5 gadgets I'm buying this summer to grow my green thumb (and they're all discounted)
Source: ZDNet
I’ve never been great at keeping plants alive—every houseplant I’ve owned has eventually wilted, and I completely forgot to winterize the herb garden I tended last summer. This year I’m determined to change that and grow my green thumb, and I’m counting on a few handy gadgets (all on sale for Memorial Day) to help me succeed.
Best Memorial Day garden deals
Clip‑on grow light
I have a money tree in a dim corner of my living room, so I tried a clip‑on LED grow light. It snaps onto the pot edge, features a flexible gooseneck, and offers an automatic timer (3, 6, or 12 hours) plus four brightness levels, ensuring the plant gets enough light without being scorched. My money tree is thriving, and I plan to use more of these lights for other houseplants.
Soil moisture meter with app
I tend to over‑ or under‑water my plants, so a moisture meter that plugs into the pot or soil is a lifesaver. It provides real‑time readings of soil moisture and air temperature, and the companion app offers planting guidelines for common species such as aloe vera, ivy, and ficus, including optimal temperature and moisture benchmarks.
Stand‑up weed removal tool
Weeds have become my biggest enemy. This stand‑up tool uses two serrated tines that you position over a weed, step down, twist the handle, and pull the weed out. Weighing only about a pound, it lets me tackle ground elder and other invasive plants without straining my back or knees.
Indoor hydroponic garden (AeroGarden)
To protect my herbs from rabbits and chipmunks, I’m adding an indoor hydroponic system. The AeroGarden uses energy‑efficient LED lights and can grow up to six herbs or vegetables simultaneously. The adjustable light rises up to a foot as plants grow, and seed‑pod kits eliminate the need for soil.
Smart sprinkler system
Living in the Midwest means unpredictable weather, so a smart sprinkler that adapts to local conditions is essential. It offers five watering frequency options (daily, odd/even days, interval, custom) and can sync with weather, soil moisture, and temperature data via its app. The timer can delay watering by 1–30 days during rain or increase it during drought, preventing over‑ or under‑watering of outdoor plants.