March 12, 2007 — Each year, in an effort to inform the gardening public about the newest, coolest or most practical gardening items, we at The joe gardener Company scour the country, seeking out what we call "the coolest garden gear and gadgets for the new year."Utilizing testers of all levels, from professional horticulturalists to beginning gardeners, those that make it into the top 10 are called "The Best of the Must-haves. For 2007, these products ranged from brand-new high-tech devices to a long-standing, tried-and-true household staple with new applications for the garden.
Below are five of the 10 products that were selected for 2007. The remaining five will be showcased next week.
The Tilterator
Who doesn't want compost fast, and a lot of it? I first ran across this product at a flower show in early 2006. It was love at first sight because this one was different!
Made from recycled plastic, the Tilterator's clever design allows for fast access to the contents for quick, effortless mixing. Simply remove the two end panels and pivot the Tilterator away. Easily replace one end panel and fork the contents back into the unit. Replace the other end panel, and your compost is off and cooking again.
GreenCure
Pro-active gardeners believe an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. For years, gardeners have fought the onslaught of powdery mildew and other plant diseases with organic and traditional methods. In most cases, previous techniques could only prevent the spread, not actually cure the disease.
Not only is GreenCure effective at treating 25 plant diseases, it has the unique ability to kill powdery mildew fungus. In more than 200 university studies it has proven its effectiveness. Best of all, it's safe to use.
CobraHead Long Handle
Last year the first tool I'd reach for when going out into the garden to weed was the CobraHead. Well, now I have a dilemma. The creators have taken the same tool and added a long handle that allows one to weed from the comfort of a standing position.
Deep tap-rooted weeds are eradicated just as easily with the ergonomic way in which you approach the weeds from the backside and pull toward yourself. The CobraHead enables gardeners of all ages to attack weeds with confidence and comfort.
Nelson Remote Rain
A remote-controlled device to turn water on and off. The desire to be in command of yet another remote was just too tempting. I had to have it!
Applications flooded my brain as I began to imagine controlling all the irrigation duties from my hammock. Previously, to move a sprinkler, I'd have to walk to the source, turn off the water, reposition the sprinkler, walk back to the source and turn it on again.
With the Remote Rain device, simply click the remote, the water shuts off, move the sprinkler and with one more click of the remote, the water is back on again.
The Truth About Garden Remedies
I'm a sucker for the next great gardening book and this one was a real breath of fresh air. The Truth about Garden Remedies: What Works, What Doesn't and Why is written by Jeff Gillman, Ph.D.
You've heard them before — those old wives' tales and homemade remedies. Well, Jeff tested those claims. And he gives us firsthand accounts of what worked and what didn't.
Gillman's sharp wit and ability to communicate challenging topics in a lighthearted way found me reading this book for pleasure as much as for the valuable information it provides.
For more information about the process and how to contact these companies, please log onto www.joegardener.com and look for links to "The Best of the Must-haves," or write to me at PO Box 681972, Marietta, GA 30068-0033. Next week we'll cover the remaining five items.
(Joe Lamp'l, a master gardener, hosts DIY's Fresh from the Garden as well as a gardening radio show. For more information, visit www.joegardener.com. Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service.)
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