Jun 28, 2025
34 Budget-Friendly Garden Essentials Under $50
We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of
We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
A 3D-printed nozzle that'll turn any milk jug into a water can = genius.
BuzzFeed Staff
Garsum is a small business!
Promising review: "I started some seeds indoors and started to notice lots of little flying gnats in the soil. These sticky traps are great, they worked just as I had hoped. I have ordered my second pack. They are keeping the gnat population in check. My seedlings aren't overrun with these little nuisances anymore. I'm sure they will work just as well outside." —Amazon Customer
Get an 18-pack from Amazon for $6.99+ (available in three shapes and six different pack sizes).
This device uses scent-free repellent mats using naturally occurring repellents found in plants to rid of mosquitoes.
Promising review: "I never write reviews, but I had to for this! The mosquitoes in Texas have been horrible this year. I couldn’t sit outside for a minute without being swarmed. I didn’t really think this would work very well because of the low cost. However, It Works amazingly! Seriously! Even a red wasp came right up to it this morning and flew away! I’ll be ordering refills. It even got wet in a storm last night. I let it dry out. I figured I had ruined it, but it still works fine!" —Julie
Get it from Amazon for $15.41+ (available in 11 colors and in sets of two).
Made with a bamboo handle and powder-coated steel, it uses a simple lever system to make weeding easy. Grampa's Weeder is a small business!
Promising review: "Oh my god, I friggin' love this tool. I bought this on a whim, given that we bought our first house and know nothing about caring for a yard. Boy, has it come in handy. Our new house had a ton of weeds in the front yard, and this tool helped me get most of them out in no time. In fact, the process of yanking out the weed was strangely satisfying! I don't think anyone can say that weeding is fun, but this tool made it as close to fun as you can get, especially when you see a long root along with the weed you pulled." —JG
Get it on Amazon for $39.99.
Garden Guru is a small business that sells lawn and garden tools.
BuzzFeed editor Sally Elshorafa tried this out! She said, "After moving to the East Coast, I quickly learned that the stone pathways around my home are basically a spa retreat for moss and weeds. The cracks collect moisture, trap organic debris, and offer *just* enough shelter to help unwanted greenery flourish, especially with all the shade and rain we get. I didn't want my outdoor space to turn into a jungle, so I grabbed this tool and got to work. It's weirdly satisfying — kind of like flossing, but for your stone paths. The bent tip slides right into the cracks and pulls weeds out from the root, which helps keep them from coming back anytime soon. I've used it on my pathways, driveway, and anywhere else something tries to sprout where it shouldn't. The handle is comfortable, and it doesn't take much effort to use. It's quickly becoming one of my favorites. If you've got hardscaping, you need this in your toolkit."
Get it from Amazon for $16.95.
Promising review: "These plant supports each consist of two semi circles that fit together to encircle the plant. I have two snake plants that are getting taller and needed support. These plant stakes are working perfectly. They can easily be inserted into the soil to the desired height, and the green color obscures their appearance. My plants look prettier and stronger now that they are standing tall." —A.Consumer
Get a pack from Amazon for $15.99+ (available in two sizes).
Promising review: "I use this on so many of my plants — indoors and out. Outside in spring, this holds iris blooms off the ground when the buds are too heavy for the stems to hold up. After blooming, it holds all the leaves back so nearby plants can get some sun. It holds my heavy monstera leaves up and the aerial roots close to the moss pole. When you give pothos vines something to climb up, the leaves will grow bigger and faster, and this works so great for that purpose. Best of all-it somewhat blends in, and it’s gentle on stems and aerial roots. I will continue to buy this every time I run out. Absolutely recommended!" —Christina Johnson
Get it from Amazon for $5.91+ (available in seven sizes).
Promising review: "Lovely colorful flower pots. Perfect size to hold a single flower, and they add such a nice pop of color to my yard. Very easy to hang up, no hardware required! I’m getting a lot of compliments on them. I bought several sets and planted bright flowers in them. I have them lining the inside of my yard and on the front of the house. They add a lot of cheer and homeyness for a simple and cheap project." —Maegan
Get a 10-pack from Amazon for $18.59+ (available in multicolor, black, or white).
Reviewers mention it's worth using this product with a water hammer arrester.
Promising review: "These timers have been around for a long time. My dad used them for his garden for years without any issues. The batteries last a long time in these things as well. I’m able to program what days of the week to water, how frequently (every 12 hours or twice a day), and how long to water each time. Then just leave the faucet on and you’re good to go. If you want to do another watering on hot days or use the hose for another purpose, just click the manual button to trigger a manual watering; no need to disconnect." —Taylor
Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in quantities of one, two, three, and ten).
