The ground is rock hard, the air is crisp and the trees are bare.
But while the yard is sleeping, Colorado gardeners are not just twiddling their green thumbs and waiting for spring — they’re also preparing and scheming.
“The off-season really is when most gardeners are thinking about and daydreaming of their next growing season,” said Kim Zimmerman, a Colorado master gardener and the founder of , a micro flower farm and design studio in Denver. “It’s a time when we evaluate what worked, what didn’t, what we want more of and how we might improve things.”
So, even though itap the middle of winter, you’ll make your favorite gardener’s day by gifting them tools, gadgets, apparel and other goodies they can put to use come spring. Here are some expert-backed ideas to inspire you.
Hori Hori (soil knife)
This Japanese trowel does it all: cutting, digging, planting and measuring.
“These tools are indispensable; once I tried my first one, I was hooked,” said Zimmerman. “With our often-tough Colorado soil, they make planting seedlings and small plants a breeze, as well as popping out weeds easily.”
If the gardener in your life doesn’t already have one, Zimmerman recommends the full tang version from , a certified B Corp (which means it meets high standards). You can pick one up at Rowdy Poppy.
Broadfork
Savvy growers know that healthy soil is the secret to any successful garden. Zimmerman’s secret weapon? A broadfork. It might be hard to wrap, so just stick a bow on it and call it a day.
“These large forks easily break up our heavy clay soil for proper aeration, allow us to easily remove rocks that just always seem to appear and provide pathways for amendments to be incorporated,” said Zimmerman.
Sun hat
With Colorado’s high UV levels, sun protection is an absolute must for anyone who spends time outdoors. A sun hat will not only help protect your favorite gardener’s skin, but will also allow him to show off his personal style. Zimmerman is a fan of the lined straw hats from Hemlock Hat Co., which offers unique and playful fabric choices.
Want to support a Colorado-based company? Snag one from Boulder-based , which makes hats with both 30+ and 50+ ultraviolet protection.
Tool belt
Friends don’t let friends carry their pruners, snips and other tools in their pants pockets while gardening. If you really love the gardener in your life, give her a quality tool belt that will hold up well against wear and tear. Zimmerman recommends any made by the Wheeler Munroe Leather Company.
“They have about a million options for any needs,” she said.
Seed packets
Whether you’re on a budget or you just need a stocking stuffer, you can’t go wrong with a few seed packets.
“Look for plants that actually grow well in our hot and dry climate,” Zimmerman said. “Check the USDA plant hardiness maps for perennials, and consider locally sourced seeds so you know they already have done well in our climate.”
For example, the in Boulder has spent years carefully testing and curating a collection of locally adapted, heirloom seeds that thrive on the Front Range. (They’re also a nonprofit, so you can feel good about supporting them with your seed purchase.)
And, if all of that is too confusing, just go ahead and stick a gift card and a seed catalog in your loved one’s stocking.
Moisture meter
Too much water? Not enough? Help take the guesswork out of watering by gifting your gardener (or houseplant parent) a moisture meter, said Julie Echter, vice president of in Arvada.
“You’re either giving them too much love or not enough love — itap the No. 1 killer of plants,” said Echter, who also sits on the board of the . “A moisture meter is a tried-and-true gift for anybody, but especially if they’re new to growing.”
These handy gadgets consist of a long metal probe topped by a small gauge. They vary greatly in terms of their bells and whistles (and price) — from super basic options that only read soil moisture, to more sophisticated, digital models that can also measure things like soil temperature, soil pH and sunlight intensity. So, you can pick the one that fits within your budget and meets your gardener’s needs.
Winter-blooming bulbs
The outdoor garden may be brown and dreary, but you can bring a splash of vibrant color inside by gifting your gardener a winter-blooming, indoor bulb, said Echter. Two of the most popular options are amaryllis and paperwhites (also known as narcissus), both of which are perfect for livening up the cold, dark months.
You can buy bare bulbs and pot them yourself, or snag a hands-off, pre-made kit (Echter’s has both).
Indoor grow kits
Itap too cold for anything to grow outdoors right now. But inside? Thatap a whole different story. Surprise your gardener with a fun diversion that will tide them over until spring by gifting them an indoor grow kit, said Echter. For example, a seed sprouter or growing mat will allow your loved one to grow fresh sprouts and microgreens in the windowsill.
“A lot of people like growing their own food and, obviously, at this time of year we can’t really do that outside,” said Echter. “The sprouting seeds are super easy and quick — they’re ready in just a few weeks.”
Similarly, if your gardener loves the earthy, umami-packed flavors of fungi, a mushroom-growing kit might be right up their alley, Echter said.
Denver Botanic Gardens membership
Gardeners don’t just love tending to their own plots. They also find plenty of joy in strolling through other carefully curated landscapes.
Margo Wanberg, a beekeeper and the co-owner of , said an annual membership to the might just be “the most underrated yet deeply appreciated present you can give.”
“Itap a gift of enjoyment, education, rejuvenation and inspiration, all wrapped into one,” she said.
Garden-themed cookbook
When harvest season is in full swing, it can be difficult to know exactly what to do with the bountiful veggies and herbs overflowing from the garden. For inspiration, Wanberg recommends “Dishing Up the Dirt: Simple Recipes for Cooking Through the Seasons” (Harper Wave).
Written by Andrea Bemis, a mom and farmer, this cookbook serves up lots of creative ideas for gardening pros and newcomers alike.
“Itap packed with simple recipes that anyone can use to turn garden-fresh produce into tasty meals,” said Wanberg.
Garden-inspired hand soap
Colorado’s dry climate can be tough on gardeners’ hands. A pair of gardening gloves is always a welcome stocking stuffer but, in addition, Wanberg suggested the Flamingo Estate from Miller Lane Mercantile in Denver. (And be prepared, because when you visit this cute shop on Tennyson Street, you’ll probably walk away with at least one or two extra gifts, Wanberg said.)
“It evokes the warm memories of a late-season tomato harvest, while also adding a charming touch to any counter with its beautiful bottle,” she said.
Pruners
From trimming to deadheading to end-of-season clean-up, pruners are one of the most versatile and useful tools in the garden. And while your gardener probably already has a pair, you can never have too many pruners. They’re also relatively affordable and small enough to fit into a stocking.
“I was gifted a truly high-quality pair last year,” Wanberg said, “and they made my spring cleaning a breeze.”
