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Cheap Garden Shelter Ideas – 10 Outdoor Garden Shelters

By Sarwat Rehman

All is well with a little rain and shine- but when the weather gets rough, you’re often left worrying about your carefully decorated garden. So to avoid unnecessary damage to your plants, outdoor patio sets, and other furniture, it’s best to set up a garden shelter.

Why Are Garden Shelters Useful?

Garden shelters offer a degree of protection that can be crucial to saving your plants from being scorched by the sun or torn apart by harsh winds. Plus, you don’t want your potted plants to die because you missed a weather forecast and didn’t bring them indoors, right?

Also Read: Best Wine Bottle Fountain Ideas – 5 Amazing Fountains to Style Garden

Are Garden Shelters Costly?

A luxurious wooden garden shelter built by professionals can be very expensive, costing you thousands of dollars in both materials and labor.

Thankfully, you don’t have to worry a lot as there are a few cheap garden shelter ideas that protect your potted plants and outdoor furniture from harsh sunlight and rain and give you much-needed privacy in your garden- all while being light on your wallet.

All you need is a creative mind and some DIY tips and tricks, which we’ve mentioned below.

10 Cheap Garden Shelter Ideas

1.      Parasols

Parasol is easily the most affordable shelter you can provide for your plants, garden chairs, tables, etc.- not to mention how convenient it is to set one up.

Adding parasols to your garden will cost you around $20-50. They are very efficient and can provide shade and shelter to smaller spaces and dining areas.

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Unfortunately, there are some cons when it comes to using parasols. One of those is that parasols are lightweight- meaning that while they provide ample shade, they’re prone to be damaged by the rain and can be blown away by strong winds.

It’s good to keep this in mind when setting up parasols, especially if you live in windy areas that require plants to be sheltered from damage by the air pressure.

2.      Sail Shade

Another budget-friendly outdoor shelter idea for your garden is adding a sail shade. It’s a simple and convenient option that does a great job providing a cover for your plants and furniture.

Sail shades are available in many different materials, the best being a high-density PVC fabric. They’re also waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about getting soaked in the rain.

Another thing that makes sail shades a cheap yet reliable option is the larger coverage area. You can put most of your potted plants here or set up a rest area.

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Sail shades also have more stability than a parasol and can stay upright even when facing harsh wind or rain. These shades are held with ropes. This is possible only when the ropes are tied tightly to a steady structure, so keep that in mind when you DIY.

Plus, sail shades are portable and can be easily carried on outdoor camping trips. Talk about extra functionality!

Also Read: How to Keep Rabbits out of Garden without a Fence – 9 Natural Ways

3.      Pop Up Gazebos

Don’t you think a parasol or sail shade will fit your garden aesthetic? Need a different inexpensive shelter idea? Then try installing a pop-up gazebo!

Pop-up gazebos come in various lengths and designs and can cost around $150-500, depending on the material. Not only does it provide great shelter, but it also can make your garden look a lot more refined.

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Pop gazebos are more stable and versatile than parasols and can be decorated in various ways. Gazebos give you the freedom to express your creativity and use your decor skills to make a place that’s the most comfortable and cozy for you.

Keep reading to get an idea of how you can spruce up your pop-up gazebo or any other sheltered space.

●      Dining Area

You can keep your pop-up gazebo simple and turn it into an outdoor dining area. Setting up a dining area will allow you to catch up with your friends and family over a nice meal.

Add a small table with some chairs and a few lights to brighten the area, and you’ll have the perfect small space to have a relaxing time with your friends and family.

●      Pop-Up Theatre

Watching movies in your bedroom during sleep hours can be boring, right? So instead of staying indoors, you can turn your pop gazebo into a pop-up theatre.

Hang up some fairy lights, throw in some cushions and blankets, grab some popcorn, and voila! Just like that, you have a cozy space for yourself and your friends to relax. 

Overall, the pop-up gazebo is a great low-budget choice to add a small shelter to your garden.

4.      Metal Gazebos

Metal Gazebos are semi-permanent metal structures with a canopy designed to last for a long time. They’re best suited for people looking for a stylish yet durable shade for their garden.

Additionally, metal gazebos are more decorative and sleek than pop-up gazebos because of their metal structure and rooftop.

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The rooftop of a metal gazebo is probably its main attraction; you can have a pointed roof, a gazebo with curtains, an octagonal rooftop, a metal lattice structure, etc. It will definitely energize your garden. They’re perfect for sheltering your garden or your furniture.

Building a metal gazebo requires a certain degree of skill and can be time-consuming, but once it’s done, you don’t have to worry about the metal frame. It’s definitely worth the hard work.

5.      Playhouse

Setting up a playhouse for your kids will give them a shaded place while they play outside. Playhouse is customizable; you can build it differently, like adding slides or a swing.

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You can even use your kids’ creativity and let them paint it. Usually, a playhouse uses wood as its make-up material, but if you’re on a low budget or don’t have the skill or time to make a wooden playhouse, there are tent-like playhouses available as well, and setting that up doesn’t require that much hard work or skill.

6.      Event Shelter

Event shelter is yet another budget-friendly shelter option for you. It’s great for outdoor activities like camping as it’s made with lightweight material like polyester, making them really easy to transport and carry along with you.

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Once you purchase a quality shelter, it only takes around 15 minutes to set up, including everything from assembling the poles to securing the sheets with velcro strips.

7.      Marquee

Marquees are similar to pop-up gazebos but are larger in size and offer more stability.

These are best suited for big events. If you want to have a wedding or a birthday celebration at your home but don’t want to spend a lot of money booking a venue, adding a marquee to your garden is the ideal solution.

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Adding one of these can cost you around $30-100 with a capacity of around 500 people, compared to renting a venue that can cost you thousands of dollars.

