As we head into the new year, I thought I’d share with you some of my favorite tools, among a few other things I heavily rely on to tend my violets. First, the photo on the left is my potting and workstation. The tray itself is my most important tool, and it came from Lee Valley Tools. It keeps my mess contained, cleans up in a jiffy, is super sturdy and fairly easily portable. The red tray in the top lifts off and has useful cubbies for the rest of my stuff. Also at my station is a small plastic shoebox I use for small amounts of potting mix. The sides snap closed, and it does a great job of keeping the moisture contained. Here’s a silly “tool” I couldn’t live without – it’s just a plain old plastic bucket that originally held my parrot’s food. It’s small enough to fit on the tabletop, easily portable for all those grooming sessions, and easily cleaned. I keep them all, since they can be used for just about anything. I also use them to store fertilizers, chemicals, seeds or whatever else. They also come with lids and make perfect transporting containers for a few minis. They’re super handy! So find yourself a nice little bucket, too. I couldn’t live without this perfect little watering bottle that came from a science supply store. It’s just absolutely great for watering between leaves. These are my basic, use-them-all-the-time tools. From left to right: A miniature soil scoop from Lee Valley Tools; the very best sucker-plucker in the world; a simple and inexpensive snap knife (about a dollar) that is used for scraping necks, reducing root balls and trimming leaves to put down; and finally, no violet room should be without a Sharpie for labeling pots and baggies. I recycle, too. I keep both ½ and one-gallon milk jugs to store my water. The ½ gallon size makes it easier to water the trays in the back without killing my wrist or hitting the light fixture. I store them on the bottom of my workstation. I always designate one jug for plain water only.
2 Comments
Ellie Wilbanks
3/26/2012 07:42:06 am
Amy, I looked on Lee Valley Tools for your potting container with the cubby. Is it in a category that would be easily missed? Am always looking for items that really are helpful instead of just appearing to be. Am using a baby spoon for potting but wish there was a better instrument.
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Amy from Three Oaks
3/26/2012 08:32:45 am
Ellie, here are the links for the products you are referring to. The potting tray: http://www.leevalley.com/US/garden/page.aspx?p=10554&cat=2,44713,40759&ap=1 And the miniature spade: http://www.leevalley.com/US/garden/page.aspx?p=55405&cat=2,51603&ap=2 Both of these are excellent, made to last and very inexpensive. Love them!
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