What's New in Garden Gadgets?

Critter-Repellent.com Staff • April 26, 2019

From Apps to Robots, Gardening is Going High Tech!

Yellow Flowers

Best new garden gadgets

Even the quiet and “old-fashioned” world of gardening can be prone to new ideas and trendy gadgets. Some may not be all that helpful but there are a few that can help with your chores or just make your time outside more pleasant. Here are some of the best new tools and gadgets you might want to consider for this season.

Solar Shed Lights

Little mood or path-marking lights are common enough and do make a nice to touch to your garden areas. But for something more practical and helpful, you can install larger lights for outbuildings or deck areas that don't need much wiring because they are solar. They work just like regular lights, controlled by on/off switches or pull chains so you can use them just when you need to.

Outdoor Speakers

A little music can help make even the toughest chore pass a little easier. You don't need a full outdoor sound system anymore either. A simple pair of Bluetooth speakers (designed for outside use) can be used with a tablet or smartphone to turn your mobile playlist into an outdoor symphony. Once you connect your device to the speakers, you can play any music you want, and you don't have to walk all the way back to the house to change the tunes.

Gardening Apps

Apps aren't really gadgets, but don't let that stop you from using some additional technology to help out in the garden. The most common are variations of identification apps that can analyze photos that you take to help you diagnose problems with your plants, or identify odd things (weeds, bugs, disease symptoms) that crop up around the yard. Planting calendars or calculators, garden bed design aids and weather records are all things you can carry around with you on your phone.

For something more impressive, you can include an app that monitor soil moisture and rainfall, controlling the sprinklers to water your plants only when they need it.

High-Tech Lawn Mowers

Even with a riding lawn mower, keeping the grass trimmed neatly can be a tedious and time-consuming project. With the right gadget, you can change that. A remote-controlled lawn mower can do the job for you, while you man the controls sitting on the porch with a cold drink. You might even be able to get your kids to do it instead if it looks like fun.

Still too much work for you? You can go one step further and invest in a completely autonomous lawn mower that works automatically without anyone at the controls. Add boundary markers so it doesn't drive away, and it will keep the lawn tidy while you spend more time in the vegetable patch.

Hydroponics

Traditional hydroponic systems are pretty complicated and not the area that regular gardeners get involved in. Using water and liquid nutrients instead of soil, you can take more control over your indoor plants and perhaps increase your potential harvest. Now, you can get a simpler kit (such as the AeroGarden) that lets you dabble with these techniques without having to become a hydraulics engineer. It can be a great option for anyone without outdoor gardening space, especially if you want to try your hand at growing culinary herbs for the kitchen.

Even the latest gadgets can't replace the tried-and-true tools of gardening, like sturdy shovels, trowels, rakes, a hoe and a solid bucket. No matter what gadgets you try, there will always be a little elbow grease and hard work involved in having a truly successful garden.