Also Read: 13 Fantastic Gifts for Organic Gardeners

8.      Seated Arbour

If you have limited garden space, a seated arbor is the correct option. It’s a permanent structure with a hooded seated area, mostly a bench with a built-in roof. Seated arbors are great at providing shelter and offering a private space for your ‘Me Time.’

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Once it’s set up, a seated arbor can stay up all year long, requiring a fresh layer of paint every so often.

9.      Wooden Canopies

Wooden canopies are your best bet if you’re looking for a sheltered space exclusively to protect your potted plants from rain and extra sunlight.

These canopies are really cheap and easy to set up, offering excellent protection for your potted plants.

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However, it comes with a con. Since it’s wood, after enduring multiple rainfalls, you will start to see water damage and eventually have to change the canopy. Otherwise, it’s a great option to shelter your plants.

10. Patio Awning

Patio awning has arguably the most versatile options for you to choose from. It’s a simple outdoor roofing solution and can be installed in several ways. It’s very flexible in shapes, sizes, and budgets as well.

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To decorate, you can hang colorful plants and add your potted greens near the entrance. You can also get a fully shaded patio cover and revamp it into a dining area. You can even add a hanging chair or hammock to make the area comfier and more pleasing for the guests.

Conclusion – Cheap Garden Shelter Ideas

If you’re passionate about gardening and want to provide a shelter for your plants and make your outdoor space not-so-boring and plain, these cheap garden shelter ideas are the best options. They are light on the pocket, can easily be DIY-ed, and take little to no time. If you want to make your garden look a lot more polished, you should think about adding one of these outdoor shelters to the space.

Read Also

  1. What is the Best Time to Repair Lawn Patches? 6 Classy Steps to Repair
  2. Kids Gardening Gloves: 9 Best Kids Gardening Gloves to Buy
  3. 13 Fantastic Gifts for Organic Gardeners

13 Fantastic Gifts for Organic Gardeners

By Sarwat Rehman

Do you have an exciting birthday or anniversary coming up soon? Is the person a gardening enthusiast? Are you unsure of what useful gardening-related item to gift? Well, then you’ve come to the right place! Here are 13 items that make amazing gifts for organic gardeners.

1. Gardening Books

If you’re looking for a gift that’ll be highly appreciated and cherished by your gardening enthusiast friends and family members- one they’ll keep close at hand and use frequently, then you should give them a gardening book. Every gardener dreams of having a library of books that reference everything from basic seed sprouting to specialty fruits, veggies, and ornamental plants.

Now it’s hard to pick a helpful gardening book from hundreds of options if you’re not a gardening enthusiast. So to help you out, we’ve listed some popular must-have gardening books.

  • Bringing Nature Home by Douglas Tallamy. This book is focused on informing gardeners about the world beyond pretty flowers and basic vegetables- it discusses the importance of native plants and how they help sustain wildlife.
  • Botany for Gardeners by Brian Capon. It covers basic botany in an understandable and enjoyable-to-read way. Plant growth, functions, reproduction, etc., are discussed with colorful illustrations.
  • Starter Vegetable Gardens by Barbara Pleasant. The book explains garden layouts, watering, pest control, etc., for beginner organic gardeners in a concise manner using illustrations as well.

2. Gardening Gloves – Best Gifts for Organic Gardeners

Another great gift option for anyone who gardens frequently is a pair of durable gardening gloves. A solid pair of gloves will not only protect their hands from pricks and injuries from sharp tools and thorny plants, but it’s an effective way to reduce skin irritation caused by some mulches. It will indeed prove one of the best gifts for organic gardeners.

gifts for organic gardeners

There are a few things to know before finding the best gardening gloves for your friend or family member, though. First, gardening gloves must fit well but shouldn’t be as snug as fashion gloves. There should be ample space between the glove and the top of the fingers.

In addition to this, different glove materials are better suited for different tasks. Leather gloves are ideal for using heavy tools or working with thorny plants. Cotton gloves are great for light gardening work, especially in summers. Traditional gardening gloves made with a combination of materials are durable and more functional.

Plus, do not forget about little hands assisting you in garden chores and gift them best kids gardening gloves on their birthday.

3. Gardening Tools

The best gift you can give to a gardening lover, whether a novice or an expert, is a good pair of gardening tools. Gardening tools can be a shovel, a pair of shears, trimming scissors, or a gardening rake. However, there are a few things that you should keep in mind before making the purchase.

best gifts for gardeners

  • Look for quality material. Stainless steel is the best for gardening tools as it works against the soil and can be cleaned easily. Traditional solid steel tools are the most durable, although they are somewhat heavier. Plastic and aluminum are also good choices as they’re lighter to work with; however, they’re not as durable as the steel ones.
  • Hold the tools in your hand to check the grip. You should always go for the tools with a bigger handle as they’re more comfortable to use.
  • Look for tools with interchangeable heads; they will offer the best assistance because you can change their lengths according to your need.
  • When buying, make sure you pay attention to the length. Shorter tools will lead to bad posture resulting in back pains. However, tools with a decent length will let gardeners work without bending too much.

4. Soil Meter

A soil meter is essential for anyone who manages a sizable organic garden. It measures the soil’s moisture, acidity, and basicity, which are the important factors for plant growth. Soil meters also come in different types. A good soil meter should be able to detect accurate readings while quickly providing results. Here are a few options for you to choose from.