Promising review: "Seriously SAVED my flowers from burning UP! It was so Hot this summer 2022, I was exhausted from going outside manually watering them! Best find!!!" —313Peach
Get it from Amazon for $12.99+ (available in five sizes and in packs of two).
It also comes with a measuring stick called a dibbler that pushes down the dirt to the correct depth for you to drop your seeds. The holes are color-coded to let you know exactly where to plant seeds of different varieties.
Promising review: "Love this thing! I have been gardening for a while, and this takes all of the guesswork out of spacing. I used this for the first time this spring, using the planting chart/guide, and it has worked out perfectly. I have had little to no weeds (I mean, come on, you're gonna get some weeds). Planting per the Seed Square will, for the most part, choke out the weeds, while promoting growth for the plants. I even used this to plant growing plants, and not just seeds. Just put the square on the ground, used the stick to mark the spot, and dug a hole where it was marked. Simple enough. Would highly recommend. Super easy!" —Jennifer Geisel
Get it from Amazon for $29.95.
Rockin K Creations Shop is a family-owned small business based Lemont, Illinois.
Promising review: "Beautiful and very well made! They fit in my hand and are very comfortable to use. It looks amazing in my garden tote next to my other wooden tools!! Will purchase more as gifts!" —Kimberly B
Get it from Rockin K Creations Shop for $19.88 (available in six material sizes).
Promising review: "This tool is awesome and it lasts a long time for trimming around your plants. I love it and recommend it for anyone who needs to trim around their plants and/or vegetable trees. Mine is a banana tree and was not kept trimmed around it, but after getting this tool, I'm able to trim around without damaging or making a mess around it." —IC
Get it from Amazon for $37.99 (available in three colors).
Promising review: "I have a standard weeding tool (long, slim metal tool with a forked tip and wood handle) that would bend when I put too much force on it or plunged it in the ground too deep to dig out those monster weed roots. I was looking for something sturdier.
It feels very solid in my hand with no flex or give when I plunge it into the ground and pry up on it. The photos show me using it on a large agave I removed; the serrated edge was perfect for cutting the fibrous roots and quickly dislodging dirt from within the root ball back into the hole for replanting. It will similarly perform well when removing new plants from larger pots; it will easily break up the soil for planting. I plan to get years of use out of it." —Martin
Get it from Amazon for $22.10.
Promising review: "Added this to my new pallet planter and urn for the first time. I’m pleased with how much it absorbs water and expands, holding moisture. I’m hoping it lasts the season. We will see 👀👍🏻 I’ll be adding it to my other planters as well." —Jennifer J- Ace Of Space
Get it from Amazon for $11.42.
Promising review: "Decided to give these spikes a try, and let me tell you my azaleas are the star of my garden right now. The blooms are bigger, the pink is brighter, and the blooms last way longer. Typically, they bloom and they fall off quicker than you can get to cut and make a beautiful bouquet out of them. The blooms have been popping open wider and wider, and it’s been three weeks now. I will definitely buy this again. The pic to the left shows the blooms from two years ago, and the second one is this year." —KWheatle
Get a 12-pack from Amazon for $12.99 (also available for fruit and citrus).
Promising review: “We purchased this to fill some patches in our backyard that were damaged by our puppy. Works like a charm. The one caveat is that you really do have to water it a bit every day. Once it takes off though, it grows pretty quickly! Within one week of planting this, we had 1-inch long grass blades. One month later, all the patches are gone. Highly recommended!” —Jessica N.
Get it from Amazon for $16.44.
Promising review: "I needed something to keep the dog out of my small vegetable garden but still allowed me easy access to step into the garden to harvest. Since I'm older, these work really well because I can easily remove one panel, walk in, pick my produce, walk out, and place the panel back. Let's me in, keeps the dog out. More expensive but looks better and is easier than using chicken wire." —Toni
Get it from Amazon for $26.97+ (available in three pack sizes).
Note: You have to poke a hole in the handle of the jug as a vent so the water can flow through freely. Granny Geeks is a small business based in Oxford, Georgia that sells a variety of 3D-printed items.
Promising review: "I love the idea, the actual product, and the seller who stands behind it. Quick shipping and the tips the seller sent me were very helpful. I very much enjoyed the handmade shipping box that sends the message of 'recycling' very well." —Akeha
Get it from Granny Geeks for $5.99 (available in three colors).
