The Garden Picks That Are Making Backyard Life Better
This little greenhouse glow is what summer nights are made of. Powered by our favorite solar lights, this setup has become a cozy corner of our backyard — simple, quiet, and just enough magic to make us pause.
If you’ve been around here long, you know my heart leans toward the simple things—slow mornings, barefoot dinners in the backyard, and growing something (even if it’s just one tomato plant that thrives and a few that don’t).
This year, we’ve added a few little upgrades to our garden setup—nothing fancy, but all things I actually use and love. From raised beds to lights that come on just as the sun goes down, these are the garden picks that have made being outside feel even more like home.
Whether you’re tending a full backyard garden or just starting with a few porch pots, here are a few things I’d recommend in a heartbeat.
1. Solar-Powered LED Disk Lights (Set of 8)
We lined our garden beds and walkway with these little solar disk lights, and they’ve held up beautifully through weather and muddy feet. They charge throughout the day and automatically light up in the evening, casting a soft, golden glow over the yard.
They’re waterproof, low-maintenance, and honestly make our garden space feel more peaceful and polished. If you’re looking for an easy backyard upgrade that actually makes a difference, these are it.
→ Shop here
2. Hanging Solar Lanterns (Set of 2)
These are one of my favorite Amazon finds for outdoor ambiance. We hung ours from the Heavy-Duty Plant Hanger Brackets on our new green house we built this spring. The glow is just right—not too bright, not too dim—and they look way more expensive than they are.
They charge during the day and light up automatically, which makes them perfect for those of us who forget to turn things off. If you're working on building a cozy outdoor vibe, start here.
→ Grab the set
3. MelonArt Garden Tool Set
This garden tool set was a pleasant surprise. It comes with 10 pieces, including clippers, trowels, a hand rake, gloves, and a canvas tote. I love that everything fits in one place, and the tools are sturdy (not the bendy kind that snap after two uses).
It’s cute enough to leave out, and functional enough to keep up with real-life weeding, planting, and garden projects. I’ve used it almost daily and it’s a great gift idea to gift to a friend who’s just getting into gardening.
→ Check it out
4. VERENIX Seed Storage Box
This one might not be flashy, but it’s a game-changer for keeping things organized. If you’re saving seeds from year to year (or just like to know what you planted and when), this seed box keeps it all neat and together.
It comes with labeled envelopes, pens, and a tin that honestly feels kind of charming in a vintage garden-y way. If you’re the kind of person who has good intentions but loses seed packets by May… this is your solution.
→ Add to cart
5. Heavy-Duty Plant Hanger Bracket
We picked this up for a few hanging our Hanging Solar Lanterns and it’s become a surprisingly useful piece. It’s strong enough to hold heavier pots or even a bird feeder, and the design is simple and sturdy. We used these on our green house so our lanterns would add a warmer and sophisticated look. Such a nice detail to the green house.
It mounted easily to the exterior of our green house, and we’ve had zero issues with tipping or sagging—even during storms. If you’re looking to hang something heavy-duty without the headache, this bracket works beautifully.
→ See it on Amazon
6. Greenes Cedar Raised Bed (U-Shaped)
This raised bed setup has been one of our favorite garden upgrades to date. It’s made from North American cedar, and you can smell the quality right out of the box. The U-shape design gives easy access from all sides, which has made planting, watering, and harvesting so much simpler.
If you’ve been dreaming about growing your own food or building a backyard garden space that feels intentional and long-lasting—this is a worthy investment. It’s beautifully crafted, easy to assemble, and big enough to grow a variety of plants without feeling overwhelming.
I’m no master gardener. Just a Midwest mom who finds peace in planting something and watching it grow (even if it takes a few tries). These garden picks have helped us enjoy our space more, keep things functional, and make time outside feel just a little more special.
If you’re looking for simple garden upgrades you’ll actually use, I hope this list helps. You don’t need to do it all at once — just start with what feels good.
Want More of My Favorite Finds?
I keep a running list of the things I use and love — not just for gardening, but for home, business, and real life. You can always explore Riah’s Picks for more roundups, gift guides, and Amazon finds.
*Affiliate Disclaimer:
This post could contains affiliate links. That means I may earn a small commission if you shop through these links — at no extra cost to you. I only share what I’ve actually purchased, used, and loved in real life. Thanks for supporting this space!