5. Compost Bin

If you’re a person who likes to give a resourceful and practical gift, then a composting bin is the best gift option. A composting bin doesn’t only reduce the impact on the climate, but it also produces a nutrient-packed fertilizer for you. What’s a better gift for someone who prefers organic gardening, right? To help you out, we’ve mentioned a few composting bins below.

gardening gifts - gifts for gardening lovers

6. Bee House

If your friend also enjoys beekeeping and gardening, then a bee house will be the perfect gift for your organic gardener friend. Beehouse is a great option for low-key beekeeping- it’s really easy to install, and you just have to either hang it by a tree or mount it on a wall. There are a few things to note before purchasing a beehouse, though.

gifts for organic gardeners

  • Make sure that the nesting tubes have a variety of holes with differing diameters. That’ll make it accessible to several types of bees. You should look for tubes with holes between 2-15mm in diameter.
  • Tubes should have smooth ends and be free from splinters because you do not want to hurt the bees.
  • Look for a sheltered bee house that can protect the bees from rain and strong winds.
  • Make sure the back of the bee house is strong and sturdy because bees will not use one with both ends open.

7. Bird Feeder

A bird feeder can be a thoughtful and considerable gift for a person who loves a natural garden with native plants and wants to attract various birds. An ideal bird feeder should be able to withstand the weight of squirrels, be easy to assemble and be easy to clean. There are many types of bird feeders available on the market.

  • Tray feeder -attracts the most variety of birds, easy to assemble however, offers no protection to seeds from rain due to which they may sprout and can foster bacterial growth.
  • Hopper house feeder -does a decent job at protecting the seeds, attracts the most feeder birds, and is also great for feeding squirrels.
  • Window feeders -plastic feeders that can be attached to the window, really easy to clean and set up, and the feed can easily be accessed by the birds.

8. Succulents

When it comes to choosing decorative gifts for gardening hobbyists, you can never go wrong with a succulent. These can be kept outdoors on a patio set and indoors, giving a pop of green to the living room.

gifts for organic gardeners

Succulents come in all sizes, shapes, and colors. They’re hardy, easy to care for, and make for cute decor. Most succulents need to be kept in bright light, but they can survive in the shade if watered less. Some of the easiest succulents to grow at home include Burro’s tails, hens-and-chick, Christmas cactus, jade plant, etc. While organic gardeners may not pay attention to succulents, these add a lot of variety to the space and make perfect gifts.

9. Patio Set

A patio set can be a great gift for someone who has just bought a house. A cozy patio set can revamp an outdoor sitting area. We’ve listed some trendy patio set options that work with any garden aesthetic below.

10. Plant Lights

Providing sufficient light to indoor plants can be hard, so plant lights are the best solution.

gifts for organic gardeners

LED lights are the most common type of plant light available these days. They are quite useful and efficient as they produce a lot of brightness without generating heat. They can be altered to provide a range of light specific to a plant species. They can also be modified to provide several intensities throughout the day.

Fluorescent lights are another type of plant light that’s best for growing plants that thrive in minimum light. They’re also good for growing vegetables indoors. When purchasing fluorescent lights, go for those with narrow tubes- the narrower they are, the more efficient they will be. They’re available in sizes like T5, T8, T12, etc.

Halides are also a good plant light option mainly used for big plants, providing light to a larger area.

11. Seed Sprouter Kits

A seed sprouter kit will make the best gift for a novice gardener. These kits are fun, easy to use and have everything you need to grow plants at home.

garden gifts

They are available in two types- one being a classic soil-based kit and the other being a hydroponic kit. With soil-based kits, you can grow microgreens like buckwheat, cilantro, sunflower, dun pea, etc., while hydroponic kits allow you to grow lettuce, spinach, herbs, and other greens.

It also makes a really thoughtful gift as some sprouts have health benefits and can help with weak eyesight, weight loss, and digestion. They also lower blood sugar for people with diabetes.

12. Sun Hat

Every gardener needs a good wide-brim hat to protect their face, shoulders, and chest from sun damage. Of course, before buying a garden hat as a gift, you need to check the accessory and make sure it’s a comfortable and breathable fit.

gifts for gardeners

One-size-fits-all hats don’t fit all heads, so be sure to invest in a quality hat of the right size. You can get some hats with adjustable sizing too.

Moreover, look for unnatural bits and baubles in the sun hat. These can dig into the scalp, pulling and damaging hair. Plus, as the main goal of a sun hat is to avoid harmful UV rays, be sure to get one with a larger brim (around 2-4 inches). Brims shouldn’t be so big they interrupt the gardening by covering the eyes. UPF hats are great too.

Lastly, to add convenience, get a material that doesn’t collect dirt easily, like a classic straw hat.

13. Collapsible Wheelbarrow

While you likely view wheelbarrows as space-consuming equipment made of compact materials, there’s a convenient kind of wheelbarrow that any organic gardener would love to own, called a collapsible wheelbarrow.

gifts for organic gardeners

This collapsible or folding wheelbarrow uses a cloth-type bed held in place by a steel frame instead of strengthened material. It’s sturdy and very useful for carrying heavy bags of soil or fertilizer.

Conclusion – Gifts for Organic Gardeners

Gardening is a hobby that requires lots of tools, and it’s hard for anyone to buy all these resources and equipment themselves. That’s why any gardening-lover will appreciate the gifts mentioned in our list above. These options all aid in gardening one way or another, making the hobby more fun and enjoyable. So, make a best decision of choosing gifts for organic gardeners and surprise your people.

Why are my Succulents Turning Yellow – 6 Reasons with Solutions

By Sarwat Rehman

It is worth wondering to think ‘Why are my succulents turning yellow?’ and find its causes to deal with the problem.

There are several reasons for succulents turning yellow, and overwatering is the most significant. Similarly, underwatering, unavailability of nutrients, improper light, and insect infestation make succulent stressed, leading to yellow leaves. Above all, natural shedding can also give yellow leaves.

So, don’t let your succulent suffering and find the main issue. Here is every possible reason for succulent leaves to turn yellow with their solution.

Just crosscheck each cause with your plant conditions and trace the main culprit to save the plant. Let’s start!

