Eucalyptus Mulch and Other Gardening Essentials for Starting Gardens

This post brought to you by Scotts Miracle-Gro. All opinions are 100% mine.

The next few years will definitely be a learning process as I continue testing out my green thumb in the new gardens. I have visions of flower beds filled with bright colors and possibly some sort of orchard, or at least a few fruit trees. Whether this northern weather allows it remains to be seen. I’m still trying to figure out .

Over these past months, I’ve learned a lot about gardening. An intro to gardening, if you will. One thing I didn’t know about was mulch. Not only can mulch help your yard look a bit more manicured, but it also helps retain moisture and prevent weeds from growing.

This spring, consider mulching your yards with Scotts Florida Select Natural Eucalyptus Mulch. While mulch can be made of many things – ranging from shredded bark to grass trimmings – Scotts Florida Select Natural Eucalyptus Mulch is made from 100% Florida-grown Eucalyptus. Not only does the mulch support the local growers in Florida  but it’s sustainably-harvested and plantation grown, making it a great option for sustainable gardening.

Don’t live in Florida? Scotts still has a great option for your landscapes with Scotts Nature Scapes mulch. Made of natural forest products, Scotts Nature Scapes mulch comes in three distinct colors to help match your yard’s decor. We just put some lava rocks around so the Sierra Red color would go perfectly. Other options include Classic Black and Deep Forest Brown.

I think the Sierra Red would also look great in the flowerbeds next to the deck.

In addition to mulch, here are a few other gardening supplies that I’ve found useful for those who are just starting (or a reviving) their gardens.

A Few Gardening Essentials

1. Gardening Gloves

When you’re digging around in the dirt, a sturdy pair of gloves will not only help prevent dirt from getting under your nails, but can also provide protection from thorns, plant “goo”, and worms. *ick*. I got a pair of gloves that was a soft leather that both provides protection and enough movement so I could grab small weeds.

There were a lot of worms when I cleared out this flowerbed. Ick factor of 100. Gloves were a must.

2. Spade

I think this is probably one of the basic tools you’ll need for gardening. You’ll use it to dig holes, shovel soil, and possibly smoosh some snails.

3. Hand Rake

When you’re working in smaller garden beds, you can use a hand rake to help clear out weeds and prepare the soil for planting.

4. Gardening Pruners

Another lesson learned is that pruning isn’t just for making plants look like animals. Some plants actually need to be pruned in the winter. You can also use the pruners to help clear away any dead branches or leaves.

5. Watering can.

Because plants need water.

We still have a few more projects to do around the yard, and I seriously need to weed a couple of garden beds, but I’m so excited to see the results!

Do you mulch your yard? If so, what mulch do you use?