My wife always spots plants or interesting things along the road or in the woods that she wants to bring home. I’m thinking of putting together a small car kit for her as a Christmas gift. I’ve got pruning shears in mind already, but what else would be useful? I’d like to keep it compact and practical, not full of big tools.
You could add a hori hori knife, a bottle of diluted bleach for disinfecting tools, a small container of rooting hormone, baggies, a permanent marker, parchment paper, a scalpel with extra blades, and shears. These are all handy and don’t take up much space.
In my kit, I keep heavy gloves, a few types of clippers, paper bags for seeds, rubber boots (for muddy areas), a foldable but sharp shovel, fabric grocery bags for dug-up plants, bug spray, tweezers (for splinters), and hand sanitizer. I also have a cheap car protector in my trunk that I can shake out after use. Hope this helps!
@Caelan
Wow, the foam idea is genius. Never thought of that! Thanks for sharing.
This is such a thoughtful idea. If I weren’t already married, I’d propose! Just kidding… kind of.
Jamie said:
This is such a thoughtful idea. If I weren’t already married, I’d propose! Just kidding… kind of.
Same here… but seriously, this is so sweet.
A small bucket and a jug of water can go a long way.
Alston said:
Pack everything into a sturdy bucket with a lid if she has the space for it. It keeps everything neat and portable.
Don’t forget handles for easy carrying!
This is such a wonderful idea! You might look for a gardening tool caddy—it doesn’t have to be expensive. Include things like a folding shovel, a trowel with a serrated edge, a pruner, gardening gloves, a permanent marker with plant tags, plastic bags, and maybe a knee pad. She’ll love it!
Don’t forget a few trash bags for cleanup or transporting messy items.
For a container, you might want to check out shower caddies or a canvas bag with lots of pockets. Something durable and easy to clean.
How about a trowel, garbage bags for transporting plants, secateurs, a 1.5L water bottle, heavy-duty gloves, and rubber boots for muddy spots?
You know what would be neat? A small handheld vacuum to clean up after the plants.
Keep everything in a plastic bin with a lid to stay organized and mess-free.
You might add some zip lock bags and a small spray bottle of water to keep cuttings fresh. Super handy for quick trips.
Ace Hardware has a collapsible hoe that’s great for small spaces. I keep one in my car for after-work gardening trips.
My suggestions: clippers, a small trowel, plastic bags for digging, a reusable bag for clippings, a small bucket, gloves, and some wet wipes.
Not sure where you live, but just a heads-up—there are sometimes rules about taking plants from public or private land.
Scout said:
Not sure where you live, but just a heads-up—there are sometimes rules about taking plants from public or private land.
Good point. Guess I should include a ski mask and running shoes… kidding!
I keep disposable gloves, pruners, scissors, something to dig with, and plastic grocery bags (great for holding plants without making a mess). Bug spray, sunblock, wet wipes, and a waterproof picnic blanket are also in my car.