Why are my Succulents Turning Yellow?

Succulents are diverse plants and can easily adapt to their environment to grow healthy, but not always. Sometimes, succulent leaves turn yellow due to their response to the growth conditions.

Why are my Succulents Turning Yellow
Succulents Turning Yellow

If you do not fix the problem at the start, your whole plant may get affected and become pale.

So, observe your plant and its growing conditions to find the problem. These 6 reasons are most common that make succulents yellow:

Natural Process

Like any plant, succulents grow, produce new leaves, and shed old ones. It is a natural process of leaves dying and also necessary for plants as it requires too much energy to sustain all leaves on the plant. So what happens is, your succulents stop providing nutrients to some leaves, and they turn yellow and eventually fall off.

There is nothing to worry about as it is part of the succulents’ life cycle, and some plants reserve energy for flowering and shed unnecessary leaves.

It also keeps plants healthy by shedding diseased or old leaves and replacing them with new and healthy ones.

All you need to do is help your succulent get rid of these leaves by pulling them off from the stem.

Read Also: Venus Fly Trap Turning Black: 6 Reasons [Top Solutions]

Lack of Nutrients

Succulent leaves can turn yellow due to a lack of nutrients. As soil is the only way for plants to get nutrients, it may become depleted when nutrients are absorbed.

Typically, commercial potting soil comes with added compost or fertilizer in the mix for limited use. Sometimes, soil mixes are not good enough to hold nutritional content, and it runs off with water.

So, mark this point for a significant cause of succulent leaves turning yellow.

How to Treat

Repotting succulents to a new and nutrient-rich soil is the quick solution to deal with this problem.

Ensure the soil can hold nutrients and are readily available to the plant. Similarly, you can also supplement soil with a fertilized blend specifically formulated for cacti or succulents.

Why are my Succulents Turning Yellow
Why Are My Succulents Turning Yellow?

Insufficient light

Succulent light is an important factor in healthy plant growth, and if the plant does not receive plenty of light, it becomes yellow. This is again linked to photosynthesis as it makes plants green. Secondly, you might notice that the succulent may start to grow tall and lean towards a light source along with this yellowing of the leaves.

How to Treat

In order to fix light issues, move your succulents to a place where they can receive a good amount of light.

Remember, exposure to direct light for an extended period can burn the leaves. So, make sure your plant gets at least 3 hours of direct sunlight or 6 to 8 hours of indirect light.

You can also use artificial light or grow lamps to give ideal light to your succulents.

Overwatering

Overwatering is one of the leading causes of succulent yellow leaves, and it may worsen to kill the plant. In an overwatered succulent, the plant root system is constantly exposed to wet soil and can interfere with plants’ ability to take up nutrients and water from the soil.

Consequently, the plant cannot photosynthesize, or you may say the plant is unable to produce energy in the leaves or above-ground parts that lead to the yellowing of the leaves.

So, if you leave this problem untreated, overly wet conditions can cause leaves to fall or upper parts of the succulent to soften and trot.

How to Treat

The easiest way to fix overwatering is to not water plants unless the soil is bone dry. Similarly, instead of frequent watering, go for a soak and dry method to water the soil thoroughly unless it oozes out of the drainage hole. In this situation, make sure to use planters with drainage holes.

At the same, check the soil with a finger test, and do not water your plant if the soil feels wet.

Underwatering

Underwatering is less common, but still, it makes succulent leaves yellow in plants like Portulacaria alfa or Senecio haworthii.

Normally, the succulents receiving a good amount of water are fleshy and healthy, but when the plant is short of water, it shows a sign of underwatering with its yellow leaves.

How to Treat

If underwatering is the cause of your succulent yellow leaves, give it a deep round of watering and set up your watering schedule. If you are a bit forgetful in the watering of plants, you can get the benefit of some technology.

Use Apps for this purpose as they can guide the watering of plants as per weather conditions and give notifications to remind it is watering time.

You can also get the benefit of soil moisture meter, or hygrometer to keep an eye on soil moisture.

Bug Infestation

Succulents are favorite spots of bugs as they feed on their fleshy leaves. They also feed on the new growth of succulents which can cause a significant amount of stress for the plant. As a result of this stress, some leaves turn yellow as the plant tries to conserve its energy.

Typically, succulents are vulnerable to insects such as spider mites, mealy bugs, and fungus gnats. You can find these nasty pests in the nooks and crannies of your succulent in a web-like form that can spread to the entire plant if left untreated.

How to Treat

First, if the insects are visible, go for hand removal, or you can also use a water sprayer. Otherwise, you can also use commercial insecticides or go for home treatments.

When using store-bought insecticide, make sure not to harm the plant and go for safe and organic options. Neem oil also works best to treat bug infestation of plants.

Conclusion – Why are My Succulents Turning Yellow?

Succulents are hardy plants but at the same time can show problems like succulent leaves turning yellow. It could be either due to natural process or other causes like overwatering, underwatering, insufficient light or even insects can make trouble. So, you need to be cautious and figure out the root cause of succulent leaves turning yellow.

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White Spots on Tomato Leaves – 7 Main Reasons + Treatment Plan

By Sarwat Rehman

Seeing white spots on tomato leaves can be concerning for any gardener who has spent months growing the plant, waiting to harvest those beautiful red tomatoes- but what causes these patches?

White spots on leaves are caused by several reasons, including sunburn, insect bite, frostbite, nutritional deficiencies, mold growth, and a fungal disease called powdery mildew. All of these negatively affect the health of your plant and need a prompt treatment course.

Most plant issues can be cured by addressing the root cause and preventing further damage. In this article, we’ll discuss all these problems and their treatments, so your plant remains healthy and grows gorgeous plump tomatoes.

