The 10 best new gardening items for 2013—five new plant varieties and five new gardening products—have won 2013 Green Thumb Awards presented by the Direct Gardening Association. Honored in the Plants, Bulbs and Seeds division were On Deck Sweet Corn from Burpee, Blackberry ‘Heaven Can Wait’ PPAF from Henry Field’s Seed & Nursery Co., Purple Love Grass (Eragrostis spectabilis) from Prairie Moon Nursery, Caramel Cocktail and Sugar Daddy American Persimmon from Henry Field’s Seed & Nursery Co., and PDQ (“Pretty Darn Quick”) Seed Mix from Prairie Moon Nursery.

Honored in the Tools, Supplies and Accessories division were Digital 3-Way Soil Analyzer from Charley’s Greenhouse & Garden, Hot Potato! from Territorial Seed Company, Garlic Galore! from Territorial Seed Company, Strawberry Pyramid Grow Tub from Gardens Alive! and Peel Away™ Pots from Gardener’s Supply.

Winners of the 2013 Green Thumb Awards were chosen by an independent panel of garden writers and editors. The winning products were selected based on their uniqueness, technological innovation, ability to solve a gardening problem or provide a gardening opportunity, and potential appeal to gardeners. The Green Thumb Awards recognize outstanding new garden products available directly to gardeners via mail or online. The awards are sponsored by the Direct Gardening Association. http://www.directgardeningassociation.com/ for more info.