10 Gardening Items to Get Before March 1st, 2025

Soon to be very expensive.

President Trump’s proposed tariffs on goods from Mexico, Canada, and China have sent ripples through the global economy, and your garden could feel the pinch. But right before I sat down to write this blog, Trump stated that the tariffs would be placed on hold for one month but here’s the catch we’re already seeing these countries retaliate despite delayed tariffs which will have real consequences on the items that you purchase. So what items are about to increase in price and what can you do about it?

Let me say up front that on this blog we avoid politics at all costs but as we see these new policy changes roll out that will impact our lives, we try to communicate this information so you can prepare now.

That being said we have to discuss what we can see now and in the future regarding these tariffs. The mere threat of tariffs can shake the global economy. The markets were sent into turmoil on Monday by just announcement of a 25% tariff on imports from Mexico and Canada and a 10% tariff on goods from China, but just 24 hours later have been put on hold until March 1st. So this means we have a short period of time to plan ahead.

However, there is no doubt that we are going to feel pain regarding our supply chain, and we will see price increases if tariffs do go through, and so I am writing this blog to provide you with 10 things you should get now because I don’t see some of these covered in the mainstream media.

Gardening Items Affected by Tariffs

The potential tariffs pose a significant threat to the gardening community, impacting both hobbyists and professionals. Here’s a detailed look at how specific items could be affected, along with tips to help you navigate these changes.

Tariffs can create uncertainty in the market, but gardeners are resourceful and resilient. Focus on sustainable practices, DIY solutions, and supporting local businesses to weather these economic shifts.

Essential Gardening Tools

These are the backbone of any garden. Finding ways to save on these items is crucial.

• Metal Garden Tools (Shovels, Rakes)
  • Current Price: $20 – $50 per tool
  • Expected New Price: $22 – $55 per tool (10% increase)
  • Country of Origin: China
  • Personal Impact: Expanding your tool collection or replacing broken items might be delayed, forcing you to make do with less-than-ideal equipment or borrow from neighbors.
  • Money-Saving Tip: Buy used tools at flea markets or online marketplaces. Sharpen and maintain your existing tools to extend their lifespan.
  • Alternative: Consider domestic brands like Radius Garden known for their durability, though they might be pricier upfront.

FIND OUT MORE: ULTIMATE LIST of Rakes, Hoes, and Weeding Forks

• Gardening Gloves
  • Current Price: $10 – $30 per pair
  • Expected New Price: $11 – $33 per pair (10% increase)
  • Country of Origin: China
  • Personal Impact: Replacing worn-out gardening gloves will now come at a higher cost, potentially leading you to use them longer than recommended, increasing the risk of cuts and scrapes.
  • Money-Saving Tip: Wash your gloves regularly to prolong their life. Look for bulk discounts or purchase at the end of the season.
  • Alternative: Check out brands like Foxgloves, manufactured in the USA, for higher quality and longevity.

• Hoses:
  • Current Price: $20 – $50
  • Expected New Price: $22 – $55 (10% increase)
  • Country of Origin: China
  • Personal Impact: Replacing a leaky hose might be put off, leading to wasted water and inefficient watering practices, affecting the health of your plants.
  • Money-Saving Tip: Repair leaks with inexpensive repair kits. Store hoses properly to avoid damage from sun and freezing temperatures.
  • Alternative: Consider brands like Water Right, made in the USA, known for their durability and non-toxic materials.

Planting and Growing Essentials

These items directly impact the success of your garden. Smart buying can help you stay within budget.

• Seeds:
  • Current Price: $2 – $10 per packet
  • Expected New Price: $2.20 – $11 per packet (10% increase)
  • Country of Origin: China
  • Personal Impact: Experimenting with new plant varieties or stocking up on your favorites could become a more calculated decision, potentially limiting the diversity in your garden.
  • Money-Saving Tip: Save seeds from your own plants. Participate in seed swaps with local gardening clubs.
  • Alternative: Check out seed companies like Baker Creek which is based in the USA, for a wide selection of non-GMO seeds.