Main Reasons of White Spots on Tomato Leaves – Treatment

white spots on tomato leaves
Tomato Plant Problems

1.      Sunscald

Sunscald or sunburn is a common occurrence when plants are exposed to harsh sunlight for extended periods. Tomato, or any other vegetable leaves, can get sunburnt fast if planted directly under the sun. It’s a mistake a lot of beginner gardeners make- even though tomato plants thrive in the sun, more sunlight is not always necessarily better.

Sunburnt leaves often have white slivers in their center but can appear as patches. It’s more common in young plants and seedlings.

Leaves also look scrunched up when they’re sunburnt, so if you notice an abundance of white and faint green with a wilted-looking leaf, sunlight is the likely culprit. Another way to diagnose a sunburnt plant is by looking at the tomatoes- they will likely have blisters and burns.

In addition to bright sunlight, sunburn can be caused by a sudden change in the plant’s location. Moving a plant usually kept indoors that gets filtered light under the intense sun for a prolonged period can also cause leaves to turn white.

How To Treat It:

Sunburns don’t go away, but they don’t affect healthy plants much. Tomato plants need about 6-9 hours of sunlight a day. Too little and fungus may grow, too much and sunburn may occur. To avoid sunburn blisters, install a shade that allows light to constantly filter through while direct exposure is available for a few hours daily.

If you’re introducing a plant to sunlight, make sure to do it gradually, so the plant has time to adjust instead of a radical change. Plants hate getting blasted by heat and light, no matter how important they are.

2.      Insect Bite

If you’ve found tiny white spots on tomato leaves that are scattered and look cloudy, it may be a stinkbug bite. Stinkbugs don’t attack the leaves only, though, and you will likely find similar spots on the fruit as well.

Other bugs like thrips, spider mites, and aphids might be causing these spots. However, they’re never as active as stinkbugs. Stinkbug bites can also be distinguished by their presence under the leaf and below the tomato’s skin.

How To Treat It:

Insect bites don’t spread, so your only focus should be keeping the bugs away. Instead of buying an insecticide, you can use something like Neem oil or dichotomous earth. A sharp mulch also keeps bugs at bay.

3.      Frostbite

On the other end of the spectrum of sun and heat damage is frostbite. If you live in a cold climate where temperatures can drop well below 5C (40F) in winters, unprotected plans exposed to the atmosphere can get frostbites quickly.

Thankfully, frostbites are never too detrimental to your plant’s health and can be easily spotted. Tomato leaves get frostbite near the vein, where they initially appear white but then turn tan or brown. White ice crystals line the leaves, and the stems appear sunken too. Younger plants are more vulnerable to cold.

white spots on tomato leaves
White Spots on Tomato Plant

How To Treat It:

Frostbite is cured by raising the temperature. You can do this by watering them (yes, it sounds counterintuitive, but it works), providing a covering at night, and using mulch. Also, a little tip is not to prune the plants until temperatures get warmer. That way, the new foliage and growth isn’t affected.

4.      Nutritional Deficiency

An important deciding factor for a plant’s health is the kind of soil and fertilizer you use. Fertilizers and mulches are crucial for a plant to remain healthy and grow those Instagram-worthy tomatoes.

Using a fertilizer that doesn’t fulfill a plant’s nutritional needs can cause its leaves and stem to show white and faint yellow spots. Patchy leaves may be a sign of deficiency of essential minerals like magnesium, potassium, calcium, nitrogen, and phosphorus.

How To Treat It:

Nutritional deficiency can be treated using compost or fertilizer with a balanced nutrient supply. Fertilizers with both nitrogen and phosphorus base are better. Magnesium deficiency can be addressed by using Epsom salt. Calcium can be added by powdered lime mixed with soil. A good source of potassium for your compost is kelp.

5.      Leaf Mold

If the white blotches on your tomato plant leaves are not due to weather, insects, or nutrition, then it’s likely a disease.

One of the most common diseases blighting tomato plants is the tomato leaf mold, caused by a fungus called Passalora fulva, which affects thousands of plants worldwide. It’s mostly present in greenhouses, though it can spread in any climate with high humidity.

Leaf mold can be observed as faint white-yellow patches when the mold is not at the sporulation stage. Once it starts spreading by spores fast, the white often turns brown. In severe cases, it can even affect the fruit. Hence it’s a disease that needs to be addressed quickly.

How To Treat It:

Leaf mold can be treated by pruning affected leaves and using a simple fungicide. Exposure to a good amount of air and sunlight can also treat the issue on its own.

6.      Powdery Mildew

Another cause of tomato plant white leaf spots is powdery mildew, another type of fungal disease. These are the most distinctive white spots that appear as round white blotches. If they persist for a long time, they leave dead tissue behind, turning leaves brown and causing them to wilt.

Powdery mildew is brought by wind and grows at accelerated speeds in high humidity and shady, moist environments. Plants that receive little to no air or sunlight can also be affected by mildew. Consistent mildew growth is facilitated by excessive use of fertilizer and overwatering.

Powdery mildew isn’t known to harm plants significantly, though, and your plant will most likely live. However, it can affect the flavor of tomatoes and significantly reduce your yield.

How To Treat It:

Powdery mildew has two steps to treatment. First is pruning- make sure to get all affected areas removed and properly sanitize your equipment. If more than half the leaves are affected, remove the most severe ones only so your plant can survive.

Second, use a sulfur spray to deter powdery mildew growth quickly. A good home remedy for white spots on tomato leaves caused by mildew is a milk spray- simply mix milk and water in a 2:3 ratio and spray it everywhere. Using Neem oil and vinegar also works.

7.      Late Blight

The last cause of white spots on tomato leaves is late blight. Late blight is also a fungal infection that starts as white spots but is actually a very severe disease. It spreads very fast and causes leaves to turn brown, shrivel up, and die. It also causes dark brown spots on tomatoes and spreads to nearby plants like wildfire.

