I’ve been gardening for about eight years now, and it’s one of those hobbies that just stuck. What started as a simple curiosity — a few raised beds and way too many seed packets — has turned into something I genuinely look forward to every season. It’s relaxing, rewarding, and a little unpredictable, which honestly makes it more fun.

I’ve grown plenty of vegetables over the years — tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, squash — but for some reason, herbs have always been my weakness. The only ones I’ve managed to keep alive long-term are sage, mint, and rosemary, which feels a little like winning on easy mode. They’re basically the “we survive anything” plants of the garden world. At this point, I’m convinced they’re thriving out of sheer pity.

Time To "Grow" Our Garden

Now that we’ve moved into a home with 1.5 acres, I finally have the space to take my gardening to the next level. My goal this year is to expand the garden, start composting (hopefully with help from our future chickens), and experiment with growing fruit trees for the first time. I’ve always dreamed of having my own little orchard.. something about picking fruit straight from the tree just feels timeless and wholesome. Plus, I grew up climbing trees and picking fruit from them in my own backyard, so I want the same for my kids!

There’s a peaceful rhythm that comes with gardening, watering in the morning, checking on new sprouts, seeing what survived the rain or the heat. It’s a daily reminder that growth takes time and care, and that effort doesn’t always show right away. I think that’s why I love it so much. It slows me down and makes me pay attention.

For The Kids

It’s also become something my kids love to be part of. They dig in the dirt, water the plants (sometimes too much...), and ask a million questions about worms, seeds, and roots. It’s very messy, but it’s hands-on, and it’s the kind of learning that sticks.

Gardening has given me more than vegetables or herbs tbh, it’s taught me patience, consistency, and gratitude. It reminds me to be okay with the slow seasons, to start again when things fail, and to celebrate the small wins, even if it’s just a single thriving mint plant.

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
— Galatians 6:9

If you’re thinking about starting your own garden, I put together a post about my favorite tools (being updated regularly!) that you'll actually need to get started without overcomplicating it.
👉 Read: My Favorite Gardening Toots

The post Why I Love Gardening appeared first on sliceoflily.com.

These are the tools that have stuck with me — the ones that make gardening easier, prettier, and a little more enjoyable.

💧 A Classic Metal Watering Can

Plastic watering cans are fine… until they crack, fade, or just feel cheap. I switched to a metal watering can years ago and never looked back. It feels timeless — a little vintage, a little practical — and it actually lasts.

Mine has a long spout that makes it easy to reach plants tucked behind others, and I swear water just pours better from it (maybe it’s in my head, but still). It’s one of those simple tools that makes even watering feel intentional.

🌸 Japanese Gardening Tools

If you’ve never used Japanese garden tools before, prepare to fall in love. They’re sharp, balanced, and beautifully made — no frills, just craftsmanship.

• Hori Hori Knife: The ultimate multitasker. You can dig, cut, plant, divide roots — basically do everything with one tool. It’s part knife, part trowel, part crowbar, and 100% satisfying to use.
• Japanese Pruning Shears: These cut like a dream. Clean, smooth snips that don’t crush your stems. I use mine for herbs, flowers, and light pruning around the garden.
• Hand Hoe or Weeder: Perfect for precision work — loosening soil around delicate plants or getting weeds by the roots.

There’s something peaceful about using tools that feel well-balanced and intentional. They turn even simple chores into rituals.

🧤 Good Gloves (That Actually Fit)

As someone with smaller hands, finding gloves that fit properly was surprisingly difficult. Most “one size” pairs might as well be oven mitts. I finally found a pair of soft leather gloves that fit snugly without slipping off, and it’s made such a difference.

They protect from thorns, fire ants (Florida problems), and sunburned knuckles — all things I’d rather not deal with again.

🪴 A Small Hand Tool Set

You don’t need a giant collection, just a few good basics:

• Trowel: for digging and transplanting.
• Hand Rake: for loosening compact soil.
• Snips or Scissors: for harvesting herbs and veggies.

I keep mine in a little canvas bag so they don’t wander off — because somehow, tools love to disappear when you need them most.

🪑 A Kneeling Pad or Low Stool

Not exactly a “tool,” but my knees would disagree. I use a simple foam kneeling pad or sometimes a small folding stool when I’m weeding or planting for longer stretches. It makes gardening feel more like a gentle afternoon activity and less like a workout.

🌿 Why These Tools Matter

I’ve tried plenty of gadgets that promised to make gardening easier — soil meters, fancy sprayers, you name it. But honestly, the basics always win. Quality tools don’t just last longer; they make you want to spend time outside.

There’s a quiet joy in using things that feel good in your hands — tools that age well, get a little scuffed, and still keep working season after season.

If you’re just getting started and want to know what’s actually worth buying, I’ve got you covered:
👉 Read: Why I love Gardening

“And the Lord God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it.”
— Genesis 2:15

The post My Favorite Gardening Tools appeared first on sliceoflily.com.