Solutions For When Good Garden Accessories Go Bad

Every season I have a gardening disaster of some kind. No kidding. Every experienced gardener that I know has the same issue – hoses rip, tools break, watering systems clog, plants die, and the list goes on. Above you see a temporary solution I had to rig up during the mid-July extreme drought of 2012 when my sprayer clogged and I could not get it off the hose. Watering via ripped hose worked just fine.

Below are a few resources for you which might help when your garden accessories go hay-wire:

1. Maintenance – First rule – maintain your tools and garden accessories. Preventative maintenance makes a big difference in the lifespan of your garden products.
2. Repair – When a tool breaks, you can often get it repaired locally. Some independent lawnmower repairmen will sharpen tools and make repairs for you at a low price.
3. Free – If you do not have a budget to buy a new tool, then search for and list your needs on Freecycle.org and Craigs List. Both are fantastic resources for free garden accessories.
4. Friends – Contact friends and ask if you can have a plant when they divide their perennials – it’s a great way to replace dead plants mid-season.
5. Discount – Ebay has an unlimited listing of garden tools, hoses, and other accessories. You might have to pay for the items, but you can find it for a significantly reduced price.
6. Sale – Oft times I can buy something, but cannot afford to pay full price. Personally ask a garden center manager if he will lower the price a bit for you. You might be surprised at how often this works.