How To Treat It:

If you spot late blight on tomato, immediately prune the affected parts and discard them. Any leaf or fruit affected will not recover. Do not use pruned parts in compost. Do not bring them in close vicinity to any plant, or late blight will also affect them. Sanitize your pruning tools thoroughly.

Once you’re done pruning, use a fungicide containing copper, maneb, mancozeb, or chlorothalonil. Do not water near the area affected by late blight. Use the fungicide once or twice a week on all plants.

Prevention of White Spots on Tomato Leaves

Now that we’ve addressed all the main reasons why white spots might appear on tomato leaves and their treatment, it’s time to discuss some general measures gardeners should take to avoid all of these issues.

1.      Proper Watering of Plants

Overwatering plants is a leading cause of plant death and promotes fungal growth. Water plants appropriately, depending on humidity and plant size. Don’t water the leaves directly, especially if you’ve dealt with fungus recently. Tomatoes need about 1 gallon (4.5 liters) of water per week.

white spots on tomato leaves
White Spots on Tomato Leaves

2.      Using Mulch

Mulch is essential for proper plant growth. It protects against fungus and pests, retains water, and provides beneficial nutrients. It’s also great for thermoregulation by the plant.

3.      Ensuring Air Circulation

Tomato plants must be 1.5-2 feet apart to ensure proper air circulation. Make sure the plant is not in a confined spot, and there’s not a lot of moisture nearby; otherwise, molds could take over.

4.      Pruning

Regularly pruning wilted parts of the plants can help your plant grow faster and healthier. You should also prune any parts that seem infected (yellow or white spots). Just don’t prune during winters, as your plant can’t grow new foliage when in survival mode.

5.      Rotating Crops

Crops need to be rotated every year or two, and tomatoes are no different. After two spring seasons, you should rotate your tomato crop to avoid weed growth and insecticide-resistant pests. Do not use seeds from infected plants either.

Conclusion – White Spots on Tomato Leaves

There are several reasons why white patches might appear on tomato plant leaves. However, they’re easy to identify and treat using simple measures, like shielding your plant from excessive sunlight, avoiding overwatering, and using quality mulch and fertilizer. Even if your plant is diseased because of fungus, you can save the crop by pruning and using fungicides.

As long as you tend to your plant regularly and notice symptoms like white spots on leaves early, you can protect your plant from damage and wilting.

Kids Gardening Gloves: 9 Best Kids Gardening Gloves to Buy

By Sarwat Rehman

Kids gardening gloves are something kids brag in the garden to fell grown up. They also need protection to cut a vine, collect leaves, or simply water plants in the lawn with their parents or grandparents.

As thorns or other sharp objects remain unidentified and can hurt kids. So, working in gloves is the best way to keep little helpers gardening.

Hunting for an ideal pair of gardening gloves is quite difficult as countless gardening gloves have unlimited features.

So, after deep research and evaluation, I have listed the 9 best kids gardening gloves to make your purchase easy. You will find special features of all gloves, including comfort level, colors, designs, material, quality, size, and on and on. Furthermore, you will also get reasons to buy and avoid as per customer’s honest opinions.

In the end, there are factors to consider before buying gardening gloves. So, let’s buy the best!

Soft Safety Rubber Gloves for Kids Gardening

Give your kids next-level gardening comfort with these soft rubber gloves, perfect for girls and boys of age 3-5 years.

Special Features

  • Rubber material
  • 3 pairs – Green, purple and blue
  • Cartoon designed kids gardening gloves
  • Firm grip; No-slip
  • Machine washable
  • Quick dry
  • Elastic cuff

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Soft safety kids gardening gloves are highly flexible with a polyester liner and have foam latex palm for extra comfort. Kids can also cover their wrists with long elastic cuffs.

These gloves offer kids a perfect gardening experience, and their firm grip also keeps them safe from any gardening tool slip danger.

If your kids are multi-tasking and participate in digging, seeding, mowing, weeding, and picking, these soft safety rubber gloves are best for your children.

You don’t need to worry about sharp objects piercing kids’ fingers while digging anywhere.

These kids’ gardening gloves also prove beneficial in other outdoor activities like cycling, fishing, hiking, and playing. Even kids enjoy and feel safe with these gloves while camping and doing DIY works.

Cute cartoon designs on the gloves add special interest, and you can offer these gloves as a gardening gift to your kids.

A plus point of these rubber gloves is they are super easy to wash and dry. Mud or dust doesn’t leave everlasting stains.

Sizes available: (XXXS 3-5), (XXS 5-7), (XS 7-9)

Reasons to BuyReasons to Avoid
Good qualityNot any!
Highly durable
Stretchy and flexible
CE certified
Bright colors that kids love

Kids Gardening Gripper Gloves

If your kids, grandkids, nephews, or nieces are of different ages, 3 to 13 years, these gripper kids gardening gloves are best for you.

Special Features

  • Polyester and latex
  • 2 pairs – Orange and yellow
  • 4 sizes available
  • Foam rubber-coated gloves
  • Knit wrist
  • Highly breathable
  • Firm grip

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Kids gardening gripper gloves are must-have garden gears to protect little hands. Polyester makes these gloves highly comfortable, and kids can easily play with the mud. Above all, natural latex foam keeps kids’ hands cool and breathable.

They are also ideal for girls, boys, and toddlers.

If your kids often go for outdoor school activities and have DIY light-duty works, these gripper gloves are no less than a blessing. You won’t worry about weeds or other gardening tool bruises as knit wrist make a perfect fit on hands.

A huge plus point you must not forget is that kids of different age groups can show unity with similar gloves. So, size is not an issue with these gripper gardening gloves. Get what you want!

