Gardeners accumulate a lot of “stuff” to help grow vegetables and flowers. Some things are a necessity like pruners, weeders, trowels, shovels, watering devices, and trugs or baskets, etc. Others are helpful, making tasks easier or more comfortable like kneeling pads, tomato cages, and wheelbarrows, which might also be in the necessity category if you have a large yard. Finally comes a large group of “extras”, some of which are fun (wind spinners and yard art), but others that are more esoteric than needed.

The following list falls under a miscellaneous category. It involves items not totally necessary, but either prudent, or multitaskers.

Get a tetanus shot. The bacterium, Clostridium tetani which causes tetanus is present in the soil. All it takes is for a gardener with an open wound (rose thorn prick, etc.) encountering the bacteria to become infected. Yes, people still die from tetanus, 20 – 50 people in the US every year, with a mortality rate of 52% for people over 60. In fact, the founder of the Edgar County Master Gardeners, Harry Clayton, had an elderly friend who contacted tetanus and died. It is recommended to renew your tetanus vaccination every 10 years.

The next recommendation you surely know, and most gardeners already follow is to wear sunblock and wide brim hats while outside. This year I’m trying something new. I have a sunhat with a cloth flap that protects my neck. So far, I’m happy with it.

If you already use a foam kneeler, try wearing attachable knee pads instead. They aren’t very expensive and it’s so convenient not picking up and moving the pad every time you move along a bed while weeding.

The next item is inexpensive, easy to find, takes little room for storage, and can replace the need for a wheel barrel which uses a lot of storage space. A tarp does more than cover things. Load stuff on it and drag it to where you want it. It’s great for repotting large plants because all the soil is recovered, and the mess is contained. You don’t even have to buy one, just repurpose an old shower curtain. Plus, it folds up to a flexible rectangle that stores over or under other things.

Finally, string and metal fence posts. Have you ever grown a vine, annual, perennial, or shrub that fits on a 4-, 5-, or 6-foot trellis? Not me. Vines, especially twiners love climbing up string. With an annual like morning glory, removal after a freeze in autumn is so easy. Cut the string at the top and haul off the whole tangled mess. Wait, there is more. Combine twine with fence posts and your supply of easy, workable plants supports is unlimited. The fence posts are painted metal with notches and holes for attaching twine at various levels. I contain my asparagus within the bed with the posts and two rows of twine, The same with a bed a gladioli. Make tomato cages using a square of 4 posts and three twine lines. As the plant grows, I train the branches through the lines keeping them off the ground. The posts nest for easy storage and stay vertical in the ground no matter how heavy the plant or high the wind.

I hope this gives you some ideas for your gardening. If nothing else, please check to see if your tetanus shot is current.

The Extension Master Gardeners are in full helpline mode. Contact us at 217-465-8585 or schiver@illinois.edu.