Promising review: "I used this in the spring to fill out our lawn more, and it worked great! I was worried because I feel like you always hear grass seed horror stories, but I just raked our lawn good, spread seeds all over, and watered it once (sometimes twice) per day, and it filled the lawn in beautifully!" —Mariah
Get it from Amazon for $16.44+ (available in five sizes and multipacks).
Promising review: "I purchased these as a gift for my mother who gardens extensively. She thanked me again for them today, declaring that these were the best pruners she has ever owned (she has been at it for over 50 years). She cuts the branches off her trees and shrubs, then further trims them into small sections to fit in the recycle trash bags. It is her great joy to work in the yard made even my pleasant through the use of these pruners." —A. Kelly
Get it from Amazon for $13.94+ (available in three styles).
Promising review: "Light, easy to use for pruning my trees, but sturdy. Pruning is effortless. So well-engineered. I can't recommend these enough. And they're affordable. My favorite garden tool now. I don't like heavy tools that I can't maneuver or hurt my hands. This is perfect." —Patsy
Get them from Amazon for $24.95+ (available in five styles).
Promising review: "If you're like me, I typically ditch the gloves when I'm weeding because I can't get a good hold on the smaller weeds. Not with these gloves! They help me dig up those small weeds quickly. I thought I'd have a hard time picking things up because of the claws, but no. They make weeding so much quicker, and save my nails and hands in the process." —MomOfR&D
Get them from Amazon for $6.96+ (available in three colors and in a set of two).
My Little Belleville is a small business based in Salt Lake City, Utah, that sells kitchenware, stationery, and other home goods.
Promising review: "Such a fun way to add more of a thrill into our gardening skills. One set was for my daughter and one for a friend who shares the green thumb phenomenon. Adorable designs." —Barbara
Get them from My Little Belleville for $18.40 (available in 10 styles).
NOMPI Gloves is a woman-owned small business based in New Jersey that makes garden gloves extra-long sleeves!
BuzzFeed Home and Garden editor Sally Elshorafa owns and loves these, "OK, I seriously love these. The nitrile glove attached to the sleeve is thin enough that I can actually feel what I'm doing, but thick enough that it won't get punctured. It's been heating up where I live, and instead of throwing on a long-sleeve shirt to protect my arms, I just slide these on, and they feel so much better! The sleeves are 100% cotton, so they're breathable and lightweight. And the fun pattern? Just an extra little bonus I didn't know I needed."
Promising review: "Made well. Great idea. I don’t need expensive leather things. I get a lot of use out of these, picking berries and trimming prickly bushes!" —Amy
Get it from NOMPI Gloves on Etsy for $19.99.
Created by Nature is a small business!
Promising review: "Planted a handful of the seeds in our front lawn area. Few months later, and we had a spectacular color array. Great flowers!" —Shane
Get it from Amazon for $14.99.
Seed Needs is a family-owned small business in Michigan that makes seed packets.
Promising review: "I bought this package hoping to attract butterflies. It did not disappoint. I have the opposite of a green thumb, and this was super easy. I couldn't tell you the names of any flowers, but we have at least six different types. I overseeded a smaller area, so I will probably make the area larger or only do half the seeds next year. We can go outside at any time and see our beautiful flowers and SO many butterflies! 10/10" —Tesa Taylor
Get it from Amazon for $5+ (available in four mixes and two sizes).
Each pack includes 1,300+ seeds consisting of zucchini, eggplant, beet, pumpkin, butternut squash, cabbage, bok choy, cauliflower, broccoli, rapini rabe, celery, cucumber, kohlrabi, radish, bell pepper, cayenne pepper, okra, Brussels sprout, beefsteak tomato, and cherry tomato.
Promising review: "I purchased it for my mother as a gift and I absolutely love the product. Huge variety and very affordable price! The package looks great and each seed bag is individually labeled along with a QR that takes you directly to all the information you need pertaining to that type of vegetables. Love it." —V. G
Get it from Amazon for $17.99+ (available in varieties of 15, 20, and 25 seeds).
Promising review: "Lots of deer. I wouldn’t have any flowers without Liquid Fence!! Thank you. I’ve been using your product for many, many years. Best product on the market!!" —Phyllis
Get it from Amazon for $23.47 (available in liquid or granules and in different sizes).
Joyful Dirt is a small business based in Portland, Oregon making organic, all-purpose plant food since 2013.