Sizes available: size 2 (age 3-4), size 3 (age 5-6), size 4 (age 7-8), size 5 (age 9-10), size 6 (age 11-13)

Reasons to BuyReasons to Avoid
Excellent qualityRubber smell
Great gifts
Inexpensive
Snug fit
Broad range of size

Grippy Rubber Coated Kids Gardening Gloves for Age 6-8

If your grandsons love to help you in the garden and cleaning up the woods in your backyard with thorny vines, these gloves are perfect. No thorns would be in their fingers anymore! Best for age 6-8.

Special Features

  • Made of Rubber
  • 3 pairs – Orange, yellow and green
  • Small, medium, and large sizes
  • Cheerful designs
  • True to size for kids
  • Long Cuff
  • Machine washable
  • Breathable and skin-friendly

Buy on Amazon

These cool-looking rubber-coated garden gloves are pure rubber made with no compromise on hand safety. Elastic wrist for easy on and off.

Above all, a long elastic cuff protects your little ones’ wrists and adds to their gardening joy. When there is no slip, kids can effortlessly hold water cans and dig the soil.

Mostly, parents are concerned about kids’ delicate skin as sweating can irritate them. But the good news is these grippy rubber-coated kids gardening gloves are one of the safest gloves you can ever find. No sweating at all.

Kids also have no fatigue working in these gloves as they are lightweight and stretch to accommodate. Even toddlers can give you good company in the garden without any risk.

They are durable with a good grip on the palms and fingers and have nice colors.

Cheerful designs on gloves make them kids’ favorite in their gardening tool bag. They can enjoy indoor plant care, pruning, cutting, and seeding on the lawn.

Sizes available: Small, medium, and large

Reasons to BuyReasons to Avoid
Fit wellNot any!
Durable
Good design
Dark coating to hide dirt
Soft and comfortable

Soft Jersey Kids Garden Gloves

Give your kids gardening comfort with soft jersey garden gloves ideal for ages 5 to 8.

Special Features

  • Cotton material
  • 3 pairs – Green, red and blue
  • Workwear
  • Reusable
  • Comfort fit

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If you are looking for funky and lightweight kids gardening gloves at a reasonable price, these are the best picks. 100% pure cotton material makes these gloves super soft and highly comfortable for little helping hands.

These super cute garden gloves do not suffocate hands as they are breathable and let hands aerated.

These are ideal for general purpose use, and knit wrist keeps dirt out of the hands, so kids’ hands stay clean. The flower pattern on green, red and blue gloves make them more eye-catching, and kids just love it.

Most kids want twinning with their mothers in the gardening outfit, so it is a dual treat. You can also find these gloves in the women gardening gloves range.

Sizes available: Kids size

Reasons to BuyReasons to Avoid
Bright spring colorsNot waterproof
Best for light garden workNot sturdy
Breathable
Comfortable
Inexpensive

Children Gardening Gloves with Panda and Smile Face

Kids love happy smiling faces, and these garden gloves for age 2 to 12 make kids cheerful with Panda and Smiley face featured on their gloves.

Special Features

  • Foam, latex coating, polyester back
  • Green and yellow
  • 5 sizes available
  • Durable
  • Comfy

Buy on Amazon

Does your garden have an insect infestation, and kids are fearful of touching the branches? It’s a common garden problem that can undermine young gardeners. But take it as an opportunity and give little gardeners a whole new gardening exposure with these foam latex gardening gloves.

These gloves have polyester back to protect children’s hands from any sting. Kids can also firmly grip anything and remain safe if they accidentally touch a thorny vine.

The polyester material makes these garden gloves long-lasting, and kids can effortlessly perform their projects. Kids can also wear these sturdy garden gloves when going hiking or fishing.

Soft rubber palm keeps little hands working with maximum comfort and flexibility.

You can also gift gardening gloves to your kids on any special occasion or simply encourage their gardening passion.

Sizes available: size 2 (for 2- 4 years), size 3 (for 5-6 years), size 4 (for 7-8 years), size 5 (for 9-10 years), size 6 (for 11, 12 years)

Reasons to BuyReasons to Avoid
Great qualityNo any!
Fits well
Elastic
High breathability
Broad range of size
Best for toddlers to teenagers

Unicorn Design Toddlers and Kids Gardening Gloves

Give your girls, boys, or toddlers of age 2 to 8 these amazing gardening gloves with unique color patterns and adorable designs.

Special Features

  • Rubber material
  • 3 pairs – Multicolor
  • 3 sizes available
  • Unicorn designs
  • Stretchy
  • Soft

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These rubber gardening gloves with foam coating and polyester back are highly durable, and kids favorite gloves. Soft rubber palm also allows easy handling.

The decent color combination makes these gloves pretty, with a long list of their key features. Unicorn gardening gloves are super comfortable with the stretchy seamless liner and perfectly fit tiny hands.

Little girls and boys enjoy yard work in these gloves without dripping hands. The high-quality material makes these gloves highly breathable, and kids feel super lightweight.

3 pairs of gloves allow kids to share one with their friends and enjoy garden playdate together.  So, whatever kids want to do in the garden, have any school project or simply join mother nature, these soft gloves are their first step to be a pro gardener.

Sizes available: size 2 (for 2-4 years), size 3 (for 5, 6 years), size 4 (for 7, 8 years)

Reasons to buyReasons to avoid
Premium qualityNot any!
Fit toddlers perfectly
Lightweight
Lovely patterned designs
Perfect gardening gift

Kids Gardening Gloves For Age 2-14

Encourage little gardeners in the yard with full protection and reward with cute gardening gloves best suitable for 2 to 14 years old kids.

Special Features

  • Latex material
  • 2 pairs – Multicolor
  • Latex coated palm
  • Breathable
  • Knit wrist
  • Durable
  • Anti-slip grasp

Buy on Amazon

These latex gardening gloves are highly recommended gloves for their material and outlook. Your kids can join in the backyard and help with cute little hands.