Protect Your Habitat with 100% All Natural Animal Repellents

Critter Repellent All Natural Animal Repellent Blog

Rabbit
April 25, 2025
As spring rolls in, so does the uptick in rabbit activity. Breeding season, increased feeding, and yard destruction are all part of the spring rabbit surge. Learn how to safeguard your lawn and garden with natural solutions.
Pest activity
March 19, 2025
Learn how to prepare your home for the seasonal surge in pests and keep them from invading your space.
Mouse
February 20, 2025
Mouse infestations can lead to significant health risks and property damage. Learn about common mistakes in mouse control and discover updated strategies for effectively preventing and eliminating these pests from your home.
By Teri Silver February 6, 2025
The last thing you want to see running around your house is a mouse. And where there is one, there are more. Whether it’s mice, ants, spiders, squirrels, or any other type of rodent, bird, or insect infestation, ignoring those critters can get very expensive in the long run. When it comes to remediating or protecting your home from infestations, the cost of doing nothing can lead to a big dent in your wallet. Keeping house pests at bay is important, especially if you’re planning to put the home on the sales market. How much does it cost to keep the house and property pest-free? That depends on where you live, what types of services needed, and how often the home is treated. But one thing is for sure, it’s easier (and more cost-effective) to prevent house damage than to fix everything after critters have chewed up wires, plumbing, foundation, and the yard. Potential Structural Damage Squirrels, moles, voles, rats, and mice are part of nature, but the damage that even one of these critters can do to a home can run into thousands of dollars. With sharp teeth that never stop growing, squirrels and rodents must “file down” their chompers so they don’t interfere with eating and drinking. Thus, a squirrel’s chewing habits can damage house support beams, siding, and anything else that holds the structure up. The costs to repair the building depend on the severity of the damage. Birds’ nests and clogged gutters are signs that unwanted critters are in the building’s drainage system. Replacing damaged gutters can cost several thousand dollars—to start. On average, it’ll cost between $1,600 and $5,200 (depending on size, materials, and labor costs). Wiring and Insulation Chewed-up electrical wiring is not only a hassle but it can be very dangerous. Mice, rats, squirrels, and other critters will gnaw through wires, not knowing that they can electrocute themselves but worse — start a house fire. Homeowners won’t necessarily see exposed wires around the house. Examining the house structure and wiring allows owners to know what to budget for. Pests and vermin living in the attic may tear up insulation to use for nesting materials. Depending on the size of the house, insulation costs can be anywhere from $1,600 to $8,000 on average. Termites When it comes to destructive insects, termites are at the top of the list. These icky little bugs chew through wood almost as quickly as a cartoon buzzsaw. And the worst thing? In general, homeowners’ insurance does NOT cover termite damage. Signs of termite infestation and damage include: Chewed up or hollow wood Blisters or buckling in the flooring Discarded termite wings Bubbling paint Strips of mud tubes along crevices Damaged support beams Tapping sounds in the walls The cost of repairing termite damage can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars—or more, depending on what part of the house is torn up and what needs to be done. Preventing termites in the yard and hiring a professional exterminator are two ways of keeping these hungry critters away from your home. Pest Entry Points Cracks and crevices are easy access points for mice, insects, wasps, and other pests. Unscreened vents and windows, loose shingles and siding, and chimney gaps are entry points for bugs and mice. Not having trees and shrubs around the perimeter of the house won’t prevent squirrels and mice from coming onto your property, but keeping greenery away from the structure would deter critters from having direct access to it. Perceived Value Whether your house is currently for sale or it’s a plan for the future, having pests and vermin roaming around the property can keep the buyers away. Among the financial considerations, house-hunting taps the emotions of the would-be buyer. No matter what the item is, perceived value is a customer’s view of whether it is worth the money. An infested home has lost its marketing value, especially if a mouse runs across the floor during the negotiating stage. The cost of doing nothing when you should be doing something can lead to a huge repair bill and maybe even a home improvement loan or second mortgage on your house. Ignoring the problems won’t make them go away. If wildlife and insects are damaging your home, do something about it sooner than later.
Pest-Proof Insulation
January 18, 2025
Pest-proof insulation is a game-changing solution for homeowners looking to prevent unwanted intrusions and lower energy costs. Learn how this innovative product protects your property from pests while boosting energy efficiency.
Home Maintenance
January 9, 2025
Proper home and business maintenance is the first step in preventing pest infestations. Learn how regular upkeep, repairs, and preventive measures can keep pests out and ensure your property remains safe, clean, and pest-free.
Green Pest Control
December 10, 2024
Discover the latest eco-friendly technologies and treatments revolutionizing pest control. From organic solutions to advanced traps, learn how innovative methods reduce pest problems while prioritizing environmental health.
Pest Control Issues
November 27, 2024
Apartment buildings are especially vulnerable to pest infestations due to shared spaces and frequent tenant turnover. Learn about the top pest issues in apartment complexes and how management can implement preventative measures to keep them under control.
Pest Invasion
November 25, 2024
Unseasonably warm weather drives pests like rodents, insects, and other invaders into homes earlier than expected. Learn how the changing climate affects pest behavior and discover effective ways to protect your home from infestations.
Woodchuck
October 21, 2024
Woodchucks, known as groundhogs, can destroy gardens and yards. Learn about their habits, diet, and the most effective methods for keeping them off your property to protect your landscape.
More Posts