Promising review: "I never write reviews but had to share what a great find this was! I have routinely killed every living plant I've ever brought home. Joyful Dirt has completely changed that. All my plants look full and healthy with little to no effort on my part! I am so amazed that for teacher gifts this year, I am giving terrariums and will include a shaker of Joyful Dirt to go with each. If you have any trouble keeping plants alive, this is the solution." —KB13
Get a bottle from Amazon for $22.95+ (also available in three additional sizes/styles).
Promising review: "These are the best knee pads I have ever used. They allow me stay on my knees for an extended period of time without getting uncomfortable. I have worn them for 9-hour working days without any issues with fit, adjustment, or comfort. They have great cushioning and are very comfortable, but in my opinion what really makes them better than most other knee pads on the market is the fact that they have two adjustable straps with slip buckles instead of one of the straps being Velcro. —Shannon Huett
Get them from Amazon for $28.49+ (available in two additional styles).
Promising review: "This is great for the garden. Keeps my knees out of the stickers and the padding is very comfortable, helps me get up and down — easy to maneuver around the garden and in between the rows. Haven't tried sitting on it but i'm heavy and this feels very sturdy under me. Pockets deep enough for tools and seed packets, easy to remove and wash if necessary." —Cpt Dragon
Get it from Amazon for $28.99+ (available in five additional styles).
Northern Cactus Co. is a small business that sells gardening tools and bags.
Promising review: "This tool pack slaps! I got this as a Father’s Day gift for my husband and he LOVES it! Will buy from this shop again." —Taylor Drouhard
Get it from Northern Cactus Co. on Etsy for $39.99.
ModParty is a small business based in Tustin, California that primarily sells customizable bridesmaid gifts.
Promising review: "Just the right size! super cute hat that I use, along with a mosquito net, to keep bugs out of my face while gardening. The rim of this cute hat is a bonus! I am a plant lady!" —Shelby Ballard
Get it from ModParty for $9.68+ (available in three styles).
Promising review: "I bought a new home in the woods and haven’t really gardened before. The previous owners already had a very impressive garden. Being new to the scene, I wanted to learn as much as possible to keep my garden beautiful, fresh, and healthy. This book has everything a first-timer like myself could need. From plans, designs, sowing, pruning, etc. I was also excited about the fruit and vegetable section, as I plan to grow my own. I definitely recommend the Complete Gardener’s Guide book. It just arrived today and I’ve been flipping through bunny earring pages all night. Excited to prune my rose bushes tomorrow after reading the section on them." —QueenJ
Get it from Amazon for $24.24+ (also available in a spiral-bound option).
Some reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
Promising reviewThese sticky traps are great, they worked just as I had hoped. I have ordered my second pack. They are keeping the gnat population in check. My seedlings aren't overrun with these little nuisances anymore.Promising review:Promising review:In fact, the process of yanking out the weed was strangely satisfying! I don't think anyone can say that weeding is fun, but this tool made it as close to fun as you can getIt's weirdly satisfying — kind of like flossing, but for your stone paths. Promising review:I have two snake plants that are getting taller and needed support. These plant stakes are working perfectlyPromising review:When you give pothos vines something to climb up, the leaves will grow bigger and faster, and this works so great for that purpose.Promising review:I’m getting a lot of compliments on them.They add a lot of cheer and homeyness for a simple and cheap project.Promising review: I’m able to program what days of the week to water, how frequently (every 12 hours or twice a day), and how long to water each time.Promising review:Promising review:this takes all of the guesswork out of spacingPlanting per the Seed Square will, for the most part, choke out the weeds, while promoting growth for the plants.Promising review: Promising review:I love it and recommend it for anyone who needs to trim around their plants and/or vegetable trees.Promising review: It feels very solid in my hand with no flex or give when I plunge it into the ground and pry up on it. Promising reviewPromising review: The blooms have been popping open wider and wider, and it’s been three weeks now.Promising review:Promising review:Promising review:Promising reviewI just raked our lawn good, spread seeds all over, and watered it once (sometimes twice) per day, and it filled the lawn in beautifully!Promising review:Promising review:Promising review:I thought I'd have a hard time picking things up because of the claws, but no.Promising review:Promising review:Promising review: Promising reviewPromising reviewHuge variety and very affordable price!Promising review: Promising review:All my plants look full and healthy with little to no effort on my part!Promising review:They have great cushioning and are very comfortable, but in my opinion what really makes them better than most other knee pads on the market is the fact that they have two adjustable straps with slip buckles instead of one of the straps being VelcroPromising review:Keeps my knees out of the stickers and the padding is very comfortable, helps me get up and down Promising review:Promising review:Promising review:This book has everything a first-timer like myself could need.
