That perfect gift is…
seeds.
(grins)
This is no surprise to any gardener. We love seeds.
Gifts (Seeds) For A Newer Gardener
If you are buying a gift for a newer gardener, Dollar Store Seeds are an AWESOME and economical choice!
These are the seeds the Dear Wonderful Hubby and I use (for crops we can’t easily harvest our own seeds from) and we have fabulous results.
The seed selection at Dollar Stores often consists of the core vegetables gardeners grow also!
These are the tried and true crops, the most popular crops, and the specific kinds offered are usually the most sought after kinds.
There are a gazillion types of tomatoes, for example. Selecting one can be daunting.
The tomato seeds offered at the Dollar Store, however, are often the most popular and successful types. The research has been done for you.
Gifts (Seeds) For A More Established Gardener
If you are buying a gift for an experienced gardener and your budget is a little bigger, consider seeds for a less core vegetable from a big box store or gardening center.
These are often around $2.99 for a packet.
An established gardener likely has their seeds for the basic core crops. They know what they like in those crops and they are…fairly picky about those seeds.
But they likely want to try growing OTHER types of vegetables and flowers.
A variation on a herb is often a safe yet fun choice.
I, for example, have a gazillion seeds for basic mint. But I REALLY want seeds for chocolate mint. Like…really, REALLY. I heard it both smells and tastes a bit like peppermint patties.
In the mint family alone, there’s apple mint, pineapple mint, grapefruit mint, and other super interesting variations.
Basil is another great choice. There are a gazillion types of basil and it isn’t a perennial like mint. Gardeners usually have to keep buying seeds for these variations.
Can You Choose The ‘Wrong’ Seeds?
Don’t worry about getting the ‘wrong’ seeds.
Most gardeners trade seed packets like they’re Pokémon cards.
(grins)
“I’ve got a packet of magic carpet thyme. Do you have any chocolate mint?”
Seriously. It is a lot of fun for us!
Dollar Store varieties are usually traded for similarly common varieties, however.
Which is why you want, if at all possible, to give your experienced gardener a more unique variety.
That way, if it is something they’re not-at-all interested in growing (this is rare but it does happen), the seeds have greater trading value and your gardener can more easily obtain the seeds they ARE interested in.
Presenting The Seeds
Once you have the packet of seeds, stick it in a cute yet functional pot from the Dollar Store and you’re good to go!
You have a sure-to-be appreciated, interesting, low cost gift for your green thumb-sporting loved one!
Your gardener might prefer one of those super inexpensive compostable pots, especially if they are an experienced gardener. We are always running out of these. (sheepish grin)
Compostable pots are often a bit plain. If you want to decorate yours in bright, happy colors, customizing it a bit for your loved one, consider using garden-safe paints.
Here in Canada, most of the paints created for kids are safe enough for the garden because…well…kids tend to eat paint. (grins) So manufacturers have to ensure their paints are edible. (They are usually not great tasting but they ARE edible).
Give A Variation On This EVERY Year
Now, you might be saying, “But Cynthia, I gave a gift like this to my gardening loved one last year.”
My friend, if I received this gift from every single loved one every single year but with different seed packets in the compostable pots, I would be SUPER happy.
Yep, gardeners are THAT easy to buy gifts for.
(smiles)