The anti-slip feature of these gloves is for the latex-coated palm that prevents stiffness and keeps hands in a great working position. Kids also do not feel bulky.

The knit writs keep hands free from dust and cuff extra protection.

On the other hand, kids can also wear these gloves to ride a bicycle, play outdoor sports or paint to protect hands from any damage.

Take a bonus! If boys are reluctant to wear girlish gloves with flower patterns, these neutral gloves are the best pick for them.

Sizes available: (age 2-4), (age 3-6), (age 6-9), (age 10-14)

Reasons to BuyReasons to Avoid
SturdyNot waterproof
Super comfortable
Multipurpose
Inexpensive
Best for girls and boys

Dot, Butterfly & Ladybird Print Kids Gardening Gloves

Special Features

  • Cotton material
  • Pink color with dots, butterflies, or ladybirds
  • 3 sizes available
  • Knit wrist
  • Soft
  • Comfortable

Buy on Amazon

Are you looking for an easy-going, vibrant, and comfy gardening glove for your kids? These gardening gloves with dots, butterflies, and ladybirds are true to meet your need. Your kids will enjoy these purely cotton-made gloves.

These gloves ensure ventilation and don’t make little hands soaked. Above all, these gloves are ideal for warmer seasons as kids feel cool and have dry hands.

These pinkish gloves also protect kids’ hands from any dust help in outdoor activities without any mess. Knit wrist ensures gloves are perfectly fit and not fell off.

So, don’t allow kids to deal with plants with bare hands and cover them with full protection. This not only saves their hands but also builds interest in the plantation.

Sizes available: small (age 5-6), medium (age 7-8), large (age 9-10)

Reasons to BuyReasons to Avoid
ColorfulNot stiff
Easy to wearNot waterproof
Ideal for light workout
Nicely patterned
Highly breathable

Kids Genuine Leather Work Gloves

If your kids want a real gardening experience, you must put on these leather gloves as perfect as adult gloves with a huge size range.

Special Features

  • Leather material
  • Brown color
  • Sturdy
  • Waterproof
  • Imported
  • Durable
  • Comfortable

Buy on Amazon

If you are looking for kids’ garden gloves with premium quality without breaking the bank, your research is at the right spot.

The gloves are produced with only premium quality genuine cowhide leather that is soft and flexible enough for those little hands. These are easy to wear and take up the task and last.

Genuine suede cowhide leather protects your little one from cuts and dirt so that they can work by your side just like a grown-up! Kids do not feel the bulkiness around the knuckles or the stiffness when moving their fingers.

They are as soft and flexible as leather gloves possibly can, so no more bulkiness or clumsiness!

Younger kids can also wear for outdoor sports or other light to heavy-duty tasks. Some grown-up people have smaller hands, and they can also benefit from these leather gloves as their shape and outlook are designed to fit all.

Sizes available: medium (age 4-6 years), large (age 7-9)

Reasons to BuyReasons to Avoid
Premium qualityNot any!
Cheap price
Highly durable
Just perfect!
As good as adult gloves

What to Consider for Buying Kids Gardening Gloves?

Gardening gloves are one of the most important gardening accessories, and kids also need to be used for their gardening purposes. But do you know what features count for the best kids gardening gloves? Here are some features you must consider to prevent a wrong purchase.

Design

The design comes first. As it is the first look and kids are quite receptive in this matter, you must not underestimate their desire.

You may get a wide range of gloves, including disposable gloves, cotton made, leather material, foam coated, soft jersey stuff, or sturdy gloves.

Secondly, patterns and colors matter a lot. So, buy a design ideal for the kids’ wish list.

Size

The second most important factor in selecting kids gardening gloves is size. In fact, it is crucial too. It would be of no use to buy extra fit or too boggy gloves. That’s why get measurements of kids’ hands first and find the best size accordingly.

Here is a two-step procedure to get the size of the hand before placing an order for gloves.

Hand Circumference

Take fabric tape and wrap it around the widest part of the hand. The key point is, take measurements of the dominant hand, which means if your kid is right-handed, take the size of the right hand and vice versa.

Now wrap the tape over the top of the hand and across the palm at its widest part. See what circumference size it is and take notes.

Hand Length

After taking wider dimensions, next comes the length of the hand. Broadly open the kid’s hand and place measuring tape on the tip of the middle finger.

Stretch the tape down to the wrist and again record the measurements in inches. Now you have both the dimensions and can easily find the best fit for kids gardening gloves.

Simply check out the dimensions of the selected pair of gloves and make a final purchase. If the ideal size is not available, keep growth margin and select one size looser fitting.

This is a general way to take the size of a hand, and everyone can take measurements with this method.

Comfort

No doubt gardening is all about physical activity, but for kids, comfort comes first. They feel joy working and helping their elders in the garden, so gloves must be highly comfortable.

They must not be too stiff to hurt fingers or bulky. Take lightweight, easy-going gloves that protect cute little hands from dust, mud, or any sharp object.

Durability

Buy gloves with the belief that every penny is worth it. These must not be too fragile to work for a couple of days. The material of gloves should be withstanding and must be nicely made. So, buy durable and long-lasting gloves.

Final Thoughts

Summing up kids gardening gloves research, I have found ‘Soft Safety Rubber Gloves for Kids Gardening‘ best from the rest. You can see the details and specifications of these gloves at the top of the list in this article.

These soft rubber gloves have taken full marks for their highly comfortable features and durability. High elasticity makes on and off easy. Above all, these gloves are inexpensive to buy and are also environment friendly plus CE Certified to reach EU Regulations.

So, you can buy and ensure your kid’s safety in the garden with these amazing gloves.


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