembering where you put it. Help your gardener keep everything handy with a tool belt or carry along bag.

13. Pots – For almost any gardener a handy pot is a great gift. From decorative ones to plain and simple ones it is important to have a place to plant everything. You can even take a simple pot and decorate it for a one of a kind gift they will love.

14. Rain Barrel – For the eco-friendly gardener on your list, why not give them the gift of free water? A rain barrel is a great way to store and use rainwater for your garden. They come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes so pick one that matches your gardener’s tastes and go wild!

15. Growing Light and Table –Last but not least is a winter gardener’s best friend. A growing light! The gardener can start plants indoors to be ready for the spring and maximize the growing season. Pair it with a growing table and they have a great solution to those long, dark and cold winter days.

As you can see there are a ton of great gifts for gardeners out there. See which gifts the gardener on your list would enjoy and have fun!

This article is contributed by Madoline Hatter. Madoline is a freelance writer and blog junkie from ChangeOfAddressForm.com. You can reach her at: m.hatter12 @ gmail. com.