• Fertilizers:
  • Current Price: $20 – $40 per bag
  • Expected New Price: $22 – $44 per bag (10% increase)
  • Country of Origin: China
  • Personal Impact: Maintaining the lushness of your garden might require a bigger investment, prompting you to explore alternative, possibly less effective, or time-consuming organic solutions.
  • Money-Saving Tip: Compost kitchen and yard waste to create your own nutrient-rich soil amendments. Use natural fertilizers like bone meal and fish emulsion.
  • Alternative: Consider organic fertilizer brands like Espoma, made in the USA, for environmentally friendly options.

READ MORE: Guide to Soil Components: Peat Moss, Perlite, Sand, Organic Matter, and Compost

• Plastic Plant Containers
  • Current Price: $3 – $15 per container
  • Expected New Price: $3.30 – $16.50 per container (10% increase)
  • Country of Origin: China
  • Personal Impact: Repotting plants or starting new seedlings in plastic containers could become more expensive, encouraging you to reuse old containers more often, which might affect plant health.
  • Money-Saving Tip: Reuse plastic containers from previous seasons. Start seeds in egg cartons or yogurt cups.
  • Alternative: Explore biodegradable pots made from materials like coconut coir or rice hulls.

Decorative and Structural Elements

These items enhance the aesthetic appeal of your garden. Consider prioritizing essential functionality to save money.

• Clay Pots:
  • Current Price: $5 – $20 per pot
  • Expected New Price: $6.25 – $25 per pot (25% increase)
  • Country of Origin: Mexico
  • Personal Impact: Starting seeds and nurturing small plants in clay pots might become a more significant investment, making you think twice about expanding your indoor or outdoor garden.
  • Money-Saving Tip: Shop at thrift stores or garage sales for inexpensive clay pots. Paint or decorate plain terracotta pots to add personality.
  • Alternative: Consider using plastic pots as an economical alternative to clay.

• Wooden Garden Furniture:
  • Current Price: $100 – $500 per item
  • Expected New Price: $125 – $625 per item (25% increase)
  • Country of Origin: Mexico
  • Personal Impact: Adding new seating or decorative elements to your garden could become a luxury, potentially putting off those outdoor relaxation projects you’ve been dreaming of.
  • Money-Saving Tip: Build your own garden furniture using reclaimed wood or pallets. Shop for end-of-season sales.
  • Alternative: Look for furniture made from recycled plastic or metal, which may be more durable and weather-resistant.

• Sprinklers:
  • Current Price: $10 – $30
  • Expected New Price: $11 – $33 (10% increase)
  • Country of Origin: China
  • Personal Impact: Upgrading to a more efficient sprinkler system might be delayed, resulting in higher water bills and less effective irrigation, especially during dry spells.
  • Money-Saving Tip: Water plants deeply and less frequently to encourage deep root growth and reduce water waste.
  • Alternative: Water plants at the base to avoid water loss through evaporation.

• Gardening Tools Sets:
  • Current Price: $40 – $100
  • Expected New Price: $50 – $125 (25% increase)
  • Country of Origin: Mexico
  • Personal Impact: First-time gardeners or those looking to upgrade their equipment may find it more difficult to get started, potentially hindering the growth of gardening as a hobby.
  • Money-Saving Tip: Purchase essential tools separately and build your own gardening tool set over time.
  • Alternative: Start with a basic set of tools and gradually add more specialized tools as needed.

FIND OUT MORE: Basic Indoor Gardening Tools and Accessories You Need to Get Started

Actionable Recommendations

1. Buy Local: Support local garden centers and nurseries. They often source from domestic suppliers and can offer competitive prices.
2. Plan Ahead: Purchase seasonal items during end-of-season sales.
3. Embrace DIY: Build your own garden structures, compost, and seed-starting systems.
4. Conserve Resources: Water efficiently, save seeds, and reuse containers.
5. Join a Gardening Community: Share resources, tips, and tools with other gardeners.

While the threat of tariffs may seem daunting, it also presents an opportunity to embrace more sustainable and creative gardening practices. By planning, conserving, and supporting local businesses, you can continue to enjoy your green space without breaking the bank. Remember, a thriving garden is not just about the tools you use, but the passion and resourcefulness you bring to it.

Happy gardening!