Three Nifty Gifts for Gardeners

It's that time of year again, in most parts of the country. It's time for gardeners to pour over seed catalogs and make their 'wish list', showcasing all of the things that will make gardening that much more enjoyable.

If there is a gardener in your life, consider the following doo-dads the next time you find their name at the top of your gift giving list. You may just wind up with a basketful of fresh veggies, when you least expect it.

All of these nifty garden gadgets are very affordable and make great little "I'm thinking of you" type gifts. After all, there's no need to wait for an official holiday to let someone know you care... especially when there are future gourmet salads at stake. (Can you say, 'Pass the croutons'?)

The first nifty gadget is a PotMaker®. Priced under $16, it received RAVE reviews from many a satisfied, not to mention thrifty, gardener. It is perfect for the gardener who would rather start their plants from seed.

This handy, hardwood, tool makes even handier biodegradable seed pots out of ordinary newspaper. These paper pots can be planted directly into the ground and help to eliminate transplant shock.

Once you get the hang of it, the pots can be constructed rather quickly. They work well for gardeners who tend to give seedlings, to friends and family members. Obviously, there are no pots to return.

The SunCalc-Sun Calculator is another neat gift, for your favorite gardener. It is especially handy for those who are planting in new locations, on their property. It's a bit pricier than the PotMaker®, twice the price, but certainly worth it.

This digital sun measurement device easily displays the amount of accumulated sunlight, in any given area. It indicates four degrees of sunlight: full sun, partial sun, partial shade and full shade. No more planting sun craving plants in too much shade or vice versa. (Placing plants in the wrong lighting conditions is one of the most common reasons they don't survive.)

This gadget is great for gardeners who work long hours and aren't home during the day, to track the movement of the sun.

Most gardeners will tell you that ladybugs are their friend. Why? They feast on harmful aphids that can destroy garden plants.

These adorable ladybug habitats are a delightful addition, to any garden. Each one is hand crafted and comes with a built in mulch tray.

Priced just under $30 it's a nifty gift for the ladybug... er...ah... gardener, who has everything!