Starting a new garden can be daunting, whether it’s a large plot in the back yard, a raised bed next to the house or a few pots on the balcony. A lot of that has to do with the amount of equipment needed for a new gardener to begin (and maintain) a successful garden. We asked some seasoned experts and contributors to Northern Gardener® magazine to list a few gift ideas for new gardeners and found the options below to be the best places to start (Note: As an Amazon Associate, MSHS earns from qualifying purchases):

1. Tool set: Like any traditional tool kit parents have passed down to generations of their young adult children, this gardening tool set from Gardtech offers the greatest introduction to the range of tools your new gardener will need for success. (Buy on Amazon)
2. Weeding gloves: Gardeners are known for their unique love of getting their hands dirty. But no gardener really enjoys getting their hands poked or scratched by thorns or gummed up by sap. These Atlas sleek gloves are perfect for protecting your new gardener’s hands as they get out and play. (Buy at our online shop) Fun fact: These are the same gloves we’ve offered in the Blue Ribbon Book at the Minnesota State Fair for years!
3. Garden stool with pockets: This versatile garden stool provides two options to meet your new gardener’s needs. Whether they prefer to kneel or take a seat to start digging, this comfortable and adjustable bench-style seat also comes with pockets so your new gardener’s trustiest tools are always at hand. (Buy on Amazon)
4. Soil monitor: Give your new gardener all the benefits of modern technology with this all-in-one soil monitor. By understanding more about their location’s soil using easy-to-read meters, they’ll be set up for more planting success and feeling encouraged to continue on with their new passion. (Buy on Amazon)
5. Plant labels: A gardener forgetting what they planted where happens often enough that it still inspires hilarious new memes at the start of each growing season. That may be due to how most plant tags disrupt the quaint, natural look gardeners are going for. Give your new gardener the edge with these stylish plant tags that enhance, rather than detract, from the aesthetic of their beautiful new garden. (Buy on Amazon)
6. Portable Trellis: The new gardener in your life didn’t get started on their adventure because they like to play things safe. Instead, they’re looking to try new things—like growing food vertically! While some trellises can seem daunting to install, this adorable, lightweight trellis is perfect for a first-time attempt at giving a new garden some additional layers and depth. (Buy on Amazon)
7. Gardening knee pads: Every seasoned gardener knows: the more you can protect your knees, the longer into life you can continue to garden. Ensure your new gardener has this protection from the start with these comfortable—and, more importantly, waterproof—knee pads they can wear for many years to come. (Buy on Amazon)
8. CobreaHead cultivator: While an array of diverse tools is important to every gardener, there’s always one tool that becomes the most trustworthy; in the eyes of most gardeners, that tool is the CobraHead. This heavy-duty cultivator works for weeding, hoeing and uprooting, and it comes with an ergonomic design originally engineered by seasoned gardeners. Once this tool comes into your new gardener’s life, it’s hard to imagine it ever leaving their side. (Buy on Amazon) Fun fact #2: This is another State Fair staple of ours that flies off the shelves each year. That’s how you know it’s a gardener’s favorite!
9. Hori Hori Knife: Another trusty tool to add to your new gardener’s belt is the Hori Hori Knife, which is designed for an array of tasks that include pruning, severing and harvesting or preparing food on the spot. If you don’t want to overwhelm your new gardener with a bucket of tools, the all-in-one Hori Hori Knife is a great alternative. It truly is the Swiss Army Knife for gardeners. (Buy on Amazon)

We know looking up gift ideas for new gardeners can feel overwhelming this time of year, especially when you’re looking to stoke the flame rather than put it out. You can trust this list of new gardener gift ideas has been curated by some of our favorite experts, all of whom want to see your new gardener succeed just as much as you do. Have questions on any of the items on the list? Reach out and let us know!

Want to keep things simple? You could always consider a gift membership to the Minnesota Horticultural Society for your new gardener. Before the ground even has a chance to thaw, they’ll get a link to read the Winter issue of Northern Gardener® to grow their knowledge before the season begins. In late winter, our Digital Planning Guide will arrive in their inbox, featuring exclusive articles from local veggie and flower gardeners to help them avoid common pitfalls and open more inroads to success.

By early Spring, they’ll be able visit the Home + Garden Show with their free tickets for even more inspiration (and merch discounts on special plants at our booth)! Surprise the new gardener in your life with membership to MSHS, and they’ll be able to enjoy gifts that last for all four seasons to come.