As we head into the final weeks before the holidays, we'd be remiss if we didn't suggest some of our favorite gardening tools as possible gifts for the gardeners in your life. We've used almost all of these and we love them. Everything here is available for purchase at the Southwest Gardener shop, 2809 N 15th Ave. Phoenix, AZ. Some are also available online. Just click on the image.

First on the list is the Circle Hoe. This little tool is perfect for weeding in rough, hard-t0-reach spots. It's lightweight and sharp.

Next, we love the Kitchen Compost Holder. This handy bucket holds several days worth of food scraps, tea bags and coffee grounds so you don't have to trudge out to the compost pile every night. It's tidy, fits inside a kitchen cabinet and the filter blocks odors.

Snip-its make deadheading and trimming flower stems a snap. Just pop them on to your thumb and index finger and you've turned your hands into razor-sharp scissors. Kitchen gardeners will use them to trim fresh herbs.

This handsome Copper Rain Gauge is an attractive way to measure rainfall. When water flows into the blue tube it floats up to show water accumulation. We know, we know, we live in a desert, but honestly, next to the heat all we talk about is rain. A great gift for dads.

Indoor plant enthusiasts will appreciate a Moisture Meter. This easy to use device helps determine the watering needs of potted plants.

You know what all gardeners appreciate? Gloves. They can never have enough. Our favorites are the West County gloves with their sturdy palms and velcro wrist closure. West County also makes a glove with long gauntlet sleeves that protect arms from thorny roses, trees and bushes.

Stacking joints are a thoughtful gift for anyone ready to build a raised garden. These eco-friendly joints are the corners for any shape garden bed and allow you to build a garden to your desired height. Just add the timber and fill in with soil.

If you're stumped, you can't go wrong with an
Adjustable Rake, an easy-to-use Composter, Plant Nannies and Ollas. Plant Nannies and Ollas have become customer favorites when it comes to watering systems. Or consider giving a gift certificate to one of our expert gardening classes. There are sessions on growing tomatoes, herbs and keeping chickens.

If you're trying to grow a young gardener, consider this child-sized kit with six tools, a watering can and a brightly colored bag to carry it all. You'll get lots of help and your child learns the pleasures of gardening with you. The perfect gift!

Call us with any questions 602.279.9510 or e-mail us at info@southwestgardener.com

Happy Holidays!