Every new gardener will need a few tools to start out with but generally you don't want to spend a lot of money right off the bat. Here I am going to list a few starter essentials you can get from Amazon.com at reasonable prices.

• Half Apron & 3-Piece Ascot Tool Set - $24.99 and eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25.
• Plastic Dot Cotton Garden Gloves - $1.95
• Fiskars UltraLite Knee Pads - $5.94 and eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. or The Rumford Gardener Butterfly Kneeler W/ 2 Tools - $6.99
• FISKARS Softgrip Bypass Pruning Shears - $12.99
• GT 4-1/2" Grass Shear - $10.95
• Hot House (UL Listed waterproof heat mat, 6.5" humidity dome with dual vent points, 11" x 22" watertight base tray, 72-cell seedling insert, Seed starting booster) - $39.99 or Germination Station (UL Listed waterproof heat mat, 2" humidity dome with dual vent points, 11" x 22" watertight base tray, 72-cell seedling insert, Seed starting booster) - $29.99
• For seeds I recommend either Stokes Seeds or Gurneys I have received high quality seeds from both places.
• For bulbs I have purchased from Michigan Bulb and Brecks and have received high quality products from both.
• I have purchased live plants from Gurneys and they arrived in excellent condition and they have a great guarantee (This is from the site: If you're not happy with one of our products, we'll replace it, give you a credit or refund your money for the full amount of your purchase price. All nursery stock, trees and plants are guaranteed for as long as you garden. All seeds and merchandise are guaranteed for one full year.) My only issue is the shipping charges, hard for me to pay shipping on something I can get locally, but then with gas prices up if you live too far from a garden store this may be the best bet.