For larger amounts of pesticide or fertilizer a small kitchen scale can be an important item for the accurate application of materials. A set for the garden eliminates the urge to use household items. To enhance the accuracy of fertilizer applications in the garden, consider giving several soil test gifts that can be put to good use as soon as the soil warms in spring. Many garden centers have these mailing packages available, and all Cooperative Extension office have the kits for sale. Gardening and plant related books are always welcome and provide hours of enjoyment during the long winter nights.
Topics can range from how-to books on a variety of gardening activities to reference books.
Various plant societies publish crop-specific books for those gardeners with special interests. Magazine subscriptions are also good ideas because they continue to give all year. There is always the book gift certificate. Most gardeners have a pretty good idea of what books they need or would enjoy purchasing. Robert Nuss is a horticulturist at Penn State.